International Women’s Day 2026

Hear our Stories 

In celebration of IWD, we are amplifying the voices of our team. They share their unique journeys, offer invaluable advice, and give their powerful perspectives on the future.

Laura Price, Head of Global Strategic Accounts

What is your biggest hope for the next generation of women entering the workforce?

“My female colleagues and friends showcase a wonderful combination of hard work, empathy, drive, and collaboration. Yet despite these amazing qualities, I often see the creeping imposter syndrome—a voice telling us, “you can’t do this.” My hope for the next generation of women entering the workforce is to have the self-belief to know they are exactly where they are meant to be.

May we also reclaim the word ‘ambition’ as a positive trait for women. While drive in men is praised, in women it’s often mislabelled as being “bossy” or “aggressive.” A woman’s drive should be celebrated for what it is: a powerful asset to any organization. Emotion and strength are often seen as mutually exclusive. I disagree. The ability to lead with both empathy and resolve is not a weakness; it is a superpower. The best leaders I know bring their full selves to their roles for the greater good of the people around them.

Finally, my hope is for a system that no longer forces a choice between family and career. It’s telling that only in 2023 did women CEOs in the S&P 500 finally outnumber CEOs named “John.” Robust, shared parental leave is essential so that having a family doesn’t derail a career. A business with diverse leadership makes better decisions and creates a workplace that is supportive and rewarding for everyone.”

Cara Stewart, HR Director

How has being a mother influenced your perspective on leadership and empathy at work?

“Being Mummy to three little girls has taught me an important lesson about empathy in leadership. My girls have given me a deeper appreciation of how our uniqueness is so special. While there is a thread of familiarity that runs between them all, they are all so wildly different. From their temperament and sense of humour to their favourite things and how they like to figure things out.

Loving these three such different little people so wholeheartedly and so equally highlights the magic in all our differences. It’s a great lesson in the fact that opposing opinions can be right at the same time because we all feel and interpret the world differently. There is seldom one right way to approach a challenge, and true leadership is about nurturing peoples’ different strengths and passions, and creating an environment where people feel psychologically safe to take on new challenges, make mistakes and learn from them. Much the same as parenting.

Being a mum, I am always spinning a thousand plates, and most days I feel like I have already done a day’s work before sitting down at my desk. But at work, people don’t see the uniforms I’ve ironed, the lunches I’ve packed, the tears I’ve wiped, the hair I’ve plaited or the teeth I’ve brushed. It’s important to remember that we all have lives outside of work, and our own individual responsibilities and worries. You never know what people are dealing with in their personal life, so it’s important to treat people with kindness and respect – something I think we’re pretty good at here at Random42.”

Riyana Khiroya, Senior Marketing Operations Executive

What’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self starting their career?

“One piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to always advocate for yourself! Don’t be afraid to speak up, contribute your ideas, and be proud of the work you’ve done. Keeping track of all your achievements and learning is key to professional development, and it gives you a tangible record to present when you’re making the case to take your career to the next level.

Joining the workforce for the first time can feel so overwhelming, and it’s easy to be hard on yourself. Noting down how far you have come also gives you something to look back on when those moments of doubt creep in. Trust yourself!”

Lucy Roberts, Marketing Communications Director 

Who is a woman who has lifted you up in your career, and how did she do it?

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work for a company that actively champions the growth and success of women in the workplace. When I consider the question of a woman who has lifted me up in my career, it’s not just one person, but a whole team of them. I’m lucky to be surrounded by a culture where women are constantly supporting and empowering one another.

It’s in the everyday actions – the shared advice, the collaborative problem-solving, and the genuine celebrations of each other’s achievements. We lift each other up as we grow, and that collective support has been more impactful than any single act of mentorship. It has created an environment where I feel confident to take on new challenges and be ambitious in my career. My hope is that this environment empowers us all to reach higher, creating a space where lifting each other up is how we all succeed.”

Sophie Hockin, Account Executive 

What’s a stereotype about women you are proud to break every day?

“I am proud to break the stereotype that women must be cold to succeed in business. There’s a belief that warmth makes you less effective, but it’s one of the strongest tools you can have.

As an Account Executive, surrounded by incredible female role models, I’ve learned that success comes from combining empathy and strategy. Understanding a client’s challenges allows you to shape a better solution. When you show genuine empathy, trust follows, letting you deliver real value and strengthen relationships. Being compassionate is not a weakness, it’s a superpower!”

Harriet Oddy, Marketing Operations Director 

How do you use your position to support other women in the workplace?

“At Random42, creating an environment where women can thrive is a core part of our culture. My role, as I see it, is to bring that supportive culture to life within my own team. I focus on ensuring every individual feels empowered and that their contributions are heard and valued. A crucial part of this is celebrating the team’s achievements. By consistently recognising hard work and success, we not only build confidence but also reinforce a collaborative and encouraging environment where everyone is set up to succeed.”

Jennifer Hunter-Alexander, Group Scientific Director

What advice would you share with new mothers returning to their careers?

“On this International Women’s Day, here’s something I’ve learnt as a Mum returning to my career: stepping back into work is a masterclass in navigating the double pressures of ‘mum guilt’ and ‘work guilt.’ It’s about learning to be kinder to yourself, especially on days that start with tearful childcare drop-offs (over 2 years in, and my Husband and I still celebrate when a drop-off goes smoothly!). There’s no easy way through it, but please know you are not alone in that feeling.

But there have also been many positives in the return. The excitement of being back in the office and around the team again, and those moments when I remember why I fell in love with this job in the first place. Being a parent has also taught me to breathe a little easier when things go wrong, giving me a new perspective and reminding me that work is one part of a beautiful, bigger picture.

So, to anyone on this path who worries they don’t feel like the person who left: you’re right, you’re not! You’re bringing back a different kind of resilience, a deeper empathy, and a wider perspective. Be patient with yourself as you find your new rhythm.”

Liam O’ Sullivan, Head of I.T.

What is something you have learned from a female mentor or colleague that has changed your perspective?

“Early in my time at Random42, I worked with a female colleague who completely changed my perspective on workload management. She has an unparalleled ability to take on an incredible, diverse range of projects and effortlessly keep track of every moving part. What stood out to me wasn’t just how much she got done, but the incredibly positive attitude she maintained while doing it. As my own role has expanded over the years to involve a similar level of plate-spinning, she has become the benchmark I measure myself against. Watching her taught me that handling a high-pressure workload isn’t just about getting things done; it’s about the positive energy you bring to the team while doing it.”

Our Continuing Commitment

As International Women’s Day invites us to reflect, we at Random42 are reminded of a principle we live by year-round: that progress is built on action, not just words. While our policies provide the foundation, their true impact is heard in the diverse and powerful voices of our team.