Disruptors 3 (Digital)

Description

The third issue of Disruptors features women such as Emma Dabiri, Dr Charlotte Proudman, Anna Bateson, Justine Simons OBE, Annika Allen, Vanessa Vallely OBE, Sarah De Lagarde, Dame Stephanie Shirley, Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE, Morven Christie, Emma Wills, Emmie Faust, Mandy Sanghera, Leah Brown FRSA, Delyth Thomas, Yvonne Harrison, Patsy Stevenson, Munira Wilson MP and many more brilliant women.

“I had to work for free and juggle two paying jobs to cover my bills when starting.  Even when I did manage to secure a role, I would often be one of very few women, and usually the only Black person and the only one with a regional accent. I had to learn to embrace that feeling of responsibility to be in rooms where no one looks like me and fully show up as my authentic self, which was tough.” – Annika Allen, Head of DEI All3Media.

This issue of Disruptors dives into the intimate tales of victory, professional achievements, and societal shifts. It casts a spotlight on trailblazers from varied realms—leaders catalysing change, unsung heroines, and fearless innovators.

I have learned to view any obstacles in life as an opportunity to learn and to embrace new experiences even when that is being fired or made redundant (which has happened to me three times) or realising you have made a terrible choice in your career (joining a culture that is entirely at odds with your most fundamental values). – Anna Bateson, CEO Guardian Media Group.

Addressing a spectrum of issues from feminism to neurodiversity, this issue also continues to champion the term ‘disruptor’—often perceived negatively—to underscore its necessity. Disruptions precede changes; they are the seeds of societal transformation.

“My life wasn’t destined to be remarkable, and I didn’t always go by the name ‘Steve’ Shirley. I began as Vera Buchthal, the younger daughter of a professional family in Germany. However, the onset of the Third Reich saw my Jewish father dismissed from his job shortly after my birth, marking the start of challenging times.” – Dame Stephanie Shirley.

Each story in Disruptors is woven with resources and profound insights, crafted not only to leave a lasting impression but also to drive the discourse on women’s issues forward, amplifying female voices and asserting their rightful space in society.

“Dance is universal to all cultures and communities, a way to communicate without language barriers. Finding a way to express myself without using words was a revelation. I learnt so many of the fundamental life skills that I depend on as Deputy Mayor today. It taught me how to work in a team, how to get my point across, how to compromise and build empathy, and it built my confidence too.” – Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries.

Number of Pages: 357