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The Quiet Battle Before the Scan

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As someone living with a BRCA1 mutation, there is a certain weight that comes before each screening. Next month, it’s time for my ovarian cancer check, and no matter how many times I do it, the feelings never really settle. It’s a quiet kind of fear, one that creeps into your chest when you least expect it. The scan is routine, yet the thoughts are anything but. At 35, deciding to remove my breasts felt like a clear choice. It was hard, yes, but it was also something I could act on. I had control; I could do something. But this, this is different. Ovarian cancer screening is less precise, less certain, and the preventative option, surgery, means losing something I am still holding out hope for: motherhood. I’m in my early 40s now. People often ask if I want children, and the answer is yes, I still do. But it is a complicated yes. Every year I delay risk-reducing surgery, I carry the knowledge that my risk remains. And every year I think, maybe just a little more time. Maybe one more ch...
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Learning to See Myself Without a Filter

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Learning to See Myself Without a Filter Lately, I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to forget what real even looks like. With filters that smooth every line, sharpen every feature and paint over the parts of us that feel too human, it’s no wonder so many of us start questioning our own reflection. I caught myself recently, comparing my natural face to the one I see on screen. The filtered version looked polished and bright, like it had it all together. The real me looked tired, a little uneven, and very human. And for a moment, I felt like that wasn’t enough. It’s strange how something designed to enhance can end up making us feel less than. Not just women, not just young people, all of us. We start hiding behind curated versions of ourselves, even from the people we love, and sometimes even from ourselves. But I’m learning. I’m learning to sit with my bare face in the mirror and not rush to change it. I’m learning that pores, smile lines, scars and softness all tell a story. They ...
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Gentle Reminders for the Busy Woman Navigating a Lot Right Now

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If you're stepping into a new role, trying to find your feet, and also dealing with the uncertainty of upcoming health scans, it’s completely understandable to feel a little stretched. You’re balancing a lot and doing your best, and that’s something to be proud of. In the middle of all the lists, expectations and unknowns, I just want to gently remind you that it’s okay to pause. Taking care of yourself isn’t something extra to squeeze in when you have time; it’s something that will carry you through everything else. Here are a few simple ways to bring a bit of calm into your day, even when things feel overwhelming: Five-minute pauses : A quick cup of tea without your phone, or a few slow breaths by an open window, can help ground you. You don’t need an hour to reset; just a moment can help. Create a soft space : Light a candle, pop on some music you love, or open a favourite book. Let your surroundings support you in winding down. Body first : A gentle stretch when you wak...
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The Key to Thriving as a Founding Account Executive at a Startup

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Taking on a founding Account Executive role at a startup involves more than just selling a product; it requires becoming a builder, a problem solver, and, at times, a confidant. This journey can be thrilling and fulfilling, but it is also not for the faint of heart. If you are considering this path or are already immersed in it, here are some candid insights on the qualities needed to thrive, potential pitfalls to avoid, and how to navigate the chaos with intention. What Makes a Great Founding Account Executive 1. Ownership Mentality You will not receive pre-qualified leads and a fully developed sales process. Instead, you will be responsible for creating, testing, and refining nearly every aspect of the sales function. From designing pitch decks to establishing the first CRM workflows, it is up to you. The best founding Account Executives embrace this responsibility, viewing it as an opportunity to shape the foundational elements of the company. 2. Comfort With Ambiguity Expect rapid ...
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Balancing Stress with Positive Actions: Practical Steps for a Healthier Mindset

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Stress is part of life; there’s no avoiding it. But how we handle it makes all the difference. Whether it's job redundancy, personal setbacks or work pressure, stress can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to let it take over. By balancing stress with positive actions, you can build resilience and feel more in control. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate tough times. Acknowledge and Manage Your Emotions Bottling up stress won’t make it disappear; in fact, it often makes things worse. Recognise how you're feeling and allow yourself to process those emotions. If you're worried about an uncertain future, write it down and separate what you can control from what you can't. For example, if redundancy has knocked your confidence, focus on what you can do next; update your CV, practise interview skills and look at potential career options, rather than dwelling on what’s gone wrong. Facing your emotions head-on puts you in the driver’s seat rath...
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The Importance of Equality Every Day

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International Women's Day is an important reminder of the progress towards gender equality. However, I believe every day should be an opportunity to treat all people, regardless of gender, with respect and fairness. Gender equality should be a part of everyday life, whether at work, at home, or in society. 🤝🌍 I am a woman who started my career in law and now works as a senior sales professional. Over the years, I have faced challenges, but I have learned that the quality of my work, my skills, experience, and perspective, is what matters most. By focusing on my expertise and delivering results, I have succeeded despite any barriers. 💼👩‍💼 Feminism, as it was originally defined, seems outdated. Today, we should focus on equality and mutual respect, valuing people for their skills and contributions, regardless of gender. This creates an environment where everyone can thrive. My success has come from my dedication to my work, not my gender. 💪🏽📈 While gender imbalances still exi...
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Protecting Your Content: Why IP Protection Matters

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Intellectual property (IP) theft is a growing global challenge; impacting industries from financial services to media and gaming . Unauthorised use of proprietary content leads to financial losses; reputational damage and weakened competitive advantage 📉. The Legal Landscape in Ireland and the UK Ireland and the UK offer strong legal frameworks for IP protection.  The Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 (Ireland) and the Copyright; Designs and Patents Act 1988 (UK) establish clear rights for creators.  Additionally; the UK’s Digital Economy Act 2017 and Ireland’s Electronic Commerce Directive strengthen online enforcement; while international agreements like the Berne Convention extend protections globally 🌍. Technology as a Key Defender Legal safeguards alone are not enough; advanced technologies such as digital watermarking; blockchain and AI-driven monitoring enhance protection 🔍.  Digital watermarking embeds ownership markers; blockchain ensures transp...
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