Editor’s Letter
Welcome to the Women in Leadership issue!
As we say goodbye to Women’s History Month and usher in April, I’d like to say what an incredible month it has been. From our Now Woman Summit which brought forward one of the largest female conversations to ever happen in Europe, to the Now Woman book that followed, which has allowed just under 100 women to become first-time authors. It’s hard to believe the summit was just three weeks ago.
We were intentional about the issue title this month (as we always are), but I’ve been thinking a lot about what it takes to be a ‘great boss’ and what that really means. I recently stumbled across The Bold Type, which I’ll be honest, I didn’t give much of a chance to at first, shutting my Mac just twenty minutes in. However, after much deliberation (and a little force), I sat down to watch it. It’s inspired by former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, Joanna Coles, who goes by the name of Jacqueline Carlyle in the current four-season long comedy-drama. Irrespective of the stigmas behind how editors and especially chief editors are perceived, Jacqueline plays a motherly role to her ‘flock’. In short, it was the complete opposite to The Devil Wears Prada (which by the way, is an all time favourite of mine). She invited members of her staff to her home, they spoke about personal matters, she gave them a shoulder to cry on and even let them in on her own personal issues. She showed them that she was human. Most of all, she gave them opportunities and where there were none, created them. Many may watch this and wonder if women like this even exist in the workplace? The answer is yes they do! Meet four of these phenomenal women also known as our March cover girls.
The first, Hannah Holland; the woman currently disrupting the talent management industry with her female-focused agency of 34 young women including Demi Rose and Belle Hassan, who all refer to each other as family. Secondly, Millie Kendall MBE, who brought leadership to the UK beauty industry almost three years ago granting them a voice and establishing them as a body within government. Thirdly, Dr Vanessa Ogden who brought hope to young women and girls almost 16 years ago by allowing them to have opportunities and an education, through her relationships with the US Embassy, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes Grand Prix. Finally, Caroline Rush CBE, the woman ensuring that the British fashion industry remains at the cutting edge of young, fresh and exceptional talent, through platforms like London Fashion Week. Since becoming CEO, Rush played a pivotal role in bringing brands like Burberry back to London, making the city an iconic place for fashion. The leadership and courage these female leaders have shown is a great representation of what is needed in times such as now.
In this issue, we also address a major topic: cancel culture. Should this be allowed? You decide! Join us on page 88 to read more.
Finally, I’d like to say a very special thank you to the design interns who contributed to the incredible work you will see throughout this issue. They’re all only 20 years old, so I’m super excited to see where they will be in just five years.
Love, Phadria
