In this TransformHER webinar, Jo Thomas and Rona Breeze-Lawlor, from Honours Studio, shared their personal journeys and the lessons they learned from building meaningful careers that did not follow a conventional path.
This talk challenged the idea that success follows a simple linear progression from education to career to promotion. In contrast, the speakers proposed that careers are a series of unexpected opportunities, personal challenges, family commitments, setbacks and losses. The result of these factors being intentional and unintentional pivots.
“The twists and turns are often the most important parts of our stories.”
As the founders of Honours Studio, Rhona and Jo told the story of how their business emerged from an unsuccessful pitch. Highlighting that sometimes unsuccessful opportunities can lead to better outcomes.
“You are probably not failing, not behind, and not lost. You might just be in the middle of designing your own path.”
Rona shared insights from her PhD research into gender disparity in design leadership, including that around two-thirds of graphic design students in the UK are women and only a small proportion of creative leadership positions are held by women.
Factors that contribute to this are things such as:
- Lack of visible female leaders
- Gender pay gaps
- Caring responsibilities
- Workplace culture
- Identity and belonging challenges
The webinar highlighted the importance of self-efficacy, defined as belief in one’s ability to succeed. This confidence can be grown through positive role models and support networks, a sense of belonging, and taking action rather than waiting to feel ready.
“Confidence grows when you start. It doesn’t come before action – it usually arrives afterwards.”
The final focus of the webinar was on creativity and the fact that it is much more than artistic ability. The speakers describe creativity as problem solving, innovation, adaptability, curiosity and resilience. It can be used to identify opportunities and overcome challenges.
“Creativity is about standing in a room with a problem nobody knows how to solve and finding a way forward anyway.”
Rhona and Jo gave some advice for female entrepreneurs:
- Know your worth and value your skills
- Find your tribe and supportive community
- Seek role models and mentors
- Take action before you feel ready
- Learn from mistakes and ask for feedback
- Apply for opportunities even if you do not meet every criterion
- Be willing to say no
- Chase opportunities and follow up
- Build confidence through consistent action
- Develop creativity regularly
- Give yourself permission to pivot
The TransformHER webinar series is designed under the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), implemented in collaboration with the British Council, and hosted by the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme under Universities South Africa (USAf).
