International Women’s Day 2025: Celebrating Uncommon Women – Michelle

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In honour of our fabulous women at Uncommon we are celebrating International Women’s Day 2025. With 63% of the Uncommon team are women, we asked 5 of them about their role and who inspires them the most. Third in this series is Michelle, Executive Assistant to CEO.

Michelle, Executive Assistant to CEO

• What is your role at Uncommon?

Executive Assistant to the CEO

• Have you faced any challenges as a woman? How did you overcome them?

Throughout my earlier career in male-dominated industries I’ve often encountered the assumption that, as a woman, my role naturally includes tasks such as fetching coffee, organising lunch, regardless of my actual position or the presence of junior male colleagues. These biases are not just frustrating; they highlight the deeper need for cultural change. Overcoming them meant consistently asserting my role, setting clear boundaries, and proving time and again that I am here for my expertise, not outdated expectations.

• What advice would you give to those considering a similar role to yours?

Step into the role with confidence and own your expertise. In male-dominated spaces, you may have to assert yourself more than your counterparts, but don’t let outdated perceptions define your path. Speak up, take up space, and don’t be afraid to challenge biases. Surround yourself with allies, advocate for yourself and others, and remember you belong in every room you step into. Your voice, perspective, and skills are invaluable, so never let anyone make you feel otherwise.

• What woman inspires you and why?

Hands down, my biggest inspiration is my mum. She’s the definition of strength, resilience, and kindness, teaching me that kindness isn’t just nice, it’s powerful. As an independent, working single mum, she showed me what it means to stand tall, face challenges head-on, and never doubt my own capabilities. And I can’t forget my powerhouse girlfriends, my daily hype squad, my support system, my ride-or-dies. We lift each other up, push each other forward, and remind each other that together, we can take on anything!

• What is your favourite thing about being a woman?

The best thing about being a woman? We’re basically superheroes in disguise! We juggle careers, friendships, family, and everything in between, sometimes in heels, sometimes in gym kit, but always with unstoppable energy. We lift each other up, break barriers, and prove time and time again that there’s nothing we can’t do. Honestly, if multitasking and resilience were Olympic sports, women would take gold every time!

We invite you to honour and championing all of the women in your company, workplace and lives.