We’re marking this International Women’s Day by highlighting the insight and professional guidance shared by women across our team.
A message from Marianne Betts, Chief Executive Officer, Civiteq
“In a people business, our strength comes from every voice being heard. This International Women’s Day, Civiteq reaffirms our commitment to equal opportunity and an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. Our business is built on people, and that means creating a workplace where women have the same opportunities to lead, grow, and shape our future. Inclusion isn’t a slogan for us — it’s how we succeed together. On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who drive our business forward and recommit to a culture where equality, respect, and opportunity are non-negotiable. When everyone belongs, we unlock a brighter future.”
Our team’s advice
The advice shared by women across Civiteq provides a clear and practical framework for future leaders: step forward with confidence, communicate with clarity, advocate for yourself and others, and build environments where people can succeed on their own terms. As we recognise International Women’s Day 2026, these principles will continue to guide how we lead, collaborate and grow as an organisation. Hear more behind the advice below:
Confidence as a foundation for leadership
A consistent theme across the contributions is the importance of stepping forward before certainty arrives. Jessica Browne, Director of Local Government in Sector Strategy and Partnerships, reflects that confidence often develops after taking the next step rather than before it, advising: “Don’t wait to feel ready before putting yourself forward.” Chief Executive Officer Marianne Betts reinforces this perspective, encouraging women not to underestimate their capability or wait for external validation before pursuing new opportunities.
For Kat Wright, Principal Consultant in Delivery Excellence, progression through consulting roles was built on continuous learning, challenge and the support of trusted colleagues. Her advice underscores the value of recognising one’s own expertise and resisting unhelpful comparisons with others.
Clarity, influence and professional courage
Women in Civiteq’s change and people functions emphasise the importance of clear, principled leadership. Principal Consultants Caroline Friggens and Heather Kilvington highlight that effective change management requires both empathy and the confidence to provide direction in complex environments. Heather’s guidance centres on advocating for what is needed to deliver successful outcomes, even when programmes are fastmoving or priorities shift. Her message is one of professional courage: ensuring that the path forward remains visible, understood and achievable.
Helen Walker, Director of People, advises women to be clear about the value they bring and to set boundaries confidently. Her perspective reinforces the need for balanced leadership -combining compassion with assertiveness.
Thriving through trust, flexibility and support
Across the organisation, women identify trust and flexibility as essential to high performance. Jessica reflects on the importance of being trusted to lead authentically and balance responsibilities inside and outside work. Marianne highlights the value of being assessed on outcomes rather than hours. Many also credit mentors, sponsors and allies who provided challenge, advocacy and opportunities for growth.
These insights reinforce Civiteq’s commitment to an environment where people can thrive through autonomy, support and inclusive leadership.
The role of allyship in enabling success
Allyship remains a critical factor in creating equitable workplaces. In his reflection, Ed Pearson, Managing Director for Public Services, describes allyship as a series of deliberate, everyday actions: listening before speaking, challenging bias, supporting flexible working and ensuring that all voices are heard. He acknowledges the additional pressures women often face and emphasises the responsibility of male colleagues to help create conditions where talent can flourish.
His perspective aligns closely with the experiences shared by women across the business and highlights the importance of shared accountability for inclusion.