45 STRONG

What does 'being strong' mean, and how do societal expectations about women aFFeCt the concept of strength?

45 Strong is a series of conversations with women from many walks of life about what it means to be strong.

I was born ‘Strong’ – my birth name is Kate Strong – and from an early age I was told to ‘be Strong’, without fully understanding the interpretation of this word.

In these chats, I’m exploring other women’s definition of strength and the rewards, as well as pitfalls, of striving for being strong in today’s world.

And, why speak with 45 women?

This year (2024), I celebrate my 45th birthday, and what a better way to celebrate than connecting with women who are:

independent, empowered, confident, self-reliant, resilient, bold, assertive, trailblazers, visionary, unapologetic, fierce, inspirational, determined, innovative, courageous, influential, ambitious, strong-willed, tenacious, empathetic, vulnerable.

From Olympic athletes, singers, CEOs, mediums, footballers, LGTBQI+ activists, world record holders, mothers, dancers and many more, I’m sharing their views on the misconceptions, methods and achievements experienced while striving to be strong.

45strong

Women’s strength is the beautiful power of our n

Women’s strength is the beautiful power of our natural cycle within our own body.

Imagine if your month was mapped out to enable you to be your greatest self?
This is what @11sherinshe11 does, ensuring that she makes decisions when she’s in her ‘summer’, and has rest days during her ‘winter’ periods.

We explored in our full conversation how this cycle evolved throughout a woman’s life and how this mostly overseen strength sitting dormant and not being fully unleashed on the world.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #menstrualcycle #femalestrength

Strength is “I’m here, so I’m going to be he

Strength is “I’m here, so I’m going to be here”

Your strength is to not compartmentalise your life.

If, like contemporary dancer @chevonedwards_dance , you’re an artist - be an artist in all that you do.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #contemporarydancer

Do you think that the climate crisis requires an e

Do you think that the climate crisis requires an emotional response, rather than purely statistical?

My 30th conversation for #45Strong covers ways to deliver information in a way that society expects, even if it requires ‘playing a role’.

Founder ans CEO of @pledge_ball , Katie Cross and I had a great laugh as well as a deep conversation around what being strong means to her, her daughters and also her organisation.

#WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #ecowarrior

You’re always faced with an easy path and a diff

You’re always faced with an easy path and a difficult path, and to quote @ryanholiday’s book: THE OBSTACLE IS THE WAY.

@adellbridges uses yoga as a metaphor for us to improve strength in more than our physical development.

Where do we rely on comfort and routine, and is this holding us back from growth opportunities?

Adell is founder of @movewithadell

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #yoga #yogi #yogaphilosophy

Why do so many women feel like imposters? We need

Why do so many women feel like imposters?

We need more conversations like this one with Deb Bowen Rees, a highly sought after NED and Board advisor and decorated RAF Air Traffic Control Officer.

I recently have been considering applying for NED roles… and stopped because I’m unsure if I have adequate skills..

What opportunities am I - are we - missing out of because we have imposter syndrome?

Thank you Deb for your honesty because it enables more of us to explore this topic.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #womeninraf #rafwomen

“When one side is ego, be the echo and start to

“When one side is ego, be the echo and start to heal that.”

World Record holder, Ocean ambassador and Earth Day Ambassador for Water, @aquamjerle shares how an interaction with a shark during one of her many mermaid swims helped her dive deep into her strength when feeling the fear in meetings.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #ecowarrior

We all* have the ability to make a difference, so

We all* have the ability to make a difference, so what’s missing in us addressing the climate crisis?

If it isn’t ability that’s missing, could it be belief?

There’s no doubt that Amanda Bronkhorst is exceptional. She founded @just_one_tree that’s currently planted 4 million trees, offers environmental education to 200,000 students and has generated over 40,000 days of rural employment.

Yet, she’s just a mum from Barnet that got scared one about her daughter’s future and decided to do something about it.

She believed that she could ‘move the dial’ and so founded Just One Tree.

Be inspired by Amanda and step towards being exceptional, just like her.

all* = everyone who is reading this post, because you predictably have a level of wealth, comfort, health and ability to do something more than what you’re currently doing

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #ecowarrior

“You lift like a girl” When did being a woman

“You lift like a girl”

When did being a woman become an insult?

It was fun going to the gym with the powerlifter, Sheryl Morris @_soyhulk_ discussing the biases surrounding strength, being a woman and being a vegan athlete!

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability#veganathlete

“The point of the dance is the dance.” We don

“The point of the dance is the dance.”

We don’t dance because we want the song to finish, so why no apply this philosophy to other areas of our life too?

@jess_rogersmq from @carbon_jacked sharing how she goes with the flow and runs with things that feel right, rather than focusing on KPIs or big goals that others expect from you. 
Know the general direction you’re heading and enjoy what you’re doing right now!

Jess Rogers is guest 24 of 45 women sharing what being strong means to them.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability

World records mean everything, and nothing... says

World records mean everything, and nothing... says world record holder @jessica_hepburn_ (& I agree).

Jessica became the world’s first woman to complete sea, street, summit: run a road marathon, summit Everest & swim the English Channel.

Yet, it was a freak accident that happened in the death zone on her Everest descent where she learned that if she was going to live, the best chance was believing in herself.

Another incredible conversation with a woman around what lessons we’ve learnt for my #45Strong series

#WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #adventureactivism

Is asking questions a aspect of strength? For Dah

Is asking questions a aspect of strength?

For Dahlia Nahome, @greendahlia73 talking & communication is so important, especially asking questions to see the narrative from somebody else’s perspective.

The opposite of strength comes when we don’t open up, we don’t share we fall into the space of assuming and presuming.

Thanks Dahlia, Chief of Staff of @therealdalevince ‘s Green Britain Campaign for your insights for #45Strong

#WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability

“Stuff society - get out there and make the chan

“Stuff society - get out there and make the changes!!”

Even through our fragility, vulnerabilities and societal pressures of balancing and coping with what is expected from us, we are still here, doing our best.

In this conversation, both Tracey and I share about our abusive pasts (not in this clip), and how we see our darkest moments as reminders of our capacity for stepping through and beyond whatever is put in front of us.

Tracey West, CEO of @wordforestorg, is a powerhouse that has her heart on her sleeve. I love your honesty, your vulnerability and your strength! Very grateful to have met you & for you to be part of #45Strong

Strength can be the courage to look at the world t

Strength can be the courage to look at the world today and see things for what they are.
It’s easier to ignore the harsh truth - because, it is difficult to see certain actions and events - but along with knowledge comes the potential to step up, discover our own path and make an impact.

Strength is being optimistic and experiencing the world in a more playful way.

The wonderful @katieroodnz Katie Rood sharing her insights as a pro footballer & advocate for compassion towards sentient beings & nature 💚

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #greenfootball

Living on a desert island, it’s much easier to ‘be strong’ to your values, yet how many of us can sustain life like that?

We live in family units & communities where we meet people who don’t necessarily agree with us.

A thought-provoking conversation with Dr Sue Keneally @plantbasedweightlossmedic for today’s 45 Strong episode.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability

#vegandoctor #plantbaseddoctor

Never really resonating with the concept of ‘win

Never really resonating with the concept of ‘winning at all cost’ Olympic athlete @melissahumanaparedes is adding the element of grace as she works towards #PARIS2024

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #olympicathlete

Failing to summit Everest three times enabled @sa

Failing to summit Everest three times enabled @saraykhumalo to realise that strength is partnering with the right people and leaning into your “why”.

My favourite quote for today:
“Everyone needs a partner, but not everyone is a partner”

Thank you for your wonderful and honest conversation for the #45Strong series.

Full interview available on YouTube /katestrongTV

#WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability #everest

Strength isn’t meant to be comfortable. It somet

Strength isn’t meant to be comfortable. It sometimes means doing what you know is right, even if we have a natural resistance to do what is needed to be done.

Thank you @emkepop, a Philosophy professor, for this interview.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability

Anyone else feel that they need to censor themselv

Anyone else feel that they need to censor themselves in work?

An honest conversation with @lordersade Lorder-Sade Akinbo, who works for the charity Street League.

My take away from this clip:
Mixed race female - censor myself to not be ‘too’ emotional or opinionated.
Lean on people who are similar to you
You can talk about stuff as much as you want, but unless you take the action to be a positive change
#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership #womeninsustainability

When being photographed, typically do you want to

Saying “I’m not the person for this job” is

Saying “I’m not the person for this job” is a sign of strength.

Stepping away is empowering because you’re trusting your judgement.

@deelanyon0 sharing her experience as a Head of Sustainability & consultant in Media & Advertising.

#45strong #WomenInLeadership #Empowerment #FemaleEmpowerment #WomenInSports #Sustainability #MindsetMatters #StrongWomen #InspirationalWomen #WomenWhoLead #GirlPower #MindfulLeadership #MindsetShift #StrongVoice #femalelead #thefemalelead #40plusandfabulous #WomenOfStrength #Empowerment #Resilience #ThoughtLeadership

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