Everything Must Change - Reflections

28 December 2020

I’m sure we’ve all had enough of hearing everyone say what a challenging year this has been, but that doesn’t stop us accepting the truth of that phrase. No one has been exempted from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

At the start of the year, we were looking for suitable venues in Derbyshire to hold this year’s Women’s Awards Gala Dinner and Presentation, as well as for venues throughout the region for our monthly networking events.  But March saw a halt to all our plans for outdoor and in-person activities.

Photo Credit: Mike Pollock

As I reflect now on the past twelve months, the challenge to do things differently has been worth it.  I had to take a deep breath and push forward into unchartered territory on taking the Awards event online, connect to and learn to work with new contractors, and fall on the shoulders, advice, and support of my regulars. People like Bev Sankey, Kevin Urquhart, Sonia Thompson, Ron Simpson BEM, and many others who were with me from the start.

Change and challenge are two things we try to avoid, but everything must change, nothing stays the same. If things didn’t change, we would not grow to realise just how much potential for greatness we hold within us.

This reminds me of one of my favourite songs.  I used to sing this to myself all the time when I was a teenager and struggle was an everyday thing.  Everything Must Change, by Nina Simone and written by Benard Ighner.

Even amid all the challenge and change we have achieved quite a few things in 2020:

  1. Our rebranding and our fabulous new logo.
  2. The launch of our new bespoke and elegant website. 

Points 1 & 2, due to the amazing talent and contribution of David Major and his team at Creative Direction.

  • The already mentioned successful online and live-streamed Awards Celebration event.  This year the Women’s Awards has again seen an increase in nominations and event attendance.
  • The launch of our new Membership Community.  Feedback from members has been great and highly recommended.  If you haven’t already joined, you should.
  • The establishment of our new Board, all in the background providing support and advice.
  • The appointment of our new East Midlands Patron, Carol Leeming MBE who has already started her role as Ambassador amazingly well.

So, there is so much that I am grateful for:

  1. For your support, involvement and commitment to our growing Awards and Community.
  2. The continued commitment and support from our Sponsors, Partners and Supporters.

Our plans for 2021 include building on what we’ve started this year.  Expanding the reach and awareness of The Women’s Awards and providing even more for our members.  I hope that you will continue to ride this phenomenal wave of women’s promotion, awareness, recognition, and celebration with us.  And that you will be one of the many who have joined us to create a place for growth.  Much more to come, so don’t just watch this space, get on board.  You’ll be surprised what’s in store for you.

Now we look forward into 2021, and we know that as a nation and a world, we’re probably not out of the Coronavirus woods yet, and may see some of the restrictions remain for a little longer, but even this must change at some point.  Let’s hope sooner rather than later.

Whatever we face, we know that we are stronger when we work together.  My personal vision is to continue to create a community were women can find what they need to grow themselves, their careers, and their businesses. I invite you to join me.  Do get in touch if you’d like to investigate how we might be able to work together. In the meantime, …

Wishing you, your family, and your business, a healthy, inspired, and prosperous 2021.


Sandra Pollock,
Founder.


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