Breaking Barriers and Building Resilience: Women Leaders at Brass Monkey Share Their Journeys
This International Women's Day, we're proud to spotlight the remarkable women who help make Brass Monkey a place where resilience thrives and boundaries are pushed daily. We sat down with several of our team members to discuss their experiences, inspirations, and what it means to challenge limits both in and out of the workplace.
Creating a Supportive Environment Through Open Communication
At the heart of our culture is the belief that everyone brings something unique to the table. As one team member shared:
"Every body is different, and that is key to navigating different people. Everyone's needs differ, but by working together and having open communications—allowing people to express their needs in a safe and honest environment—we create understanding. Having solid roles and responsibilities with goals, and recognising achievements, makes for a truly supportive workplace."
Navigating Challenges with Strength and Confidence
When asked about whether being a woman made their job harder, the response reflected a nuanced reality many women face in professional environments:
"I don't think I've been made to feel like my job is harder, but I've definitely been underestimated. Sometimes strong women can be labelled as 'difficult to manage,' which can be intimidating. If you're quiet, you 'don't bring enough to the table,' and if you're outspoken, you can be made to feel 'hard to manage.' That's why women can sometimes feel their job is harder."
Drawn to Pushing Boundaries in Business
What draws women to an industry and company like Brass Monkey? For one team member, it's all about the opportunity to challenge limits:
"I've always been attracted to industries where there's an opportunity to push boundaries. Brass Monkey, with its focus on resilience and challenging limits, seemed like the ideal place to channel my passion for growth, both personally and professionally. I thrive in environments where I can test myself and continue to learn new things."
Fostering Fairness and Equal Opportunities in the Workplace
Creating an equal playing field requires intentional action. One of our team members believes that:
"Fairness begins with recognising the barriers that exist and actively working to overcome them. This could be something small, like ensuring everyone's voice is heard in meetings, or something larger, such as ensuring equal opportunities for progression, regardless of gender. Offering constructive feedback to help others grow is also small yet powerful."
Growing Through Challenges: The Brass Monkey Approach
Brass Monkey's mission to push limits extends to personal and professional growth:
"Working at Brass Monkey constantly pushes me out of my comfort zone—no two days are the same, and we're always tackling new challenges as a team. We're breaking new ground, aiming high, and setting the standard for others to follow. On a personal level, this has shaped the way I approach life, encouraging me to embrace change, take on challenges I once thought were beyond me, and seek out new experiences. It's made life feel more like an adventure."
Building Confidence That Lasts in Professional Settings
When asked about the best advice received regarding work or confidence, one team member shared:
"When you're lacking confidence, put in the work, go over what you know, ask about what you don't, and keep showing up like you belong (because you do). Do this enough times, and before you know it, that confidence becomes real."
The Cold Water Mentality: Resilience Training for Life and Work
The connection between cold water immersion and resilience has become a powerful metaphor at Brass Monkey:
"If I can push past the initial resistance and discomfort of an ice bath daily, what else can I achieve? It's a great reminder that the hardest part is often just getting started, whether it's in work, fitness, or personal growth."
Finding Inspiration from Women Leaders
When it comes to inspiration, one team member cites fashion icon Coco Chanel:
"Her ability to redefine fashion and empower women through style and confidence is legendary. Her quotes are timeless—especially the one about not wasting time trying to turn a wall into a door. It's a reminder to adapt and keep moving forward. My personal favourite is 'A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.'"
Living by Simple Truths in Business and Life
Sometimes the most powerful advice is also the most straightforward:
"Just be yourself and treat everyone as you would like to be treated—with kindness and compassion."
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we're reminded that the strength of Brass Monkey lies in the diverse perspectives and resilient spirits of our team members. By continuing to foster an environment where everyone can thrive, we're not just building a better company—we're contributing to a more equitable world for women in business and beyond.
