Inclusion matters every day at Hippo. International Women’s Day (IWD) is a chance to reflect on progress, share experiences, and keep moving towards a more equitable industry.

One of the standout moments from this year’s IWD events was a talk by Liz Whitefield, Hippo’s Co-Founder and Executive Director. Drawing on nearly four decades of experience, she shared her journey from the civil service to tech leadership—reflecting on career growth, confidence, and what success really means.

(Whilst recording, Liz’s presentation experienced some frame drops).

 

 

Throughout the week building up to International Women’s Day 2025, our events focused on career growth, courage, and community – three themes that shape the experiences of women in tech. Through talks, panel discussions, and networking, we explored the realities of navigating the industry and what we can do to create spaces where more people can thrive.

Recognising your own value

One of the most thought-provoking moments came from Liz Whitefield, Hippo’s Co-Founder and Executive Director, who shared her 38-year journey from civil service to tech leadership.

Reflecting on her career, Liz highlighted a challenge many women face: the reluctance to acknowledge their own expertise.

“I was good at my job. I was excellent at it.”

Her words served as a reminder that owning your skills and contributions isn’t about arrogance. It’s about recognising your impact. In an industry where self-promotion often plays a role in career progression, confidence in your abilities is essential.

Rethinking the way we approach work

Career paths are rarely linear, and the way people view their work can shift over time. Liz spoke about someone she knows who spent decades in a highly skilled profession—one they had been passionate about from a young age. For many years, their work was deeply tied to personal identity and long-term career growth. But as their priorities changed, so did their relationship with their profession.

Rather than striving for the next promotion or engaging in workplace politics, they began to see their work differently, not as a stepping stone to something greater, but as a valuable job that provided fulfillment in the present. Their focus shifted toward delivering excellent work, caring for the people they served, and maintaining a sense of purpose—without the pressures of career ambition.

Both jobs and careers are valid, and the way we engage with work can evolve based on what we need at different points in life.

Some people find purpose in continuous career progression, while others prioritise stability, flexibility, or personal fulfillment outside of work. Neither path is better than the other—the key is recognising what aligns with your own values and circumstances.

Whether someone sees their work as a lifelong career or as a job that supports other priorities, what matters most is that it works for them.

What courage looks like in tech

Courage in the workplace is often misunderstood as fearlessness. In reality, it’s about taking action despite uncertainty.

Liz referenced Rosa Parks as an example of courage in its most powerful form, but also acknowledged that acts of courage happen at all levels.

For women in tech, courage might mean:

  • Speaking up in meetings, even when it feels uncomfortable.
  • Asking for the opportunities, roles, and salaries they deserve.
  • Stepping into leadership roles in industries where representation is still lacking.
  • Advocating for others and creating space for different voices to be heard.

“It’s okay to be uncomfortable. It’s okay to take a risk. It’s okay to fail. What matters is what you learn from it.” – Liz Whitefield, Co-founder and Director.

The power of community

Beyond personal growth, community plays a critical role in making tech more inclusive. Last week, we partnered with Aire Logic Limited to host a Women in Tech panel, bringing together speakers to share their experiences and insights.

Later, we hosted a networking evening, creating space for women and allies across the industry to connect and learn from one another.

Some of the biggest reflections from these discussions:

  • Women-led communities don’t just provide support—they create real opportunities. Mentorship, sponsorship, and knowledge-sharing make a tangible difference.
  • Small actions can drive real change. Recommending a colleague for a role, sharing resources, or advocating for fairer workplace policies all have a lasting impact.
  • Creating inclusive spaces requires ongoing effort. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen when people take intentional steps toward equity.

Lessons for career growth

Across all our IWD events, a few key themes stood out:

  • Confidence is crucial. Recognising and articulating your value is an essential skill.
  • Flexibility is a strength. Understanding when to approach work as a job versus a career allows for greater autonomy and balance.
  • Self-advocacy matters. As Liz put it: “In your career, you should be selfish… The organisation gets value from you, but you need to prioritise your own career needs too.”
  • Continuous learning is key. The most successful careers are built on curiosity and adaptability.

 

I’ve learnt that I don’t I need to know everything to make a decision and that I am allowed to say I am good at what I do. I don’t need to apologise for not having a ‘usual’ career path, and that this doesn’t make me less of a leader or ‘expert’. Essentially – I don’t have to be perfect to make up for something I’m ‘lacking’. – Rheanna O’Donoghue, Delivery Partner.

Beyond IWD: turning conversations into action

International Women’s Day is a valuable moment for reflection, but real progress comes from what happens next. Creating a more inclusive industry requires consistent action—from individuals, teams, and organisations alike.

At Hippo, we’re committed to:

  • Providing spaces for mentorship and career development.
  • Advocating for better representation in tech.
  • Listening, learning, and amplifying diverse voices.

The conversations sparked last week are just the beginning. The real impact lies in the decisions we make every day to build a workplace—and an industry—where everyone can thrive.

I think the key lesson I learnt early in my career is to not presume too quickly and make your own judgment before listening to others. Some of the people in my career that helped me make the most progress and had the most belief in me were often the ones that were the hardest to build a relationship and rapport with, and I soon came to realise that if you’re good at what you do and keeping trying the trust will come and then they will become your biggest champions. – Sarah Corbridge, Business Development Director for Health.