Bridget Sauer's job (and likely passion) is to inspire #AtlassianAuthors to write and share content on the Atlassian Community. Given that March 8th is International Women's Day, it is little surprise that our monthly topic for article writing inspiration is to share stories about women who have made an impact on ourselves personally and professionally.
When I thought about this topic, four women came to my mind so I will share a little bit about each of them in the order I encountered them.
Margaret Helen Monrad (nee Waugh)
Known to me as Nana Helen, she was a strong woman who was not one to follow the trends of the Day. She was a nurse who met my Granddad while working in Fiji in her 30s. She worked as a nurse for many years and I have been told she was formidable even to senior doctors. One of the last times she drove her car, before illness stopped her from driving, was to complete a Meals on Wheels round. We said goodbye to her almost 20 years ago but her impact on the world will be remembered for many more years to come.
Helen Clark
Another Helen, this time one I have not met in person, but is another women I admire for living her life strongly, with purpose, and against the tide of popular opinion. Helen Clark is a great example of a woman with a career, who is not defined by her family or family status. Growing up as a child, Helen Clark represented some of life's possibilities. As a New Zealander, I am also proud of the way she represents our country.
Michelle Ellis
I worked with Michelle at Sonar6 (now Cornerstone On Demand). As I wrote in 2011, "Michelle allows those reporting to her to develop their own skills and work according to their own styles while encouraging a cohesive and positive team."
Michelle's communication and leadership still inform how I work and strive to be today. Her outdated but still useful copy of Introduction to ITILv2 is sitting on the bookshelf in same room as I write this article.
Glenys Robbins
Glenys showed me how a leader could compassionately and professionally navigate tricky situations like department restructuring - giving her team members strong unwavering support even when she was not receiving it. Glenys cares about people and always had time for what her team members cared about. I mostly appreciate how Glenys made me feel heard when my efforts and recommendations hit roadblocks that could not be overcome.
Please share a couple of sentences about the women who have inspired you. And remind me if I forget to make a similar post on November 19th - International Men's Day, about the men who have inspired me.
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