9 Women Share How They've Fought Their Way to the Top

The four letter word every woman needs to get ahead at work? Nope, not wine. Grit. Josie Copson meets the nine women who’ve wrangled and fought their way to the top.

- Josie Copson

1. Casey Stoney MBE

ENGLAND WOMEN’S FOOTBALL CAPTAIN

“In 2005, I was part of the England team at the European championships. We were playing a home tournament – something that had never happened before in ladies’ football. I felt so honoured. But my excitement quickly dissipated. I was in a squad of 21 and realised I was one of only two players who weren’t selected to play any minutes in any of the three games. By the end of that tournament, I seriously contemplated quitting. I had a full-time job to supplement my income and didn’t think I could juggle everything any more. Then, something switched inside me. I thought, “I’m not going to give up.” Instead, I made a decision to get up at 4am every day to train before work. I trained harder and longer than I’d ever trained before. That whole experience was the making of me and I’ve kept that work ethic ever since. If I’d have given up I would never have captained my country or gone to the Olympics.”

2. Shaa Wasmund MBE

ENTREPRENEUR