'The best advice another woman gave me...'
The right words shared at the right time can change the course of a life. Which is why, to celebrate International Women's Day, we've asked some of our favourite women to share a piece of advice another woman has given them that they've never forgotten.
From a wise colleague's words, to advice from a kind friend in a delicate moment, here they reveal the lessons they still lean on for support years later...
Cush Jumbo OBE, actor and writer
‘After [my solo show] Josephine And I opened in New York, everyone was asking me what I was going to do next. But Meryl Streep said to me, “The centre of the universe is exactly where you are right now, not where you think you should be.”’
Bear Snores On plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London, from 23rd March to 21st April (openairtheatre.com)
Anita Rani, presenter and author
‘When I interviewed the incredible Masih Alinejad, an Iranian activist and women’s rights campaigner, I felt every word of what she said in my gut. “You have two options: to be a victim or a warrior.” I chose warrior. Who’s with me?’
Baby Does A Runner (Zaffre) by Anita Rani is out now
Kate Davies, author
‘My secondary-school drama teacher told me, “When you go into an audition, remember that the people on the panel want you to succeed. They don’t want to terrify you – they want you to be the best person for the part, so they can stop looking and go to the pub.” I’ve applied her advice ever since, in every area. On a first date, the other person wants to fancy you! At a job interview, they want you to be right for the role! Remembering that gives me confidence and helps me control my nerves.’
Nuclear Family by Kate Davies (The Borough Press) is out now
Hollie McNish, poet
‘My favourite piece of advice I’ve ever been given, which was said to me throughout my childhood and teenage years by my mum and grandmothers, and one that I still need to be told constantly, is: “Go to bed, Hollie.” I think it’s the most important thing I’ve been told. Otherwise, I will stay up writing, faffing or chatting all night. Which is okay sometimes, but not as much as I’d otherwise do!’
Lobster: And Other Things I’m Learning To Love (Fleet) by Hollie McNish is out 14 March
Cathy Newman, journalist and presenter
‘Astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell had the most brilliant advice, which enabled her to make one of the most miraculous findings in 20th-century astronomy. She was convinced the University of Cambridge had made a mistake admitting her as a postgraduate student, so she worked as hard as she possibly could. It was only by being so thorough that she found pulsars, rapidly rotating dead stars that we never knew existed until then. And that set the stage for the discovery of black holes.
She told me, “Imposter syndrome can cripple you or drive you.” So next time you doubt yourself, remember, you might be on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery.’
The Ladder (William Collins) by Cathy Newman is out now
Trinny Woodall, founder and CEO of Trinny London
‘Natalie Massenet told me that when you’re starting a business, from day one, think of it globally. It’s important to me because it means you’re not limiting yourself on the expectations of how big your business can grow.’
Fearless (HQ) by Trinny Woodall is out now
Charlene White, broadcaster and presenter
‘I met my friend, entrepreneur Emma Sinclair, years ago when I was establishing myself as a broadcaster and getting used to the idea of networking and “working a room”. Emma is a master at it.
‘One of her pieces of advice was to never wear black to an event. You want to stand out, not blend in, especially when you work in industries that are male-dominated, as men tend to wear navy, black or grey suits. If you wear colour, it makes it easier for a contact to track you down and makes you easier to remember. Ever since, I’ve worn colour 90% of the time I’m at events. It makes you feel more confident and more memorable.’
Christie Watson, author
‘My grandmother is in her late 90s and still gives incredible advice. Despite being housebound, disabled and in a lot of physical pain, she is full of joy and mischief, and sharp as a pin. She finds something to laugh about every single day – even the very hard days.
Whenever I visit her, she reminds me of her advice about life: ‘Your life can be chicken shit or chicken salad; it depends what you make of it.’ Whenever I’m feeling pessimistic or blue, I try to remember my nan’s way of living and, no matter what, aim for the salad.’
Moral Injuries (W&N) by Christie Watson is out 14 March in hardback, ebook and audio download
Tamu Thomas, life coach and author
‘My therapist, Dawn Estefan, told me: “It’s time to update the narrative about you, according to the growth and evolution that has made you who you are now.” I realised much of the frustration I had experienced at various points in my life was due to being limited by narratives that were well past their use-by date. Now, when I feel frustrated, I check into see whether I’m living in an outdated narrative.’
Women Who Work Too Much (Hay House) by Tamu Thomas is out 5 March
Edwina Dunn OBE, data pioneer and founder of dunnhumby and Starcount
‘I once had the privilege of sitting on a panel with Oprah Winfrey. She said, “The reason I am wealthy today is because my studio underestimated me. They didn’t think I had a chance of winning a big audience for my show. On the back of their miscalculation, I was able to negotiate a percentage of earnings. They were certain that I would never hit those dizzy heights.”
I was blown away by her honesty – the fact that even she had been overlooked and underestimated made me realise how important it is not to “nurse” a damaged ego, or sulk when that happens to you. You need to hold your nerve and keep the courage of your convictions. Only you know what you’re willing to put in – hard work, many years and knockbacks – to make your ideas come to life. It is not for others to limit you or take that dream away.’
Read the full article in the April issue of Red, on sale now
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