#IWD2025 Trailblazers & Quiet Forces: Women Who Rewrite the Rules
International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating women - it’s about amplifying the ones who make us rethink what’s possible. At Black Dog Consultants, we asked our team to share the women who inspire them.
Trailblazers, rule-breakers, quiet forces for change.
The ones who don’t just dream of a better world but roll up their sleeves and build it.
The Women Who Shape Us
Some women build legacies that history books will never forget. Others shape the world in ways that are quieter but just as powerful.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate both.
The leaders, the risk-takers, the nurturers and the rebels.
The women who fought for change and the ones who continue to do so every day - whether on the world stage or in the hearts of those they love.
Here’s to them. And here’s to a future shaped by their strength.
Who inspires you?
Sally said:
My Mum, Julia Ralphs
Some trailblazers make headlines; others quietly change the game from the ground up. Sally’s mum is one of the latter. Back in the 1960s, she was one of the first women at car auctions, holding her own in a world where men dominated the bidding wars. Later, she turned her sharp business sense to running a doctors’ practice in the Peak District, proving to the (mostly male) doctors that medicine didn’t just have to be a community service—it could be a thriving business too. She didn’t shout about breaking barriers, she just got on with it. In doing so, she paved the way for others to do the same.
Raatha said:
My Sister-in-Law, Prasanna Karunamoorthy
Prasanna doesn’t just make people feel included - she makes them feel like family. She’s the first to raise a glass of champagne or share a knowing look over a cup of team, belt out a song at karaoke, and more importantly, stand up for what’s right. A powerhouse in legal recruitment, an animal rescuer (with more pets than we can count) and the glue that holds her family together, Pras is a force of nature. She reminds us that strength isn’t about being the loudest - it’s about showing up, standing firm and making people feel seen.
Swathi said:
My Mum, Anuradha
A lifelong learner, a tireless giver and the strongest, most cheerful woman Swathi has ever known. Anuradha taught her daughter two things: that it’s okay to stand up for yourself, and that making time for yourself is just as important as making time for others.
From volunteering to financially supporting those in need, Anuradha has spent her life lifting others up. Right now, she’s learning yoga and music - because why stop growing? Swathi doesn’t just look up to her mom, she sees herself in her. And she’s so proud of that.
Heice said:
My Mum, Anna
Anna left her homeland of Thailand 40 years ago for Hong Kong, not knowing a word of Cantonese. She met Heice’s father in a love-at-first-sight moment at the airport, and the rest is history. In the early days, they communicated through gestures and patience.
She learned the language, built a community, and kept her Thai roots alive, all while navigating an entirely new world. Her story is one of resilience, courage and adaptability.
It’s proof that no matter where life takes you, with determination and heart, you can thrive.
The Team collectively said: Our Top Dog at Black Dog Consultants, Sally Leonard
We’re going to be in trouble for including her but she deserves it!
Some leaders build businesses. Sally Leonard built a movement.
Founder of Black Dog Consultants, Sally has never been one for the spotlight but if we’re talking about inspiring women we can't leave her out. She’s the heartbeat of BDC, our fearless leader, mentor and friend who makes everyone around her better.
She didn’t just create a company. She built a community of brilliant facilitators, lifelong learners and change-makers. She leads with purpose, passion and a deep love for art, animals and nature. Step into BDC and you’ll see it - murals from local artists, a team that thrives on adventure and a culture that feels more like family than business.
Sally doesn’t just inspire people to learn. She makes them want to grow, push boundaries and make a real impact. And that’s exactly why today we’re celebrating her.
Even if she’d rather we didn’t.
Global Icons: Women Who Change the World
Louise Rogerson
Some people dream of making a difference. Louise just gets on and does it.
From the UK to Sri Lanka to Thailand, her mission has been clear: elephants deserve better. After meeting Tong Teh, an elephant who changed her life, she dedicated herself to rescuing, rehabilitating, and redefining what ethical elephant tourism should look like. At Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve, Louise and her team are proving that tourism and kindness can co-exist. No gimmicks, no “bathing experiences,” just giving these creatures the peace and dignity they deserve. Want to help? Sponsor an elephant, gift them a banana feast or just get clued up on their world. Step into their story here.
Amy Turner
Amy didn’t just play the game - she redefined it.
She went from stealing Sally’s shirt (figuratively speaking) in Prem Rugby to earning 59 caps for England, playing in three World Cups, and winning seven Six Nations Grand Slams. After over a decade in the police, she’s now one of the first women coaching in men’s Premiership rugby at Harlequins.
Tough, talented and unstoppable—just the kind of trailblazer we love to shout about.
Gisèle Pelicot
The world watched in horror as this case unfolded. Some from TV, some from the courtroom. All with one thing in common. Jaws dropped as the insights unfolded. Facing one rapist takes courage. Facing over 50, day after day, is beyond words. Gisèle gave up her anonymity to make shame swap sides. Now, she’s sparked a movement, forcing France to confront hard truths about sexual violence. We're grateful to her for her bravery and we hope they build a statue in her honour. Quelle femme tout simplement inspirante.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
Some women lead from the front. Others lead with quiet resilience. Queen Elizabeth II did both.
She took the throne at just 25 and steered the monarchy through 70 years of change, 15 prime ministers and countless global shifts. But beyond the politics, what made her truly special was her ability to lead with warmth, wit, and a well-timed twinkle in her eye.
From parachuting into the Olympics with James Bond to sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear, she showed us that leadership and kindness aren’t mutually exclusive.
Iris Apfel
The self-proclaimed world’s oldest teenager, Iris Apfel didn’t just follow trends - she made them irrelevant. With her oversized glasses, bold colours and mix of high fashion with vintage finds, she proved that style has no age limit. She inspired generations to embrace their individuality, reminding us that fashion isn’t just about clothes - it’s about self-expression, confidence and fun.
Her legacy? A world where ‘more is more, and less is a bore.’
To these women, and to all women forging their own paths - we see you, we salute you. Keep leading, keep challenging, keep changing the world.
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
Learn more about International Women's Day here.
#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction