Give to Gain: How women across Velonetic are lifting each other up

International Women’s Day is always an invitation to pause. It is also a moment, to reflect on how far we’ve come, and on the acts of generosity, encouragement, and solidarity that help women progress every day. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ feels especially significant at Velonetic. It captures something that shows up across our organisation in quiet but powerful ways - the understanding that giving your time, insight, or support creates a ripple that uplifts others and strengthens our entire community.  

To explore what this theme looks like in real life, we spoke with six women across the business - Jane Stacey, Jess Haughey, Laura Simmonds, Lynne Prowse, Louise Lea, and Teresa Jennings. Their reflections are different in tone and experience but deeply connected in spirit. Each show how giving, whether through mentorship, empathy, visibility, or advocacy, can shape confidence, leadership, and belonging.

Jane: Mentorship through moments of clarity

For Jane, the most powerful mentorship hasn’t always happened in formal settings. It has come through the small, everyday moments when someone takes the time to explain why something matters, not just what to do. Those thoughtful moments have shaped her confidence and curiosity over time.

Today, Jane gives back through supporting colleagues exploring new paths, including her work championing the Claims Adjuster Programme. She’s passionate about “growing our own” and helping people understand and navigate opportunities they might not have known existed. Her story is a reminder that giving doesn’t need to be big, it just needs to be genuine.

“I believe mentoring can happen without you realising it, it’s often the person who takes the time to explain why, not just what, that has the biggest impact.”

Jess: The power of support and allyship

Jess sees International Women’s Day as a moment to acknowledge the strength women show every day. She also sees it as a reminder of how important it is to support, one another through the pressures we often carry quietly. Her journey has been shaped by people who championed her and opened doors along the way. They encouraged her to lead authentically while balancing the many identities she holds in and out of work.  

Now, Jess is committed to creating that same uplifting environment for others. She focuses on allyship across the Technology team, ensuring people feel supported and empowered to grow. To her, giving is about sharing encouragement and creating a sense of community that helps people move forward with confidence.

“It’s a moment to recognise the strength of women, reflect on how we can better support each other, and remind ourselves that no woman carries her pressures alone.”

Laura: Creating Space for women to step forward

Laura views the day as an opportunity to reflect on how visibility and encouragement can help women move forward with confidence, especially when balancing priorities. She has been shaped by mentors who believed in her, offered honest guidance, and encouraged her to step into roles she might have doubted she was ready for. Those acts of belief helped her grow into the leader she is today.

Now, Laura pays that generosity forward by mentoring others, especially women balancing complex life stages. She sees giving as creating space - space for women to grow, to be heard, and to succeed in a way that feels authentic to them.

“International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress while staying focused on the work still to be done. For me, it’s about visibility, opportunity, and creating environments where women feel confident to step forward and use their voice.”

Lynne: Giving through visibility, advocacy, and generosity

Lynne’s perspective on “Give to Gain” is shaped by a belief in genuine connection and the power of helping people feel seen. Her work in Marketing and Communications has always centred on meaningful storytelling and enabling a culture of belonging. Outside of work, she balances busy family life and values the importance of being present for the moments that truly matter.

For Lynne, giving means actively creating visibility for others by amplifying voices that may not always put themselves forward, and encouraging confidence through recognition. She’s especially passionate about initiatives like Recognising Brilliance, which shine a light on colleagues whose impact deserves to be celebrated.

“Give to Gain is a reminder that generosity in the workplace isn’t a trade-off; it’s a multiplier.”

Louise: Giving through empathy, courage, and creating space

Louise’s story reveals an approach to giving that is grounded in empathy, lived experience, and a commitment to inclusion. Outside of work, she fosters rescue dogs, volunteers with the Samaritans, and actively supports Velonetic’s Charity Fund and DE&I work. These experiences have shaped her belief in the power of simply being there for someone, and the difference empathy can make.

International Women’s Day holds deep meaning for Louise. It’s not just a celebration, it’s a responsibility. It’s a reminder to honour the women who came before us, and to continue the work of elevating voices and challenging barriers.

She draws inspiration from women who show up authentically and unapologetically; those who pursue their path boldly and refuse to shrink themselves. That courage influences how supports others.

Louise is committed to giving by intentionally creating opportunities for colleagues to grow, particularly through her work as an ERG DE&I chair. She believes giving is a mindset - one that strengthens community, builds confidence, and shapes a workplace where everyone can thrive.

“What moves me most are the women who show up as their true selves, unapologetically and without shrinking.”

Teresa: Giving through leadership, mentorship, and intentional support

Teresa brings a strategic, people centred perspective to “Give to Gain,” shaped by more than two decades of experience at Velonetic. As Chief Business Officer, she focuses on ensuring the successful delivery of the services Velonetic provides to the market,  working closely with teams to drive value, innovation, and meaningful outcomes. Her role challenges her daily , and it’s a responsibility she approaches with genuine commitment and purpose.

For Teresa, International Women’s Day is a moment to pause and reflect - to celebrate progress while recognising the work still ahead. It’s a reminder of the collective effort that has shaped where we are today, and of the ongoing journey toward equality and opportunity for all women.

This year, Teresa plans to “Give to Gain” by offering more of her time to mentor others, whether formally or informally. She wants to create space for conversations that build confidence, support growth, and help colleagues navigate challenges. Investing in people, listening, and helping them unlock their potential is something she values deeply - because when one person grows, the whole community benefits.

"Investing in people, by listening, sharing experiences, and helping them unlock their potential, benefits us all."

The ripple effect of giving

Across all five stories, one truth stands out: giving doesn’t need to be grand to be powerful.

It can be as simple as:

•    Explaining the “why,” not just the “what”
•    Encouraging someone to step into a new opportunity
•    Showing up with empathy
•    Advocating for someone who might go unheard
•    Creating space for someone to find their voice
•    Recognising brilliance where it shines quietly  

These small acts create culture. They build confidence. They deepen connection. And they remind us that giving is something everyone can do - no matter your role, background, or experience.
 

A culture that grows through giving

“Give to Gain” isn’t just a theme - it’s a mindset that strengthens Velonetic’s community.

Through Jane’s clarity, Jess’s allyship, Laura’s encouragement, Louise’s empathy, Lynne’s advocacy, and Teresa’s commitment to lifting others through mentorship and support, we see the many ways generosity can lift others and create meaningful change.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we invite everyone to reflect on one simple question: What small act of giving could you offer this week that might help someone else gain?

Sometimes the ripple begins with a single moment.