To celebrate International Women’s Day, we sat down with five inspirational women who work in different roles here on the Estate, to discuss their achievements and what inspires them in their lives.

Deborah, Head Housekeeper:

‘I have been inspired by my mum. She is an exceptionally strong woman who brought up five children on her own.’

What element of your role do you enjoy the most?

‘It’s very rewarding when the housekeeping team can turn the whole house around within 24 hours after an event. Seeing everyone’s reaction is motivating and knowing we are all likeminded and want the guests to have the ‘ultimate Cowdray experience’ is just so satisfying.’

Who have you been inspired by?

‘I have been inspired by my mum. She is an exceptionally strong woman who brought up five children on her own. My dad served in the Royal Marines and was always away. My mum was so focused on all her children and gave us the best childhood. She ensured we could look after ourselves.’

Lauren, Property Director:

‘I am more often inspired by those around me, whether friends or colleagues, male or female, who draw on strengths of determination, focus and passion and use these as drivers to achieve their own personal ambitions.’

What in your opinion does being a women bring to your role?

‘The successful performance of my role here at Cowdray relies on hard work, professional knowledge, an ability to communicate at all levels, and a good sense of humour. I would like to think this is defined less by my gender and more reflective of my attitude as an individual; Cowdray is a working environment where these qualities in its employees are valued above all else.’

Who have you been inspired by?

‘Whilst there are undoubtedly many high-profile individuals who have all achieved amazing feats and could be considered inspirational, I am more often inspired by those around me, whether friends or colleagues, male or female, who draw on strengths of determination, focus and passion and use these as drivers to achieve their own personal ambitions. I am fortunate enough to have a network of such people who inspire me every day to (try to) be the best version of myself.’

Read Lauren’s Meet the Team interview here.

Rachel, Wellbeing Manager:

‘My role calls for such skills as empathy, intuition, and good communication. Following the pandemic and whilst we live in such uncertain times, the importance of looking after our health and wellbeing is more important than ever.’

Who have you been inspired by?

‘Michelle Obama; she became a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls’ education. She reminds us about the importance of our health and wellbeing:

‘Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women’

What in your opinion does being a women bring to your role?

‘The majority of our clients at Cowdray Hall and Therapy Rooms are women, ranging from yoga teachers, Pilates teachers, mindfulness teachers, physiotherapists, osteopaths, psychotherapists, acupuncturist and more! My role calls for such skills as empathy, intuition, and good communication. Following the pandemic and whilst we live in such uncertain times, the importance of looking after our health and wellbeing is more important than ever. I’m delighted to be able to play my part.’

Lydia, Graphic Designer:

‘You sometimes feel a bit like the (wo)man behind the curtain in Marketing, so it is nice to be out experiencing the Estate and meeting new people.’

What element of your role do you enjoy the most?

‘I love being out photographing or filming; you sometimes feel a bit like the (wo)man behind the curtain in Marketing, so it is nice to be out experiencing the Estate and meeting new people.’

Who have you been inspired by? 

‘Phoebe Waller Bridge and Daisy May Cooper, they are both so incredibly perceptive, smart and (obviously) hilarious. I think the best people are those that don’t take life too seriously.’

Martha, Shop Manager at Cowdray Farm Shop:

‘I think women show more compassion, cooperation and patience towards their team, boosting productivity by making each one of them feel valued and creating a sense of family within the team.’

Who have you been inspired by?

‘There are many young women today making exceptional contributions in their various fields, whether it be the arts, literature, politics, hospitality, or simply voicing their articulate opinions on climate change and other modern social topical issues.’

What in your opinion does being a women bring to your role?

‘I think women show more compassion, cooperation and patience towards their team, boosting productivity by making each one of them feel valued and creating a sense of family within the team.’

Photography by Tom Bunning.