#iwd2023 Sophie Hallwright
International Women's Day is a day to recognise the achievements of women globally and to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality. The day is a reminder that we should all strive to create a world in which everyone has the same opportunities and rights, regardless of gender.
We celebrated by hosting a yoga class and smoothie bowls for the women of our community, and invited four inspirational women to share their stories with us.
Sophie is a radio producer turned co-founder and content creator of The Curve - a education platform providing financial and investing information to women globally.
What was the key moment that ignited your fire and kicked off your journey (into what you are doing now?)
I remember being in the back of Vic's car driving back from Hawke’s Bay after a wedding (with her ex bf) and we were all talking about how Vic needed to share her knowledge, and teach women how to be better with her money. She was so scared and didn't have the confidence to do it straight away but I remember offering myself on a silver platter with something along the lines of "HELLLOOO I CAN DO THE CONTENT!".
It took another year or so before we actually did anything but I remember her calling me one day saying she's got branding done and I was soooo excited to start working on it. In all honesty, educating women about money is something I have grown to be passionate about. It wasn’t until I learnt about what I didn't realise that I didn't know, THEN I became incredibly passionate about it.
What is your best advice in overcoming your biggest doubts and fears when starting a business or when starting out a new pursuit?
This is so hard - I think everyone has different levels of self doubt - mine are huge but they were never directly related with my ability to create content which is what I'm predominantly in charge of at The Curve. Running a business, I have no idea about, but creating content I knew how to do with my eyes closed.
I think the best advice would be to find something that you feel confident in, and find those who are good where you're not so great. For example Vic and I compliment each other really well. Having that support person who is brilliant at things you're shit at has been so great for me. Whenever I'm feeling low or self doubt-y, she pulls me out and vice versa. There's also just the reality that so many businesses won't be successful, that you might fail, that it might not fly - but that you'll learn so much. You definitely have to put your ego aside and say what's the worst that could happen? And if you're OK with that then you've honestly got nothing to lose.
How did you get over that feeling of “I’m not qualified enough or experienced enough?”
This is still something I struggle with but in the moments when I feel really proud and confident I like to really feel into that feeling. How does it feel in my body, how do I feel in my mind? Honestly sometimes I write it down so that in those moments of self doubt I can draw on confidence from a past Sophie. I also talk to myself in the mirror - or in bed. Tell myself I’m amazing - lol I'm hoping eventually I'll believe it.
Would you say you had to work harder for the same things or do things differently from male counterparts?
I don't work with any men right now, which now I think is probably a little imbalanced but we really like working with predominantly women. I've seen men work just as hard as me in other jobs I've had, I don't necessarily think the pay reflects our work fairly, but I wouldn't say I work harder necessarily than men as a blanket statement.
How do you empower other women or younger girls through your work?
Social media is huge for us - we try and put ourselves out there (and on our podcast) to be as open as possible about our struggles and triumphs. It's hugely important for both Vic and I that this work speaks to all generations, especially those to come. I think the general vibe of our content is inclusive and welcoming and supportive and that stems from both Vic and I as individuals.
What does equality look like to you?
It's just as simple as that word sounds. It just means race, ethnicity, age, gender, who your parents are etc etc is irrelevant to the way we treat each other. To the way we remunerate people, to the way we speak to strangers. It means that regardless of any physical difference - we are all considered equal.
What is something you would change about it if you could? What can we do to make that change?
I think it's listening and talking in equal measures. Talking to men, talking to women - having open dialogue conversations and leading by example.
Who is a woman you look up to or aspire to?
JJ Feeney. She is the most generous, kind, funny person. She's so clever, but she's also the most loving caring person. We interviewed her recently and honestly I hope to have that much kindness and generosity one day.
What’s something that makes you feel empowered, or a specific example of something you’ve done?
In relation to my personal life, feeling healthy in my body through eating well, exercise, mediating, even masterbating. From a professional perspective I feel really empowered when I get positive feedback and that's only something that I've recently realised. I respond really well to words of affirmation which has been hard working for myself for so long! I think realising what your love languages are and applying them in a managerial sense is super helpful because you feel valued and respected when you're given the right kind of love (if that makes sense).