March 8th marks International Women’s Day around the globe, the day where we recognise women’s achievement and equality.

With the Amber Lounge office brimming with strong, inspirational women, we thought we’d share some words of wisdom to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Let’s start with Amber Lounge’s CEO and Founder, Sonia Irvine:

As a successful business woman… Perhaps the most challenging aspect of being a business woman is to be able to combine the life of being a mother and running a successful company. I think that’s what makes things harder being a woman is that often you tend to feel more responsible on the family side of things. You’re trying to run your business at an extremely high level and then trying to be the best mum that you can be. I believe I’m a very stimulating mum for my kids and a very good role model.

Working in the male dominated world of Formula 1… I don’t think there really are any challenges. There’s no difference being a man or a woman in Formula 1. I’ve always tried to approach it with a positive head and turn it around to my advantage. I don’t go in there thinking ‘oh God I’m a woman’, I just think I’ve got to do my job. In the world of Formula 1 everything has to be to perfection, the garage, the cars, the hospitality, and that’s how I’ve approached Amber Lounge. I’ve always had the mind-set that I can do whatever I put my mind to, so if I want to do something I never think of why I can’t do it I always just think, ‘oh that’s a good idea’ and I go out and do it.

To build a multi-million Euro business… Believe in yourself! It’s a lot of hard work at times juggling family and work. So, work hard, it’s only you who can make things happen.

My advice for other business women?… The world is as exciting as you make it. We are only here once, so let’s make that once as amazing as it can be for ourselves and for everyone we encounter.

Being resilient… I think that’s where a woman’s attributes really help because I never give up and I’ve had one blow after another, after another. We do tend to keep picking ourselves up and keep going onto the next thing.

Balancing work life and personal life… My home is my sanctuary. I love to come back home and enjoy the family time my children.My kids are my source of relaxation. I love playing sports, games, going on bike rides with them, it’s important to keep your professional and personal life in balance if you want to succeed in juggling them both.

The best decisions of my life?… To have children and to create Amber Lounge.

Leaving an impression on Formula 1… I’ve loved motorsport for as long as I can remember. Now having forged my own path in the industry, through Amber Lounge, bringing glamour, excitement and the VIP edge to Grands Prix for over 16 years, I feel I’ve made my mark.

 

The Women of Amber Lounge Say…

 

Liana, Office Manager: 

A successful business woman is someone who’s confident, trusts her instincts and manages to achieve her goals, and if this includes PASSION that is simply NIRVANA! My advice to others, no gender specific here, is work hard, challenge and educate yourself constantly, learn to appreciate good feedback, learn to take a negative one (what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger) and ultimately treat people well.

 

Giorgia, Hospitality Consultant:

I am helping to break the glass ceiling in business for generations to come and help break the stereotypical opinions of women in the workplace. My advice would be things are tough and challenging but the end result makes it all worth it so keep going and persevere with whatever you are thrown into.

 

Jana, Sales Manager:

For me being successful means being strong, independent, believing in yourself, and at the same time staying feminine and human in your nature. Advice: to believe in yourself, never give up and listen to your intuition and heart.

 

Marissa, Sponsorship Consultant:

In order to be a successful woman in business I believe you need to be strong, passionate, and driven. I would tell other women to believe in yourself continuously and work hard in order to thrive in the workplace

 

Lauren, Sales Manager:

It’s all about having the right mindset. You have to be strong-willed, committed and have a positive attitude. If you believe in yourself, enjoy the opportunities that arise and continuously challenge yourself, then you will naturally rise to the top.

 

Jehanne, Sales Manager:

Successful… a person who is able to achieve their goals and to win the respect of her team and colleagues, who respect the others and work in team. A good balance between her professional and personal life. Always consider your personal life as an important part, this is where you find your strength and peace, to be better at work.

 

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