ADVICE
International Women’s Day is a good reminder to celebrate the women we know, love or are inspired by. Here, some of our favourites share another woman’s advice they’ve never forgotten…
SAVANNAH MILLERHOLLY TUCKER MBECUSH JUMBO OBE
‘After [my solo show] Josephine And I opened in New York, everyone was asking me what I was going to do next. But Meryl Streep said to me, “The centre of the universe is exactly where you are right now, not where you think you should be.”
’ Bear Snores On plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London, from 23rd March to 21st April (openairtheatre.com)
KATE DAVIES
‘My secondary-school drama teacher told me, “When you go into an audition, remember that the people on the panel want you to succeed. They don’t want to terrify you – they want you to be the best person for the part, so they can stop looking and go to the pub.” I’ve applied her advice ever since, in every area. On a first date, the other person wants to fancy you! At a job interview, they want you to be right for the role! Remembering that gives me confidence and helps me control my nerves.’
Nuclear Family (The Borough Press) by Kate Davies is out now
SOPHIE WILLIAMS
‘The best piece of advice I ever heard was from a podcast called Call Your Girlfriend, hosted by Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow. They call it Shine Theory: whenever you’re in a new work situation, don’t scan the room for threats, rivals or competitors to beat or overcome. Instead, scan for the people who are shining the brightest and decide to make them your new friends, mentors or collaborators. Their shine will rub off on you, and before you know it, you’re shining brightly, too.’
The Glass Cliff: Why Women In Power Are Undermined And How To Fight Back (Macmillan Business) by Sophie Williams is out 7th March
STACEY HALLS
‘I started having therapy in 2016, and one of the things we spoke about was my expectations of the people in my life vs the reality. When my therapist encouraged me to come to the conclusion that we can never change people, only how we respond to them, it was a powerful moment. Since then, I’ve tried to accept people for who they are and, with the help of boundaries and empathy, it has been transformational for my relationships.’
The Household (Manilla Press) by Stacey Halls is out 11th April
ANITA RANI
‘When I interviewed the incredible Masih Alinejad, an Iranian activist and women’s rights campaigner, I felt every word of what she said in my gut. “You have two options: to be a victim or a warrior.” I chose warrior. Who’s with me?’
Baby Does A Runner (Zaffre) by Anita Rani is out now
TRINNY WOODALL
