GLOSS Issue 21 APRIL 2015 | Page 36

Emma Watson is widely recognised as ‘The Harry Potter Girl’. At just 24 years of age she was appointed a UN Goodwill Ambassador and helped launch the UN Women campaign #HeForShe that calls for men to advocate for gender equality. Her inaugural speech received worldwide recognition for uniting both men and women in the fight for gender equality. Coco Chanel: ‘Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.’ Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel was the daughter of a laundrywoman and a market stallholder. She became one of the greatest fashion designers we have ever seen and her name continues to exude style, class and grace. Her belief that ‘a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous’ inspired her to continuously design, create and produce award winning fashion and fragrances that remain the foundation of one of the most sought after female brands today. Renowned for not only her designs but also her incredible pursuit of excellence and her capacity for work, her laser like focus and commitment cemented her success. Like Coco and all of these women, learning how to effectively channel our energy is a huge element of what underpins much of our growth and success. Our efficiency, productivity and health all benefit when we know how and where to invest our time and efforts. It takes incredible conviction to push through the barriers (personal, professional and societal) to success. So too does the ability to challenge the norm, make tough decisions, answer the critics, not allow failures and disappointments to deter you from your course, to be vulnerable and allow others the space to also be vulnerable. As we have learned from just five stories of five singular women who did find their voice, who stood for what they believed in and remained steadfast in their inner convictions - we can see how to stand apart from the masses and start seeing opportunities to simply make it happen. Coco Chanel: ‘Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door’