With International Women’s Day approaching, we sat down with our Managing Director, Jane Rudling, to chat about what fair representation means to her and how it shapes the culture here at Walnut Unlimited. In this candid conversation, Jane shares her insights on the importance of gender diversity, the challenges she’s faced as a woman in leadership, and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. 

So, when you think about fair representation, what does it actually mean to you at Walnut Unlimited? 

“For me, fair representation is all about ensuring that everyone, no matter their background, has an equal shot at opportunities. At Walnut, we’ve worked hard to create a space where everyone feels seen and heard, and where our team reflects the diverse world we live in. It’s about making sure every voice counts.” 

How do you think having more gender diversity in the team changes the way we work here? 

“It really makes a huge difference! When you mix things up, you get fresh ideas, different perspectives, and a lot more creativity. It makes our work environment so much richer and more dynamic. Plus, it pushes us to be more inclusive in everything we do, which benefits the company as a whole.” 

Have you ever faced any challenges as a woman in leadership, and how did you handle them? 

“Oh, definitely. In the beginning, I often felt like I had to prove myself more than others. It wasn’t always easy, but I learned to trust my instincts and let my work speak for itself. I also found a strong support network that helped me grow and keep pushing forward, even on tough days.” 

What do you think men can do to help make the workplace more inclusive and fair for everyone? 

“Men are key allies! The first step is just being aware of potential barriers and using their positions to lift others up. They can advocate for equal opportunities, call out biased behaviour when they see it, and, honestly, just be supportive colleagues. It’s about working together to create a space where everyone can thrive.” 

Do you feel like your leadership style has changed over the years, and does being a woman impact how you lead? 

“Definitely. I’ve learned to lead with more empathy and emotional intelligence. Over time, I’ve found that creating a space where people feel heard and supported really boosts the team’s energy and productivity.  

What would you tell young women who are thinking about stepping into leadership roles? 

“My advice would be: don’t second-guess yourself. Imposter syndrome is real, but you’ve earned every opportunity that comes your way. Find mentors who can help guide you, and always remember that your voice matters, no matter how young or new you are. Take risks, learn from your mistakes, and trust the process.” 

Is there anything you wish you had known earlier in your career? 

“I wish I had known that it’s okay to mess up and learn from it. I used to be so hard on myself whenever I made mistakes, but now I see that failure is just part of the journey. It’s about how you bounce back, not about being perfect from the start.” 

How can companies do a better job of supporting women who want to move into leadership roles? 

“One big thing is mentorship – having someone to guide you and help you navigate challenges is invaluable. Also, companies should be really clear about the paths to advancement and make sure women have equal access to those opportunities. It’s about making sure the playing field is level, so everyone has a fair shot at leadership roles.” 

With International Women’s Day coming up, what message would you want to share with the women at Walnut? 

“I’d just say: keep being you! Celebrate how far you’ve come, but also look at how much more you can achieve. It’s not just about individual success – it’s about how we all support each other. We’re all breaking down barriers together, and I’m so proud to be part of a team that’s doing just that.” 

For anyone out there dealing with imposter syndrome, what’s your best advice for overcoming it? 

“Imposter syndrome is something I’ve definitely dealt with too. The best thing I can say is to trust your abilities and acknowledge your accomplishments. If you’ve made it this far, it’s because you’re good at what you do. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you, and remind yourself that everyone – even the most successful people – feel those doubts from time to time.” 

Jane’s reflections remind us how important it is to create a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. Her journey as a woman in leadership shows us the power of diversity, empathy, and working together to break down barriers. As we celebrate International Women’s Day and beyond, Jane’s advice encourages us all to trust ourselves, lift each other up, and keep pushing for a more inclusive and fair environment for everyone.