Symphony Healthcare Services is celebrating International Women’s Day 2025 by talking to some fabulous colleagues about what the day means to them, the support they have provided and received from other women, and balancing home and work life!
Julia Zaple, Deputy Practice Manager
“I joined Symphony as a receptionist and from there have progressed and I am now proud to be Deputy Practice Manager.
Without the support of other women at Symphony, I would not have had the confidence to achieve what I have. I am very grateful for the belief when I needed it most! I was inspired and now I support my colleagues as much as possible to achieve their goals.
Symphony has also helped support my work- life balance so I can be there for my daughter, as well as progress my career. It is not always easy, but it is so worth it! My motivation is to inspire my daughter and show her you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it!
For me it’s the small things that make a huge difference, supporting each other and creating a positive, empowering environment. Sometimes life can be hard enough as women, so let’s lift each other up!”
Bryony Finch, our Corporate Director
“Although I am not part of a formal professional network of women, I am always inspired through various relationships I maintain. In particular, I play netball in a Summer League with women of all ages, backgrounds and professions.
I am also very grateful for the friendships that I have with a number of wonderful women that I have established across my life and above else, the influence I have had from women in my family- who have always demonstrated the value of hard work and kindness.
The point I hope I am making is that there are amazing women everywhere you turn- whether professional, through association, friends and family- and this is something to celebrate!”
Liz Jagelman, our Operations Director
“For me International Women’s Day reminds us that this is a day dedicated to celebrating Women’s achievements in various social, political, and cultural fields.
Back in 2009 I committed to undertaking 3 years of study for my MSc in Risk Management, distance learning via Birmingham City University. I was at that time working full time at Somerset PCT, my eldest was 8 and my youngest was 2. As women we are extremely versatile and resilient and we must remind ourselves that we can achieve anything, even when sometimes things seem impossible.
I look back now and do wonder how I managed to achieve everything at that time, and this year I celebrate 30 years of working in the NHS. I have seen many changes in my career, but I am proud of what I have achieved and the role that I currently hold”
Lynsey Sandle, our People Services Director
“As a full time working mum with 3 young children, I recognise the strength and determination of my colleagues in the workplace who work so hard to balance the commitments they have with family life and the demands of having a fulfilling career. I have absolute respect for them.
To me, International Women’s Day is a great time to remind ourselves that as women ‘we’ve got this’, to not have mum guilt so often and to be thankful for the support and motivation we give each other”
Kate Williams, our Nursing & Allied Health Professionals Director
“Throughout my career which spans nearly 20 yrs in the NHS, I have been supported by amazing women, who have inspired and encouraged me to achieve. I provide mentorship across Symphony for a number of individuals, and focusing in on International Women’s Day, when I mentor female colleagues, I am humbled to be part of their journey in their growth and development, and realising their potential.
We all need to believe in ourselves a little more, because when we do, anything is possible”
