By Lottie Clavin, Talent & Employee Engagement Manager

This International Women’s Day (IWD), we are embracing the theme #AccelerateAction by celebrating the diverse futures that women envision for themselves. Change begins with recognising and supporting the aspirations of all women—whether they dream of leadership, creativity, balance, or adventure.

At Shaping Cloud, we asked the women in our team: "How do you see your future self?"

Their responses were as unique as they are—some envisioned a future of career growth, others prioritised personal fulfilment, and many imagined a balance between the two, with desires to travel or perhaps live out a dream of becoming a TV detective.  To bring these visions to life, we used AI-generated art to create personalised portraits that reflect the future each woman aspires to.

Why this matters?

By visualising our ambitions, we take a step closer to making them a reality. This initiative serves as a reminder that there is no single way to define success, and every version of our future deserves respect, support, and action.

Taking action, internally and beyond

With 40% of our senior leadership team being women and recognition as a Best Place to Work for Women, we understand that true progress comes from creating environments where women can thrive, connect, and grow together. That’s why we’re dedicated to creating opportunities for mentorship and meaningful conversations—building strong support networks that empower both individual and collective success.

Progress happens when we listen, uplift, and take intentional action—whether by advocating for opportunities, making space for diverse ambitions, or simply celebrating each other’s journeys.  

That’s why this year; we’re launching the Accelerating Action for Shapers initiative. Every woman in our business can book a mentoring session with anyone at Shaping Cloud—from a peer to the CEO—tailoring the session to their needs. Whether it’s career advice, upskilling, job shadowing, or guidance on achieving work-life balance, this initiative is designed to empower and support their growth.

What’s next?

As we reflect on International Women's Day, let’s ask ourselves: how can we accelerate action to support the futures women envision for themselves? It starts with recognising that every woman has different aspirations, shaped by their home circumstances, life stage, career path, personal beliefs, or access to resources and opportunities.

To truly accelerate action, we must acknowledge these differences, work to bridge the gaps that exist, and challenge the societal pressures women continue to face. Whether your goal is to step into leadership, break stereotypes for women in STEM, or simply build a fulfilling career while being a present mother, never underestimate the value of your aspirations. Instead, ask yourself—what action can I take today to turn my ambitions into reality?