International Women’s Day with Lana Coppel, Founder and Director of Order of Style

Happy International Women’s Day! Why is International Women’s Day important to you? 

Lifting up women in society is the best way to propel this world into a more equal and sustainable future. Women are the unsung heroes of the home, the office, the environment of social movements and our importance in society have been sadly overlooked throughout history. Taking a day to celebrate women as a collective for all the work we do – seen or unseen – allows all the facets of our existence to be showcased – not just the one-dimensional roles of mother / daughter / sister. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them? 

It might be basic but I think becoming a parent has been the biggest challenge of my life. As a woman with a business to run, I was shocked by the amount of domestic and emotional labour that was left to me. Covid also illuminated that aspect and it was hard to find a balance where we could both work and parent was a challenge that I know lots of families have faced over the last few years.

Are there any women you have looked to for inspiration in your career?

There are so many wonderful female entrepreneurs in the world, particularly in the fashion industry which is one of the few female lead industries. From Diane Von Furstenberg to Stella McCartney to Miuccia Prada, plenty of inspiring stories to follow. We’ve also seen a rise of politically-minded women over the last few years like the formidable Grace Tame to the unstoppable AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez). I think any woman who follows her dreams and doesn’t let anyone discourage her is a woman to aspire to be like.

What is the best advice you’ve received when it comes to your career? 

“Embrace your power” is definitely the best advice I’ve received, when you can really focus on your strengths and own your worth it makes you feel so much more empowered, more productive and more passionate about your work. It’s said that men feel entitled because they take and do – they don’t question or overthink. I think women need to borrow some of that ‘audacity’ and back themselves and their abilities more. 

What does the future of female leadership look like to you? 

I think there is space in leadership for softness and vulnerability. You don’t have to be an immovable force as a leader – showing no emotion does not make you a better leader, it makes you unlikeable. I think where women prevail in positions of power is when they retain their feminine essence, they showcase that you can be both hard and soft – and a powerful leader is intelligent enough to know when each is appropriate. I’m excited to see more women in decision making positions in both business and leadership roles across the world.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

When I was a child I deeply felt the unfairness of being a girl, I was a little feminist (not knowing what that was at the time) and I would always push back on my teachers and adults when I felt like I was being treated differently or dismissed. I think once I matured and entered the workforce it became even more challenging, the attitudes towards our gender is not always favourable and certainly not something I expected. Holding up women and including women in all facets of decision making will only make this world a better place for future generations. 

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