ActionCOACH Exeter was an ‘Awards Night Sponsor’ at the recent West Country Women Awards in Plymouth, pleased to play our part in recognising our region’s top female leaders, entrepreneurs and front runners in their particular field.
The West Country Women Awards is held annually to celebrate the achievements of female business and community leaders in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The annual awards aim to provide “an uplifting, empowering and confidence-raising process with transformational outcomes,” for all involved.
Hosted by local broadcaster, Alexis Bowater OBE the Awards were supported by an impressive line up of sponsors, judges, nominees and winners. We congratulate all the 1500 entrants, semi-finalists, finalists and winners and all who shared their stories at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth.
ActionCOACH Exeter’s managing director and lead coach, Andrew De Groot is a long-standing supporter and empower of women, both in his former corporate role and now through executive business coaching.
ActionCOACH Exeter at the West Country Women Awards
Andrew and his wife Charlotte hosted a table of businesspeople to share in the glitz and glamour of this very special event including some members of our ActionCLUB group coaching. Notably female photographer Sarah Aires, and her husband Kevin from Cadenz Media. Sarah is pictured top left with Charlotte, while her photograph of Andrew on the right shows him standing on a chair to take a picture of the dinner dance gathering in the middle!
“I was so thrilled to join the truly fabulous West Country Women Awards Grand Final Event on Friday night,” Sarah wrote. “I was literally open-mouthed with awe and at times moved to tears hearing some of the stories of the finalists, truly ‘movers and shakers’ in this region! Each category brought to light the diverse and dynamic roles women are playing in shaping our society – making it more more inclusive and equitable.
“The event was a vibrant showcase of talent with a diverse range of 16 awards categories recognising the culinary innovators in food and drink to the trailblazers in tech and STEM. So impressed to hear of the women effectively driving change on critical issues like violence and abuse (some super scary statistics). There’s women championing environmental initiatives, alongside others transforming the oh-so-very male construction industry. I was glad to see creatives in arts and culture recognised as well as the dynamic entrepreneurs and advocates for equality. A wonderful showcase of the powerful impact of women in leadership.”
Al Gibson from Countdown Creative is another ActionCLUB member and you can read his male perspective of the evening in his blog post: West Country Women Awards make a huge splash in Plymouth honouring local heroes
Why Sponsor the West Country Women Awards?
Andrew De Groot initially attended one of the launch events of the West Country Women Awards at Powderham Castle. That led to ActionCOACH Exeter becoming a sponsor as he thought it would be a wonderful way to demonstrate his commitment to diversity within ActionCOACH Exeter.
“Championing the cause of women in business is something I have done all my life!” says Andrew, speaking after the Awards and sharing some of his heart to see women succeed in business:
“ I was delighted to say that when I left my last role not only was my successor a woman I hired but my department globally had a great balance throughout the grade structures. So, I’ve always believed in empowering women. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it also helps businesses grow successfully. Diversity brings creativity, innovation and balance which naturally flows to financial benefits.
“I have been on all male boards and they are not the best place to be. Having balance challenges everyone to up their game and that’s why, when the West Country Awards opportunity came up, I had to say ‘Yes!’ And I am really pleased I did. It is nice to get dressed up and meet new people and be motivated by new input. Tonight we have heard from a number of truly inspiring women doing truly amazing things – so inspiring.”
“Championing the cause of women in business is something I have done all my life!” – Andrew De Groot
‘A Woman’s place is in the House!’
One of the most remarkable things heard at the West Country Women’s Awards was that ‘A Woman’s place is in the House!’. Quickly qualifying the statement by saying, ‘THE HOUSE OF COMMONS!’. The overall message of the evening was clear. That women can achieve anything they want, and there is no reason why they can’t aspire to be leaders in business and industry or in Government should they choose that route.
At ActionCOACH Exeter, we coach both men and women, to reach their full potential in 1:1 sessions face to face or in online group sessions. If you would like to achieve more in your business, please contact us today. All our coaching is guaranteed to increase your business beyond your coaching investment or your money back.
We would love to come alongside you and help you be the winner of a West Country Women Award. Or even a national winner at the BizX Awards. Our client, Splash Projects was the first winner there from our region and there is no reason we can’t receive this level of recognition again!
