A perspective on International Women’s Day with Sharon Palmer, Managing Director of Camps International (UK & Middle East), reflecting on leadership, career growth, and the value of staying open to opportunities even when the path forward is uncertain.

On International Women’s Day, what has your career journey taught you about growth and progression?
“I would encourage people to stay open to opportunities, even when they feel uncertain.
When I began as a freelance expedition leader in Kenya, I was simply focused on doing the work well and supporting the students and communities around me. I did not have a long-term plan in mind. What shaped my path was a willingness to take responsibility, learn as I went, and lean on the experience of those around me. I have always tried to add value to whatever role I am in, and, in my experience, that has been a key factor in my progression.
Confidence, in my experience, tends to grow quietly over time. It often develops through small moments of responsibility rather than dramatic turning points. Some of the most valuable lessons in my career came from situations that required patience, adaptability, and collaboration.
Leadership is not about having everything figured out. It is about listening, staying thoughtful, and recognising that context matters. It is also about working alongside others and understanding that progress is rarely achieved alone. Equally, it requires the courage to speak up when you feel strongly about something. That is an attribute I value deeply and actively encourage in those I lead.
If there is one thing I have learnt, it is that growth does not require certainty. It requires engagement. Taking the next step, even when it feels modest, is often what builds experience and perspective over time. And sometimes, simply being willing to begin is enough.”