To mark International Women’s Day (IWD) this year, we sat down with seven inspirational ladies from across the Pineapple family who give us their views on what IWD means to them, and how this year’s theme ‘Give to Gain’ could help make a difference.
The 2026 ‘Give to Gain’ theme is all about generosity, collaboration, and the power of reciprocity. It highlights that when individuals and organisations give, whether that’s time, knowledge, support, visibility, mentoring, or resources, more opportunities are created for women to thrive.
To read the thoughts and answers from Kasia, Joanna, Lauren, Donna, Kat, Abby and Charlie, please click on the link below to our website.
Kasia Krieger, Director
Hi Kasia. Great to have you first up in our IWD Q&A this year. Let’s go straight in and start with a personal question if you don’t mind. Who do you think has given you the most support or guidance that made a meaningful difference in your career or life?
Thanks for asking me. I love that we’re doing this again this year as part of International Women’s Day. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work alongside many supportive mentors throughout my career, both men and women. They didn’t just offer encouragement, they truly believed in my potential, giving me the space to prove myself while actively helping me grow. I am particularly grateful for the support I received during a major turning point – my career change into the recruitment sector. Even though I brought a wealth of experience from previous years, recruitment was an entirely new landscape for me. Having people who recognised my transferable skills and guided me through that transition was life changing.
Beyond my professional life, my greatest strength comes from my family. It started with the foundation my mother built for me, and today, it continues with my grown-up children. They believe in me like no one else, and their confidence in my abilities is what keeps me motivated.
2. Turning from the support you’ve had, can you share an example of a time you helped another woman succeed, and what you gained from that experience?
For me, the most important part of leadership is ensuring my colleagues know they can always count on me as a constant source of support. I make it a priority to encourage the women around me to confront their fears and doubts that often hold us back. To me, helping someone succeed means ensuring they don’t give up just because they encounter something they don’t know. I work hard to help them switch from a fixed mindset to an “I will learn” mode. I want to make sure they know that it’s okay not to have all the answers immediately, as long as you are willing to find them. What I gain is the satisfaction of watching a colleague transform from being hesitant to becoming a confident professional.
3. How do you personally practice “Give to Gain” in your professional or personal life?
To me, “gaining” is really just a side effect of giving. I know that sounds like a cliché, but I believe the joy of giving is just as big for the person sharing as it is for the one getting the help. In my day-to-day life, I try to lead with an open hand, whether that’s sharing a bit of advice, my time, or a helpful connection. My “gain” isn’t a bonus, it’s the happiness I feel when I see someone else succeeds and I could help. When you give, you create this amazing energy where everyone feels looked after, and that’s the kind of environment I want to live and work in.
4. How does Pineapple Recruitment encourage collaboration and support among women (and men) to thrive?
For us, collaboration isn’t a policy, it’s just how we work. Whether you’re a man or a woman on our team, we believe that if one of us wins, we all win. Supporting each other is how we make sure we all succeed.
5. And the last question. Thank you for being such a star as ever! So, if you could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
I’d tell the next generation to trust the power of listening and learning. Build your confidence on real knowledge, then use it to be brave. When you hit a wall, don’t just say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘it can’t be done’. Shift your mindset to: ‘I’ll find out how’. That’s where the real growth happens.
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Joanna Pennell, Finance & HR Divisional Manager
1. Hi Joanna. Thanks for joining us. We’ll kick off with the same question we asked Kasia if you don’t mind. Who has given you the most guidance that made a meaningful difference in your career or life? How did that impact you?
It’s great to be here. It’s my first time for IWD here at Pineapple. So, for me, my foundation comes from my mother, a strong, no-nonsense woman who made sure her children knew their value from day one. I’m also backed up daily by my husband, his steadfast support gives me the confidence to keep moving forward in my career.
2. That’s a fab answer. Can you share an example of a time you helped another woman succeed, and what you gained from that experience?
I make a point of always sharing credit and shouting about the work my colleagues do. I recently gave a colleague a little push to lead a project she was unsure about and seeing her eventually own that success was brilliant.
3. And going back to this year’s theme of IWD. How do you personally practice “Give to Gain” in your professional or personal life?
I don’t believe in gatekeeping information. I share what I know freely because the team’s success is my success. By giving people the tools and knowledge to do their job empowers us all to move forward together.
4. And how do you think Pineapple encourage collaboration and support among women (and men) to thrive?
We focus on ‘lifting as we climb’. We’ve moved away from the idea that you have to be the loudest person in the room to be valued. It’s about creating an environment where sharing your time or visibility with a colleague is seen as a win for the whole team, not a loss for the individual.
5. Thank you, Joanna. Last question for you. If you could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
Don’t wait for someone to tell you that you belong. You have a seat at the table just by being there. Aim to be two things: kind and unapologetically confident. When you know your own worth you will never feel threatened by someone else doing well.
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Lauren McGorrigan, Senior Recruiter
- Hi Lauren. I think you’re the newest member of the team to take part in our IWD Q&A this year! Thanks for sitting down with us. We’ll start with the standard first question. Can you tell us who has given you the most support or guidance that has made a meaningful difference in your career or life?
It’s great to be here. I love we’re doing this for IWD. Without a doubt the most meaningful support and guidance in my life has always come from my family. They have provided a constant stream of encouragement, standing firmly in my corner regardless of the decisions I make. Knowing that I have their unwavering backing has given me the confidence to navigate life’s various chapters.
In my adult career, the most significant impact has come from my husband. Over the last 12 years, he has been my primary source of strength. His impact on me has been profound in several ways: decision making, navigating challenges, and celebrating wins.
- Do you think you could share an example of a time you helped another woman succeed?
I’m lucky enough to have a friendship group of eight, where helping each other succeed is our second nature. We show up for one another through the highs and lows of motherhood, work, and everything in between. What I personally gain from this is the realisation that while we are all taking different paths, our collective growth is what matters.
- That’s a really nice way to look at things. Focusing on IWD, how do you think you personally practice “Give to Gain” in your professional or personal life?
The way I see Give to Gain in all walks of life would be you build a reputation for being trustworthy and valuable, whether this is personally or in your working life. I have always benefited from helping other people and putting them before myself.
- I know you’re not long through the door at Pineapple, but how do you think the business encourages collaboration and support among women (and men) to thrive?
Reducing the fear of judgment, which allows for cross-departmental support and faster problem-solving. Everybody matters and everybody is different. There is no divide; our department and business are inclusive.
- And the fifth and final question, Lauren. If you could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
For me, true success isn’t just about how high you climb, but how many people you bring with you. Be the person who walks into a room and makes everyone else feel like they belong there too.
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Donna Burak, Resourcer
1. Hi Donna. And welcome to our 2026 IWD Q&A! Let’s start with a question we’ve been asking everyone to kick off with. Can you tell us who think has given you the most support that made a meaningful difference in your career or life?
It’s brilliant to be here and be involved in touch a great initiative. I think my mum has had the biggest impact on me. She’s always been strong and steady, even when things were difficult. Watching her handle life with resilience taught me not to crumble when things get difficult. That’s shaped how I approach work and challenges. I don’t give up easily and I’ve learnt to trust my judgement more.
2. There’s been a few examples of family support, that’s really lovely. Can you maybe share an example of a time you helped another woman succeed, and what you gained from that experience?
I’ve supported women in many different ways in my life. Usually, they just needed reassurance or a kick in the right direction. But now working in recruitment it’s especially rewarding to see someone go from being unhappy with their job, doubting themselves, to actually getting their desired role and seeing how good they are at it. It’s such a great feeling!
3. And how do you think you personally practice “Give to Gain” in your professional or personal life?
I try to share opportunities and advice rather than keeping things to myself. Whether it’s helping someone prepare for an interview, give ideas and tips, or just simply being supportive when they are having a tough day. I believe giving your time and energy in the right way creates a “circle of life” theory – what goes around comes around.
4. I like that theory. So turning to Pineapple as a business, how do you feel they encourage collaboration and support among women (and men) to thrive?
There is a real focus on communication and teamwork here at Pineapple. People are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and support each other rather than compete. That makes it easier for everyone to grow with confidence.
5. Thanks again for joining us, Donna. You’ve been fab. Last question! If you could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
Don’t wait until you feel “ready”. You’ll grow by taking the opportunities that come your way rather than waiting for the perfect timing. My quote: “If not now then never”.
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Kat Kantorova, Recruitment Consultant
1. Hi Kat. Hope you’re ok and thanks for sitting down with us for this IWD series. We have a standard question to start with which has resulted in some great answers so far. So, who do you feel has given you the most support / guidance that made a meaningful difference in your career or life? How did that impact you?
Well, for me, I’d say the biggest support in my life has come from my mum, my family, and a few close friends. They’ve seen me at my best and my worst, and they always manage to give me the right kind of push when I need it. Their support has shaped a lot of who I am, but I’ve also learned to trust myself too – to make my own calls, get through the tough moments, and give myself credit along the way.
2. I love that you back yourself to win. Can you share an example of a time you helped another woman succeed, and what you gained from that experience?
I don’t have one big standout moment, but there have been times where I’ve supported other women in smaller, everyday ways, such as listening when they’re stressed, helping them talk things through, or giving them a bit of encouragement when they’re doubting themselves. Those little moments really do make a difference. What I’ve gained from it is the reminder that support doesn’t have to be huge to matter, sometimes just showing up for someone is enough.
3. Thanks Kat. On to the next question, how do you personally practice “Give to Gain” in your professional or personal life?
I try to practice “Give to Gain” in small, everyday ways. For me, it’s things like sharing what I know, offering help when someone’s stuck, or just being that person to talk things through. I’ve found that when you give your time or support it always comes back around, it builds trust, better relationships, and just makes things nicer for everyone.
4. Things are done differently here at Pineapple. How do you think the business encourages collaboration and support among women (and men) to thrive?
I’d say we are very lucky as the culture at Pineapple Recruitment is to encourage people to genuinely share ideas, ask questions, and help each other out, no matter their role or background. Everyone’s voice feels like it matters, which makes it easier for women and men to speak up, try new things, and grow.
6.And our last question Kat. Thanks again for joining us. If you could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
I’d tell them to move through life with kindness. Listen and respect others and stay open to learning from the people around. Try things, make mistakes, grow from them, and trust that you’ll find your way. Be kind to yourself and to others along the way – it makes the world, and the journey, so much easier.
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Abby Hooper, Recruitment Consultant
1. Hi Abby. Great to see you and thanks for joining us alongside some other fabulous Pineapple ladies for IWD! Let’s start with the question we ask everyone first. Who has given you the most guidance or support that has made a meaningful difference in your career or life?
Great to be here. I think for sure it’s my nan’s wisdom. She always gave me the best advice to get through life, teaching me to always be kind and to have manners. She believed these things don’t cost anything and she often said, “it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice”. Although my nan is no longer with me, all the amazing things and life skills she taught me along the way live on through me, and I am very proud of that legacy and inheriting her kind nature.
2. That’s a brilliant example. Can you also share an example of a time you helped another woman succeed, and what you gained from that experience?
Yes, about two weeks ago, I got a call from my youngest sister. She said that a senior nurse position became vacant at the company where she has worked for the past four years in end-of-life palliative care. She was initially hesitant about applying, especially since she was up against seven other candidates. I encouraged her to go for it, shared some interview tips, but the most important advice I gave her was to simply be herself.
Although she was convinced after her interview that she hadn’t been successful, she called me few days later to share the news that she was offer the position. I am incredibly proud of her.
3. Given this year’s IWD theme, how do you personally practice “Give to Gain” in your professional or personal life?
Always be professional, kind, polite, do the right by others. And finally give 100% in your job.
4. And how do you feel Pineapple encourages collaboration and support among women (and men) to thrive?
That’s simple, they genuinely treat everyone equally.
5. And one last question, Abby. If you could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
Be grateful for each new day as life truly is a beautiful gift we get to experience. Also be smart with your money management and work hard toward a career that genuinely makes you happy. But most importantly remember to enjoy life!
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Charlie Stevens, Recruitment Consultant
1. Hi Charlie. Welcome back to Pineapple’s IWD Q&A! Let’s start with an easy one. Who do you think has given you the most support in your career or life? How did that impact you?
It’s great to be back as I loved taking part last time! I think mainly my mum, she has always given the best advice with my best interests at heart over the years in both my personal and professional life. Even if I don’t always agree, I know she has my best interests at heart. This has helped guide me during life choices at times where I have maybe struggled and needed guidance. She is someone I will always go to for support and look up to.
2. Mums are a big theme this year for sure! Can you also share an example of a time you helped another woman succeed, and what you gained from that experience?
Whilst working in a previous recruitment role I helped a friend who had been made redundant find a new job. This was so rewarding, both from a work perspective as well as on a personal level. To be able to help a close friend get back into work was pretty special moment. It’s right up there.
3. Ok, so next question, Charlie. How do you personally practice “Give to Gain” in your professional or personal life?
In both my professional and personal life I’m always happy to help colleagues, friends and family if they need it or just be there to give advice on things they may be struggling with.
4. And how do you think here at Pineapple collaboration and support is encouraged among women (and men)?
I feel everyone within the Pineapple family are treated equally whether they are male or female, and are all made to feel part of a team. We are encouraged to work together in helping each other to succeed. And support is always on hand by Kasia and the senior team for everyone should we need it.
5. Thanks for joining us Charlie. But one last question before you go! If you could offer one piece of advice to the next generation, knowing what you know now, what would it be?
To always be kind and supportive to those around you both in and out of the workplace, as you never know what anyone is going through.
This is just a snapshot of some of the amazing of ladies here at Pineapple Recruitment. For more inspirational stories and insights, please visit the International Women’s Day website through https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
