Wisdom and Inspiration: What I’ve Learned from My ‘In Her Element’ Guests

After just six weeks of interviewing women for a new radio show, In Her Element, which I co-host with Eleanor Tait and Kaitlyn Ashby, I feel as though I’ve already gained so much insight into navigating life as a young woman.

The women I’ve spoken to so far have shared incredible wisdom, often without even realizing how profound their advice has been. I’ve had the privilege of engaging in inspiring conversations with Michaela Wetherell, curator of the Pink Collar Gallery; Rhiannon Hiles, chief executive of Beamish Open Air Museum; Julia Davis, an author, creative, and artist; and Pat Glass, former MP for North West Durham who has held several shadow ministerial roles.

A recurring theme throughout these interviews has been the importance of finding “allies,” as Julia described them—people who support you and whom you can support in return. Pat Glass, in particular, left a lasting impression when she recounted her act of solidarity toward a Conservative MP who had experienced a particularly difficult day. She emphasised the value of supporting other women, regardless of differing views, because, at the core, both were striving for the best possible outcomes in their work.

We went on to talk about how the North East is doing well at the minute.  Here in the North East, there are 12 female MPs, two female police and crime commissioners, and the first ever North East mayor, who is also female!

In Her Element co-host, Grace Stewart-Piercy and former MP for North West Durham, Pat Glass

When talking about this, Pat, said: “I worry what is going to happen for women globally, so yes, I am encouraged by what is happening for women in the UK, but we stand out as a beacon with everything that is happening around the world.”

Pat, added: “For women globally, we’re going backwards…for women this is seriously bad news…huge numbers of women don’t even have access to voting.”

Rhiannon Hiles, who has been nominated for The Northern Power Women Awards 2025, and, who is the Chief Executive of Beamish Open Air Museum, spoke to me and a key thing that I took from her was that being raised in a family of strong women, allowed her to always envision herself in any space she wanted to be in.

Rhiannon, said: “I feel that when I was being brought up I was never, ever, given the impression that I couldn’t achieve whatever I wanted to achieve.  I have very strong family background in terms of female leadership and striding out, making their own mark.”

I never felt that I couldn’t do that. I would always just presume I would have the right to be able to be alongside men, in terms of the job that I was doing or where I wanted to be.  I never really thought differently about that. So, I suppose I had a little bit of a confidence, if you like.”

I don’t know if it had ever been highlighted to me in such a clear way that even the way I am is probably thanks, partly to having been brought up in a house where I was constantly pushed to do whatever I wanted to.  Also, very importantly I also want to highlight that Rhiannon tells us that she wasn’t just told she could do things, but was shown this, by the women in her family.  I have, too, and I definitely think it has made a difference to the way I am.

This show is something that is needed in the area, as young women who don’t have these strong women at home or in their own lives have the chance to be shown what is possible.  But, after just over a month of the show I think I have a new appreciation for just how important it is.

The question posed to Julia when she tells people about the work in Kemnitz, with the European city of culture, is: “You’re doing that on your own?”

Julia told me that it is important to stick with what you want to do and what you feel you have to do.  People say to women that they’re being over ambitious, but Julia told me that it is okay even if you have to take side roads but keep going with your dream.

The one thing that really stuck with me, too, is that Julia said: “dig deep and find your passion”.  I really feel that is what I am doing.

I feel so lucky to be able to speak to an amazing woman every week of the show and be imparted with brilliant advice and experiences, first hand.  I become even more passionate about passing on these interviews to the audience every week as the women I speak to encourage me with their words.