Join 1000s of people who believe the world needs women’s world-changing leadership
About Shirley
My Journey...
Early Signs
It all worked out
Being a girl
In my very early teens, a great-uncle of mine nicknamed me "Gypsy", because of my penchant for, among other things, hoop earrings, little imagining, I am sure, that most of my life would indeed be spent
traveling the world.
I do that for work, wisdom-gathering
and pleasure.
Shipping was our family business.
I had wanted to go to sea and be
a ship’s captain.
My mother said a hard, "No."
Being a girl
It all worked out
Being a girl
My father entered politics. I thought I would join him on campaign platforms and podiums various. "I'll be good," I said. I was an excellent speaker even when I was very young. "You would, actually, and you are," my father agreed,
but he still said, "No."
I asked to go to university in the Caribbean,
our home region.
Both of my parents said,
"No. Off to England you go."
It all worked out
It all worked out
It all worked out
Over the course of my journey, a veritable odyssey at times, I 've met some wonderful teachers and enjoyed some great successes. I've endured some very hard lessons and losses, laughed at myself and with others – a lot! – and cried for myself and others at least as much.
I came through intact.
Mostly!
I am proud of my accomplishments and I love the work that, "No!" has made me do.
Along the way...
I have written books, papers and news articles, spoken in schools, parliaments, conference rooms and coffee shops, explored history - and fashion and food! - and trained women in places as different as Italy, Zambia, Venezuela, Guyana, Nigeria, China, Bangladesh, the United States, Jordan, Trinidad and Tobago, and Montserrat,
among many others.
In 2015, the members of the CPA, the UK-based Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, elected me Vice-chairperson, to help lead their work among the 180 parliaments across the 53 countries
- and almost 3 000 000 000 (three billion) people -
that comprise the membership.
I am a relentless advocate for women's sovereignty, security and leadership, worldwide.
Now...
My work is expressed through thought leadership and advocating for women in life, leadership and politics.
I teach women how to find the path that leads to their highest, deepest, most empowered self.
My work, therefore, includes being Founder and Host of The Power Table, convener of The Sovereignty Circle, co-chair of the Montserrat Conference, and editor of Wisdom, Folly and Fabulous Shoes.
I am also a sailor, dancer, hiker, fashion enthusiast and shoe devotee who utilises every aspect of my life and experiences
in the work that I do.
When women lead, societies flourish.
"It is possible to do great things from a small space."
Tunde Onakoya - Nigerian Chess Champion
Some of my work over the years
Books
When Women Lead
Some of the Myriad Reasons whey Many Women in Leadership = A Better World
Tolerance Is No Virtue
Ignorance, Appreciation and the Human Story
LEAD GOOD
A Handbook for Political Women
LEADING WOMEN
20 Influential Women Share Their Secrets to Leadership, Business and Life
Edited by Nancy D. O'Reilly, PSYD
“Women’s leadership is not optional. It is essential for building the world we all deserve.”
— Shirley Osborne
