WISH Scotland: Leading With Gratitude

At WISH Scotland we’ve been reflecting on the past year and what we’re grateful for. Our Board Members share our highlights below.

“Leadership and management styles impact on working lives daily, and I am grateful that I am in an environment that allows me to be my authentic self every day. It is liberating, empowering and means that I show up as my true self always – the good, the bad and the ugly.”

Kirsty Wells, Assistant Director at ARK Consultancy and WISH Scotland Chair

“The end of 2025 brought unexpected challenges, including navigating redundancy and the year hasn’t ended as I imagined. But when plans change, it becomes about adapting and making decisions that move you in the right direction. This year has shown me that some of the biggest wins are the quiet ones, the ones found in staying steady, showing up and keeping momentum even when things shift unexpectedly. Taking time to pause, which is easy to overlook in such a busy world, has given me clarity. I’m stepping into 2026 energised by the prospect of new opportunities, fresh challenges and the chance to rebuild with renewed confidence, focus and resilience.”

Julie McManus, WISH Scotland Board Member

“One of my highlights this year was being nominated by my WISH Scotland board colleagues to join other regional award winners in Leeds, to celebrate the impact we make. I was thrilled to be there with so many amazing women and the energy in the room was incredible.

“I’m so grateful for the inspiration, teamwork and leadership from our WISH Scotland Chair and fellow board members.”

Nicola Douglas, Communications Manager at Children First and WISH Scotland Board Member

“Grateful to have been appointed Head of Shakespeare Martineau (Scotland) LLP earlier this year and have our Dispute Resolution team, recognised as “One to Watch” in the Legal 500 after our first full year.

“I’m also grateful for the board of WISH Scotland, who never fail to send a kind message when I look a little frazzled at a meeting. Those small gestures remind me that leadership doesn’t have to be lonely—it’s about community and support.”

Fiona Pask, Head of Shakespeare Martineau (Scotland) LLP and WISH Scotland Board Member

“I have been considering gratitude a lot this year and there is so much to be grateful for, but I like to focus on the small things. Currently I am really grateful for the person swimming really slowly in the pool which meant for the first time ever I actually beat someone. Having taken up swimming this year and having spent most of the year just grateful not to drown this shows real progress and I am clinging to it. I suspect they were not going their fastest but …. let’s just gloss over that!”

Joanna Voisey, Director of Assets and Sustainability at Berwickshire Housing Association and WISH Scotland Board Member

“In the midst of the housing emergency, I’ve been grateful to be involved in the development and letting of a brand-new housing development this year of over sixty flats. We also freed up larger properties by encouraging current tenants to downsize, meaning we could provide new homes for larger homeless families. A reminder that moving to a permanent home transforms lives.”

Catherine Louch, Director of Housing at Prospect Community Housing and WISH Scotland Vice Chair

“Starting a new role earlier this year, I have to say how grateful I am for my new manager. She has restored my faith in myself and really believes in me. I wouldn't have felt confident to apply for WISH board membership without her support. Women celebrating women is contagious - pass it on!”

Lynn Mark, Locality Housing Manager at Link and WISH Scotland Board Member

WISH Scotland’s Christmas event took place on 4 December at Hanover Scotland in Edinburgh. As well as a fun festive quiz, attendees heard from Jackie Wade about how we can use our leadership to make people feel like they matter. To book your place at future WISH Scotland events, head to our regional page and scroll down to the events section.

We look forward to seeing you in 2026!