Welcome to our new blog series of inspiring and uplifting stories of wisdom and experiences of incredible women. In today’s blog we hear from Julie Kapsalis CEO of North East Surrey College of Technology and her journey from girl to successful Business Person.
You can take part in the campaign by visiting our virtual wall and telling us what you think girls can be. Just complete the following sentence, by filling in the blank: Girls can ____________.
Growing up in Surrey in the late 1970s, I had a simple dream: to be either an actress or a fashion designer.
While I didn’t quite make it into either profession, I did win the senior needlework prize twice (okay, so I was the only student in the class). Still, the creative world beckoned, and after a rocky start at university, I found myself taking a year out to study French at the Sorbonne in Paris — though I probably spent more time in cafés than in class!
After eventually completing a degree in English Literature at Exeter, I sent out over 100 job applications, only to be rejected every time. It was discouraging, but eventually I found a marketing agency whose PR team needed someone who knew something about art.
That’s where my early trips to galleries with my mother paid off! They helped me get my first job, and I began working at one of the top consumer PR agencies in the country.
From there, my career took off, moving into economic development marketing and then project management. I travelled the world, developed business support programs, and even contributed to London’s bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I found myself facing gender discrimination during overseas business trips — often mistaken as the junior team member, just because I was a woman.
But instead of letting it break me, I used these moments to fuel my drive for success.
Balancing career and motherhood was another hurdle I had to overcome. After the birth of my first son in 2011, I had to leave my role just as I was about to work on the London 2012 Games. Yet, life has a funny way of working out — I was offered a role with LOCOG (the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games), where I could work flexibly while caring for my newborn.
Four weeks before the Games started, my second son was born, and I watched with pride as London hosted one of the most successful Olympic and Paralympic events ever. But being a working mother wasn’t easy.
I was often one of the only mothers at my children’s school with a full-time job, constantly juggling responsibilities and dealing with guilt. Yet, those experiences made me stronger and more determined to carve out a path not just for myself, but for other women.
As CEO of North East Surrey College of Technology (Nescot), I’m now in a position to make bold decisions and push for change. One of my proudest achievements was establishing a girls’ football academy — something that hadn’t been done before, simply because no one had thought to push for it.
I believe that success isn’t just about titles or recognition (though being named Business Person of the Year at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards was a humbling moment). Success is about using your platform to help others and pave the way for future generations. I’ve had incredible mentors, friends, and colleagues who have supported me along the way, and now it’s my turn to support others.
Looking back on my journey, there have been plenty of challenges.
I’ve had to call my parents to tell them I was leaving university, thinking I’d failed them. I’ve faced rejection after rejection for jobs I desperately wanted. I’ve had to leave toxic relationships and work environments that didn’t align with my values. But every setback was a lesson, and every obstacle helped shape who I am today.
If there’s one message I want young women to take away from my story, it’s this, you can be anything.
Whether you want to lead a company, travel the world, or create something new and exciting, the possibilities are endless. It won’t always be easy, and you may need to challenge conventions along the way, but it’s worth it.
And let’s not forget the importance of being yourself. Throughout my career, I unintentionally developed a personal brand of bright, colourful clothes and bold hair. Now, it’s become an intentional part of who I am.
Being different can be your greatest strength. Dare to stand out, and don’t be afraid to take up space.
So, what’s next? The future I envision is one where women have equal opportunities in all areas of life. A world where gender is no longer a barrier to success. I hope to continue making strides in education, supporting social mobility, and, most of all, helping my two children realise their dreams.
**Now it’s your turn to inspire others.** What do you believe girls can achieve? Head over to our virtual message board and share your thoughts on what girls can be and do.
Let’s create a community that empowers every girl to dream big, push boundaries, and change the world.