This week is International Women’s Day 2025, the theme #AccelerateAction reminds us that progress toward gender equality requires more than just conversation, it demands bold, decisive steps. Across industries, women in leadership are not just breaking barriers, they are actively reshaping workplaces, policies, and cultures to create a more inclusive future.
Throughout this month we are running our Women in Leadership series! We have a fantastic group of inspirational women leaders, sharing their insights, challenges, and strategies for accelerating action. Their stories highlight what it takes to not only reach the top but inspire other women looking to progress their career into a leadership role.
In this installment, we have Natalie Fahey, Chief Marketing Officer at CRAFTD. Natalie has over 14 years' experience, and has been a marketing leader with some of the UK’s most recognisable brands: In The Style, Public Desire, PLT, Missguided, Fashion Union and Ello.
1. Please could you provide an overview of your role?
I’d say it’s a mix of two worlds - marketing and operations. At CRAFTD, we’re fortunate that we don’t operate in a traditional way. We’re a lean team that works to the strengths of the individual, meaning we find the best person for each task regardless of job title or hierarchy. My day to day varies significantly from project and people management, right through to brand strategy and logistics. You can catch me supporting the CS team solving customer queries one day and signing off OOH artwork the next—and I LOVE IT!
2. What do you feel is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career so far?
Honestly, I’d say it’s been my own confidence at times. When I moved into more senior roles, I struggled with the shift from hands on tasks with clear, tangible results to positions where the output wasn’t as obvious. Luckily, I had some incredible role models along the way who helped me find my footing and demonstrate my worth.
3. What are you most proud of in your career so far?
When I look back, I’m so proud of many achievements we made as teams and as brands collectively. But if I had to pick one, it would be knowing when to walk away from the fast fashion industry. I dreamed of working in fashion my whole life, studied it at both degree and master’s level, and invested so much time into that one goal. Admitting it no longer aligned with my life and career aspirations and having the courage to make a change was a huge moment for me.
4. What advice would you give to women who aspire to work in a leadership role?
That it’s okay to be yourself, have a personality, and be vulnerable. If that’s not accepted, then it’s probably not a place you want to be anyway. I’d also encourage all leaders to delegate when needed. I often see women in particular, taking on a lot of ‘invisible’ tasks that add to their workload, when they shouldn’t be there in the first place.
5. This year’s theme is Accelerate Action, what factors do you think have caused an imbalance at the top of the ladder between men and women, and what do you think businesses need to do to improve gender equality in senior leadership?
There are so many complex factors that have led to gender inequality at a senior level, but it’s great to see this getting more attention. It’s also nice to see more men actively supporting and driving the conversation, which for me has been one of the biggest shifts. Rather than focusing on the causes of imbalance though, I’d rather look at what’s changing. Keeping this a priority is the only way we close the gap faster—because waiting 257 years just isn’t acceptable!
Huge thanks to Natalie for taking the time to share her experience and advice with us! Keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment of our International Women’s Day Series later this week.
If you are looking to take the next step in your marketing career – get in touch with the team to chat about our current opportunities.
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