IWD 2026 - interview with: Rachel Thomson

Our International Women’s Months interview series delves into the experiences and insights of leaders shaping the future of our industry.

This is Rachel Thomson, #13 Most powerful and influential woman in Food and Beverage - Middle East - Caterer. Most influential female leader UK - AI Global.

How important is it for you to actively sponsor (not just mentor) each other, and what does that active support look like in practice?

Sponsorship is 100% essential! I really disagree with the mentality ‘I did it all by myself’ we all had a helping hand, somewhere right?  – we need mentors and leaders to shape who we are and define us. Mentorship is guidance; sponsorship is action.

Active support looks like:

• speaking someone’s name in rooms they aren’t in yet: this is huge! Many people around me did this for me and when it was my time to progress, I already had a reputation and felt as if I was part of the ‘circle’ when 
• recommending women for stretch roles, not just safe ones
• backing them publicly and giving them visibility
• advocating for fair pay and promotion opportunities

It’s using your influence intentionally, not just cheering from the sidelines, but helping open the doors! If there is talent, it is our role as influential women to ensure that we do everything we can to untap that potential. 

What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self at the start of your career?

Back yourself. Really, really, back yourself. People won’t always agree with you, there will be friction along the way, but never stop backing yourself! Sometimes I would doubt myself or question myself. 

You are more capable than you think, and you deserve every opportunity you work for. Speak up, take risks, and don’t shrink to make others comfortable. Your journey is your power. 

My journey is far from complete, and I know there is going to be obstacles still occurring for me whilst I continue, but this is what I thank my younger self for. She was tenacious, driven and powerful.  I am still her and will never change the fire in me that the young girl had. 

Have you had mentors or role models who influenced your career? How did they help?

So many! When I first started in management. I was taught by Kayte, who was a total inspiration. 

She literally would ask me ‘why’ to everything I did (and didn’t do… ha) and sometimes I wouldn’t even have the answer.  

I would look blank, genuinely unaware of why I did an action in management, or even a strategy. This taught me so much and I use it in my every day.  Why are you doing this? Why is the outcome right? Why would a member of your team feel this way? 

So, this has really stayed present with me in my management style.  It’s such a simple, yet powerful way to ensure that I am always thinking cohesively.  

The best part? She was a powerhouse of a mentor, so this allowed me to be even more driven by women in power.