IWD 2026: Why #GivetoGain Is the antidote to the 'knowledge is power' myth

Early in my career as a marketing executive, a director gave me a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since - though not for the reasons they intended.

"Knowledge is power," she told me, "so keep it to yourself. If you share everything you know, you make yourself replaceable."

In reality, that approach leads to exhaustion. Being the only person who knows how the metaphorical 'magic' happens isn't a power move - it's just a really great way to ensure you never get a quiet holiday!

She viewed professional expertise as a finite resource to be hoarded. In practice, that mindset didn't just limit individuals; it quietly reinforced the very barriers that already hold women back in tech. In her attempt to maintain power through silence, she created an environment where growth was stifled. For me, the outcome was immediate: I learned what I could, recognised the ceiling above me, and left for an environment where I could truly thrive.

As we mark International Women's Day 2026 under the theme #GivetoGain, that experience serves as a powerful reminder of how a scarcity mindset continues to hinder gender equity in tech. If we want a more diverse, innovative, and resilient industry, we must be willing to give - not just resources, but knowledge, time, and advocacy.

Flipping the Script: Knowledge as a Catalyst

I decided early on to ignore that director's advice and become an "open book." In the fast-paced world of technology and critical communications, the idea that one person can - or should - hold all the answers is a relic of the past. Honestly, in an industry that moves this fast, trying to be the sole gatekeeper of information is less of a "power move" and more of a one-way ticket to burnout.

My recent journey to becoming a Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) really hammered this home. The assessment isn't just a test of what you know; it's a commitment to "reflective practice" - the habit of constantly questioning the why and sharing those insights to move the profession forward. It taught me that my value as Head of Marketing doesn't come from being a human encyclopaedia of Multitone's secrets. It comes from my ability to create a strategic framework that the whole team can use to win.

Marketing, in particular, never stands still. You never truly "finish" learning the role because the landscape shifts every time a new algorithm drops. In this environment, hoarding knowledge doesn't make you powerful; it makes you a bottleneck.

When leaders share context and experience openly, they don't diminish their own value - they multiply the capability of the entire team. I've seen junior marketers step into leadership far faster when they're trusted with the "big picture" strategy rather than just a to-do list. By giving away my "secrets," I gain something much more valuable: a team that is agile, confident, and capable of driving exceptional growth without needing me to green-light every single decision.

The Gift of Time in a High-Speed Industry

In male-dominated sectors like technology and critical communications, I've been fortunate to work alongside some excellent male leaders. However, the rarity of strong female mentors early in my career shaped a very specific ambition: I strive to be the leader I didn't have.

But here is the thing about #GivetoGain: while I am passionate about championing women for IWD, this philosophy isn't an exclusive club. It's a tide that lifts all boats. In tech, we don't just need more women; we need a culture where everyone feels that sharing a brilliant idea is safer than hiding it.

In an industry obsessed with sprints, performance metrics, and real-time data, choosing to slow down and give someone your full attention is a quietly radical act of leadership. It's about being a genuine cheerleader for your team's progress - even if it means your own inbox has to wait ten minutes.

This investment is far from one-sided. By giving time to those earlier in their careers - I've gained as much as I've given. The next generation brings fresh perspectives on technology and social equity that are essential for any marketing leader who wants to stay relevant. If I don't give them my time, I lose out on their insight. It's a fair trade in my book!

Structural Giving: Creating the Conditions to Succeed

For the industry to truly gain from the talent of women, the give must also be structural.

• Flexibility as a foundation. Hybrid and remote working models are no longer perks; they are essential tools. By giving employees autonomy over how and where they work, organisations gain higher retention, stronger engagement, and deeper loyalty - particularly among women balancing multiple responsibilities.
• The power of connection. The rise of female-focused networking groups, webinars, and podcasts has created vital spaces for women who may feel excluded from traditional, male-dominated tech forums. These platforms enable a different kind of giving: the sharing of lived experience, honest challenges, and practical guidance that helps others navigate careers in tech with confidence.

A New Legacy for 2026

The #GivetoGain theme challenges us to move away from a gatekeeper mentality. True power in 2026 isn't found in what we protect or withhold; it's found in what we choose to share.

As leaders in marketing and technology, our legacy shouldn't be the knowledge we guarded to remain "irreplaceable." It should be the confident, capable women who rose through the ranks because we shared context, gave our time, and actively championed their progress.

So, this International Women's Day, the question isn't what you might lose by giving - it's what the industry could gain.

Who are you sharing knowledge with this year?