The wait is over. Disruptors 4 is officially here!
In commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) as per Violet Simon’s tradition, Disruptors 4 launches today! We have moved the launch ahead by two days since IWD falls on a Saturday this year.
I have always believed that if the rules don’t work for you, rewrite them. That is why I am known as the “Chief Troublemaker.” Break the rules that make no sense and create new ones! - Shelley Zalis, Founder and CEO, The Female Quotient
In this fourth issue, you will find the stories of 31 exemplary women disrupting industries, defying expectations, and paving the way for a future where gender is no barrier to success.
Disruptors 4 features women such as Shelley Zalis, Zainab Balogun, Tania Bryer OBE, Cindy Gallop, Ida Tin, Nazanin Boniadi, Dr Diahanne Rhiney, Anna Whitehouse, and Dr (Pharm). Chizomam Ann Emeje, among other incredible women.
Addressing a spectrum of issues from equality to inclusion, this issue also continues to champion the term 'Disruptor'—often perceived negatively—to underscore its necessity.
The term 'Disruptor' often carries a negative connotation, but throughout history, every transformative force of positive change has had to disrupt the status quo. These words, initially penned in the first issue of Disruptors, have evolved into a guiding slogan for Violet Simon, our Disruptors series and many others.
We often associate being a Disruptor with making grand achievements in high places, but the essence of positive disruption is about challenging the status quo and creating meaningful impact through small, everyday actions. These seemingly minor efforts are the building blocks that lead to significant change, showing us that even the smallest actions hold tremendous value.
I hope my legacy is one of love. It is natural to harbour hatred towards rights abusers and approach this work with vengeance, but this only perpetuates the cycle of repression. - Nazanin Boniadi
Disruptors are risk-takers. History shows us that the women we now see as Disruptors took bold risks that paved the way for positive change.
They are leaders, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their goals, often in pursuit of new ways of living, new social contracts, new businesses to serve untapped markets, or simply new ways of thinking.
While the world may feel precarious and heavy now, we need Disruptors more than ever before. Shedding the old requires challenging entrenched values that no longer serve us, but it doesn't always mean fighting; often, it is the subtle shifts that count. For some, it is prioritising mental well-being; for others, it is exploring new career paths, social contracts, or ideas.
As Violet Simon celebrates its 10th anniversary in September, we reflect on a decade of featuring thousands of women's stories and reaching millions of people across the globe.
As you read each story, we hope you feel inspired and informed. May these stories encourage you to dig deep, ask questions, step out of your comfort zone, and reflect on your own journey to discover or celebrate what makes you a Disruptor.
Disruptors members get a discount on digital and physical copies. You can subscribe or upgrade your subscription to a Disruptors membership below:
A little secret—something else is coming soon. A tool to help YOU turn inspiration into action. Stay tuned.
Photo Credits
Anna Whitehouse: Photo by Charlotte Gray
Cindy Gallop: Photo by Dorie Hagler
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