At RISE 2026, one of the most moving conversations of the day centred on a simple but powerful question:
What happens when someone believes in you before you fully believe in yourself?
The panel, From Potential to Possibility: The Power of a Stepping Stone, brought together three remarkable women: Jackie Hyde, sponsor of Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award, Jenny Matthews, mentor and business champion, and Sue Cain, one of the award recipients whose journey demonstrates the lasting impact of opportunity, encouragement and support.
Moderated by Sandra McManus, the discussion quickly moved beyond business and funding. It became a conversation about confidence, resilience, mentorship and the life-changing power of being seen. Throughout the session, a recurring theme emerged.
Success rarely happens in isolation.
Behind many successful women is often a person who opened a door, shared their knowledge, offered encouragement, or simply said, “I believe in you.”
Jackie Hyde spoke passionately about the importance of creating opportunities for women who have the talent, determination and vision to succeed but may need support to take the next step. Through Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award, she has helped create exactly that: not simply an award, but a platform for growth.
The discussion explored the difference between receiving an opportunity and truly embracing it. It highlighted the courage required to step forward, often before feeling fully ready, and the importance of having people around you who champion your potential.
Jenny Matthews reflected on the role mentoring plays alongside financial support. While funding can provide practical help, mentoring provides something equally valuable: confidence, perspective and accountability. Sometimes the greatest transformation occurs when someone begins to see possibilities for themselves that they had never previously considered.
For many in the audience, Sue Cain’s story brought these ideas to life. She spoke honestly about her journey, the challenges she faced, the doubts she encountered and the impact the award has had on her personally and professionally. Her story was a reminder that growth is rarely a straight line. Progress often begins with a single opportunity, a conversation, or a moment when someone extends a hand and says, “Let’s do this together.”
As the discussion continued, the conversation widened beyond individual experiences. What responsibility do we all have to become stepping stones for others? Whether through mentoring, sponsorship, networking, introductions, encouragement or simply sharing our experience, every one of us has the ability to help someone move from uncertainty to possibility.
The panel was a powerful reminder that leadership is not simply about achieving success ourselves. It is about creating pathways for others to succeed too.
That is the spirit behind Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award. Created in memory of Stacey Withington, the award exists to support women with ambition, ideas and potential by providing funding, mentoring and access to a supportive community that wants to see them thrive. The stories shared during the session reinforced just how important initiatives like this are. They also reminded us that sometimes the smallest intervention can create the biggest change.
One conversation.
One introduction.
One opportunity.
One person who believes in you.
Following the overwhelmingly positive response to this session at RISE 2026, we are delighted to announce that applications for Stacey’s Stepping Stone Award 2026 have been extended until the end of the month. This year, the award has grown even further, offering £1,500 in funding alongside mentoring, guidance, support and access to the She Inspires network.
If you have a business idea, a project, a dream you have been nurturing, or you know someone who does, we encourage you to apply.
Because potential deserves opportunity.
And sometimes all it takes is a stepping stone to change the direction of a life, a business or a future.
Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026steppingstone
Because every successful journey starts with a first step.
