Cover These inspiring women in charity share with Tatler the mantras that have transformed their state of mind (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)

From Fiona Nott of The Women’s Foundation to Kay McArdle of Equal Justice, these women are inspiring thousands with their charity work. But what are the go-to mantras that inspire them? Tatler sits down with them to find out the words they live by

Have you ever heard about the power of a mantra? These little sentences that we repeat like a chant to reassure ourselves are an integral part of our journey to success and happiness. They serve as constant reminders that everything is possible and that we have the strength within us to conquer our aspirations. Our Front & Female Award winners this year, and everyday heroines, have also encountered moments of doubt and found comfort in their own guiding mantras.

From Jennifer Yu Cheng, group president and deputy vice chairwoman of CTF Education Group, who shares her go-to mantra to overcome challenges, to Kay McArdle, founder and director of equal justice, who draws inspiration from Theodore Roosevelt’s The Man in The Arena speech (which is part of a speech the former US president gave in 1910 in Paris), let’s dive into the motivational words that have boosted these trailblazing ladies’ spirits.

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Jennifer Yu Cheng, group president and deputy vice chairwoman, CTF Education Group

Tatler Asia
Above Jennifer Yu Cheng (Photo: Jacob Liu / Tatler Hong Kong)

“My motto is: See challenges as opportunities and approach them with excitement. Every challenge presents a fresh opportunity to grow and discover something new about yourself and the world.

During the pandemic, CTF Education Group embarked on a transformative journey despite facing ongoing disruptions to teaching and learning in our schools and overall operations. However, these challenges served as a stepping stone to significant achievements by our group to create K-12 education impact. We established our community affiliate JYC Girls Impact Foundation, launched the EduMakers App, and developed strategic plans for some of our schools, resulting in an increase in applications and overall enrolment since last year. Looking ahead, we are excited to announce the upcoming opening of The Education Hub, a new education landmark in the Greater Bay Area, which is also home to Benenden Schools Guangzhou. The challenges we faced during an uncertain time for the world pushed us to consider new perspectives and to innovate. I look back on the past three years with gratitude, as I celebrate both successes and failures, both of which have provided opportunities for personal growth and enriched my life’s journey.”

Fiona Nott, CEO, The Women’s Foundation

Tatler Asia
Above Fiona Nott (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)

“A quote that inspires me is from the late US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Fight for the things you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.

Throughout my career, I’ve championed children’s literacy and gender equality, working in both business and civil society. By standing up for what you believe in, while meeting people where they are at and learning from diverse individuals and communities, can spark incremental change. When we each make incremental changes, it drives lasting, transformative progress for gender equality and inclusion. When challenges seem insurmountable, this quote reminds me that change is unstoppable when we bring others along for the journey.”

Alicia Lui, founder, Wise

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Above Alicia Lui (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)

“I don’t really live by mantras or quotes. I always think: ‘Tomorrow is another day’ so no matter how tough or good or challenging or amazing today is, I always think tomorrow is just a fresh day to experience all the ups and downs of life. When I’m having a bad day, it’s a good reminder that tomorrow can be better. When I’m having an amazing day, it’s a reminder that I can’t get too complacent.”

Manisha Wijesinghe, executive director, Help for Domestic Workers

Tatler Asia
Above Manisha Wijesinghe (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)

“A mantra that has really shaped the way I engage with the world is ‘lift as you climb’. This is something that my mum always said to me. This phrase is such a powerful reminder that we as women should not only focus on being leaders and trailblazers, but we should also ensure that we bring others with us on our journey. We often speak about the importance of mentorship to support women’s success. However, what I have found to be more impactful is sponsorship. I have personally benefited from sponsorship in my life; women [and men] who not only gave me advice on how to succeed, but also opened doors for me, and made space for me to be part of the conversation.

There was a recent report by [consulting company] McKinsey that said that one of the biggest barriers to women moving ahead is not the glass ceiling but the broken rung. The idea that women face challenges in the first crucial step of their journey, which then continues to impact them on their personal and professional journeys. So, the phrase ‘lift as you climb’ reminds me that I’m not alone on my journey to create change and I need to bring others with me, to sponsor women and those who may not get a seat at the table. I do this in my day job at Help for Domestic Workers, which supports and empowers Hong Kong’s migrant women to have the opportunity to succeed, and through my volunteering work at Amber Foundation Empower Programme, which helps Hong Kong’s ethnically diverse young women succeed.”

Kay McArdle, founder and director, Equal Justice

Tatler Asia
Above Kay McArdle (Photo: Affa Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)

“When I find something unfair or unjust, I try to fix it. People sometimes say it can’t be fixed and so I say to myself, ‘Come on, Kay! How hard can it be?’

Theodore Roosevelt’s speech The Man in the Arena—that credits the man, or woman, fighting in the arena and making mistakes—reminds me to have courage. Both of these, along with my family, friends and team, give me strength. I like to think that even when we fail, at least we’ve tried to make things better and learnt along the way.”

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