Women blow hot and cold (quite literally when you get to my age)..

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible, empowered women but one ‘boss’ has always stuck with me - not because she inspired me, but because I could never quite figure her out!

She was strong, feisty, ballsy, one of the guys. I was fresh out of university and probably trying too hard. But it always felt as though I could never quite get it right. One day, I was part of the 'inner circle', (only women will understand the fresh hell this implies) - gossiping over a bottle of rosé together. The next, her door was firmly closed. 

It was an early lesson; when women work together, they can create something truly brilliant. But I think it’s a bit like parenting - establishing boundaries is essential - it's OK not to be best mates with your boss, just because you're both women. 

I'd love to hear your experiences.

Pictured here are my two greatest champions: my sister, Christina Astin and mum, Anna. My mother, a lifelong teacher of modern languages and a keen feminist, always encouraged me to keep my career going. She made sure that my return to work - when my babies were still tiny - was as painless as possible. My brilliant big sister, meanwhile has been - and continues to be a constant source of love, support and motivation.

Here we are at Canterbury's Beany Museum, shortly before meeting Queen Camilla. Here's the full story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd17y5228dro