For the women out there, British journalist, writer and comedian Viv Groskop, challenges us with a question as a great way to get through this quarantine time is to think: “What can I do to promote a woman who inspires me?”

“The idea of “altruistic ambition” is a useful one right now. Individualistic ambition is part of the old-world order. Doing things for others — so that we all benefit together — is something that will need to be embraced now.” My new book ‘Lift As You Climb’ feels strangely prescient as it’s about how we can’t really do anything in life on our own. Inner strength is always important but the ability to lift others and learn how to ask for their help is a key skill. Although at times since the pandemic started, I have felt like re-naming the book ‘Lift As You Crawl,’ as that’s more how I feel under house arrest at the moment. Thinking about what you can do for other women, however small or personal you start, is a great way to raise the spirits. 

The book has a chapter on How to Support Other Women (Without Disappearing Yourself), which explains that you risk nothing but promoting others. If anything, it raises you up as much as it raises them.

I’ve interviewed many women (and a few men) about this. To hear other successful women talking about their path and how others have supported them, my ‘How to Own the Room’ podcast is a six series that delve into this topic, with everyone from Hillary Clinton and Mary Beard to Margaret Atwood and Julie Andrews talking about how they face high-pressure situations and prepare for the spotlight.

Episode 50 is a masterclass recorded at the beginning of the pandemic and designed to tackle the demands of the new normal. It was recorded in my temporary studio (my daughter’s bedroom — she has thick curtains so it’s perfect for audio recordings) and ties up a lot of the lessons of the past six series and applies them to the present, at a time when people might be feeling anxious or in need of support. This episode includes clips from interviews with Mary Portas, Sandi Toksvig and Matt Brittin and Yonça Dervisoglu at Google which are a great reminder that even people who come across as intimidating and strong have moments of self-doubt and vulnerability. From the back catalogue, these are the most soothing and comforting listens: Nigella Lawson (on overcoming shyness), Nadiya Hussain (on living with anxiety disorder) and Sophie Dahl (on flirting with the spotlight as an introvert). 

A great way to get through this time is to think: “What can I do to promote a woman who inspires me?” This might mean doing some social media posts about books you’re reading or music or podcasts you love. Or discovering the work of an Instagram poet like Rupi Kaur or Nayyirah Waheed — both writing beautiful words which really give all of us a lift. Or, take a screenshot of a quote and sending it to a friend. These small things mean a lot right now. There’s never been a better time to help yourself by helping others. 

Lift As You Climb

It’s a companion volume to HOW TO OWN THE ROOM and looks at everything in our working lives that goes on behind closed doors and inside our minds… How can we make ourselves heard in meetings without feeling pushy? How can we help other women speak up? How can we cultivate mentors and role models? How can we ask for more money and get a “yes”? How can we use our ambition for the things we want — balance, space to think, creativity, travel, family — as well as for our work goals? We all know the expression “There is a special place in hell reserved for women who don’t help other women” but what do we really think about that? What does that look like in practice? And why don’t we put that pressure of “lifting others” on men? It’s full of practical advice, hints, tips, takeaways and loads of provocative ideas and questions.