GIY Grow It Yourself: Empowering People To Grow

For this month’s changemaker we have chosen GIY (Grow It Yourself), an award-winning Irish social enterprise dedicated to transforming people’s mindset with food and how they engage with food. Founded in 2008 in Waterford by Michael Kelly, GIY’s mission is simple, it encourages people to live healthier, happier and more sustainable lives by growing some of their own food. You may have seen some of his videos calling out Irish supermarkets and fruit and veg brands on local sourcing and mis labelling.

Through education, advocacy and community-based action, GIY is opening the conversation of some of the most pressing challenges including climate change and biodiversity loss by reconnecting people with the source of their food.

GIY promotes what it calls food empathy: a deeper understanding of the effort, resources and care involved in producing food. By encouraging people to grow even a small portion of what they eat, GIY inspires more mindful consumption, healthier dietary habits and stronger environmental awareness. This approach creates positive behaviour changes such as increased consumption of fresh, seasonal produce, reduced food waste, greater appreciation for local food systems and a stronger connection to nature and community.

GIY delivers a wide range of programmes and campaigns across Ireland which engages communities, schools and workplaces in hands-on food education. Its flagship initiative, GROW at School, provides garden-based learning opportunities for primary school children, combining food growing with lessons in nutrition, sustainability and wellbeing. The organisation’s ambition is to ensure that every child in Ireland has access to food-growing education, fostering lifelong skills and values that support both personal and planetary health.

Looking ahead, GIY aims to inspire 100 million people worldwide to grow, cook and eat some of their own food by 2030, positioning Ireland as a leader in sustainable food education and citizen action.

GIY demonstrates that meaningful change does not always begin with large-scale infrastructure or policy shifts, it can begin in a garden, a schoolyard or a windowsill.

For more information on GIY, visit the website here or follow the team on Instagram.

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Fit20 Training Method Of Choice To Preserve Muscle Mass During Glp-1 Agonists Use

With millions now using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, a growing body of evidence highlights a significant side effect which is the substantial loss of lean muscle mass. Studies show that 20% – 40% of the weight lost on these drugs can come from muscle tissue – the same phenomenon that occurs with any form of caloric restriction.

fit20 offers a uniquely effective counter measure that does not require excessive weight training.

The fit20 method uses slow, controlled, achievable resistance training under the guidance of a personal trainer. Using the proven method of ‘momentary muscular failure’ which is working a muscle until it is at is peak tension point, when the body sends a signal to the muscle to use all its fibres strengthening the muscle.

Mark Bundschu, fit20 Ireland owner explains. “During fit20 training, when we are working the muscle, the brain sends a signal saying, ‘‘muscle is required – keep it’, as a result, muscle protein is spared for energy production, metabolism is protected, and the negative effects of rapid weight loss are dramatically reduced. During caloric restriction the body unfortunately converts muscle into fuel. By taking each exercise to true momentary muscle failure, fit20 tells the body that muscle maintenance is non-negotiable and recruits every fibre. This is especially valuable for the rapidly growing number of people using GLP-1 agonists.”

A single fit20 session lasts just 20 minutes, is performed once per week, requires no change of clothes, produces no sweat, and is suitable for every age and fitness level. The low-impact, machine-based protocol is safe, measurable and highly efficient. Located in Dublin and Donegal, fit20 is perfectly positioned to support both existing clients and the influx of new members who are losing weight with medication or diet. Located in Unit 3, Blackglen Village Centre in Sandyford, Dublin 18. For further information, visit www.fit20.com

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Elevate your manicure with the Debenhams nail polish for women best-sellers, featuring a curated selection of industry icons and eco-conscious formulas. Whether you’re looking for the legendary chip-resistance of OPI, the lightning-fast drying power of Rimmel London, or the plant-based ingredients of Nature Strong, this collection delivers professional-grade results at home. From high-shine finishes to high-coverage pigments, these most-loved shades and formulas are designed to provide long-lasting wear and a salon-quality look for every occasion.

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Elevate your footwear game with the XY London heel sandal for women collection, where high-fashion silhouettes meet everyday affordability. Whether you’re searching for the modern edge of a square-toe stiletto mule, the red-carpet sparkle of diamante-encrusted wedges, or the timeless security of an ankle-strap kitten heel, this range has the perfect pair for every invite. From polished patent finishes to soft faux suede and head-turning metallics, XY London delivers the ultimate blend of comfort and “it-girl” style. Find your foundation for wedding season, graduation, or a night out with designs engineered to keep you on your feet from dusk till dawn.

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Cos Shirt, Toteme Skirt (old, similar here and here), Lisa Yang Sweater, Janessa Leone Hat, Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, Hermes Tote (similar here)

Transitional weather is when a great knit really earns its place. Mornings start cool, afternoons warm up, and by evening there’s a slight chill again—so having an easy sweater nearby just makes sense. Lightweight cotton and softer cashmere blends are perfect for this time of year, especially in brighter spring shades like butter yellow, sky blue, fresh green, and soft pink. They add color, warmth, and an easy layer without ever feeling heavy.

Instead of wearing them the expected way, knits can become part of the outfit’s shape. Draped over the shoulders, they bring color to simple pieces like a white tee and skirt. Tied loosely around the waist, they add a relaxed, effortless layer to dresses or fuller silhouettes. A cardigan worn buttoned like a top with a high-waisted skirt or trousers feels polished but still easy. Even a slim knit polo paired with a full skirt or relaxed denim creates a balanced look that works as temperatures shift throughout the day.

Flore Flore Shirt, Hermes Skirt (similar here), Kujten Sweater, Margaux Sandals, Chanel Bag, Bottega Veneta Sunglasses

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For busy working women, the suit is often the easiest outfit to throw on in the morning. In general, this feature is not about interview suits for women, which should be as classic and basic as you get — instead, this feature is about the slightly different suit that is fashionable, yet professional. Also check our big roundup for the best women’s suits!

I’m wracking my brain: I don’t think we’ve posted too many suits with a floral print, like this lovely one from Brooks Brothers.

It’s definitely not a suit (or a look in general) for everyone — but I think the relatively small, muted pattern really works here. I like the pieces both together as well as as separates.

The suiting pieces are $228-$398, at Brooks Brothers.

Sales of note for 3/6:

• Nordstrom has a big beauty sale afoot, including lots of products that don’t normally go on sale. Reader favorites include this tinted balm, this other tinted balm, this concealer, and this exfoliating serum. (OK, this classic tinted balm also!)
• Ann Taylor – $40 off pants, $50 off jackets, 30% off tops and sweaters, and 40% off accessories — plus extra 50% off all sale
• Banana Republic Factory – 40% off + extra 20% off
• Bloomingdale’s – Beauty & Fragrance Promo: Take 15% off almost all $150+ purchases! (ends 3/8)
• Boden – 15% off new styles with code
• Brooklinen – Friends & Family sale, enjoy 20% off sitewide and up to 50% off select bundles (ends 3/18)
• Brooks Brothers – Extra 25% off clearance + 25% off select jewelry
• Dermstore – Beauty Refresh sale, up to 20% off! Brands in the sale include Elta MD, Sunday Riley, and Augustinus Bader — and there’s a ton of HSA/FSA eligible things too. They also have some nice “best of Dermstore” kits, including a sunscreen selection!
• Elie Tahari – Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off.
• Evereve – Spring sale!
• Express – $75 off $200, BOGO 50% off sitewide, and $25+ dresses
• J.Crew – 40% off spring-ready styles + extra 30% off all sale styles with code
• J.Crew Factory – 40% off everything + extra 50% off clearance
• Lo & Sons – End of winter sale, up to 50% off — reader favorites include this laptop tote, this backpack, and this crossbody
• M.Gemi – Friends & Family sale early access with code FF2025
• M.M.LaFleur – Wear to Work Bundle, buy 2 items get 15% off; buy 3 items get 20% off (you can also try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off)
• Nordstrom – 4,000 new markdowns for women! Cardmembers get a $20 note for every $200 you spend (ends 3/8)
• Ruti – 20% off Core Collection
• Saks OFF5TH – Liquidation sale, up to 80% off! Everything final sale.
• Soma – $30 bra event, save up to 60%
• Talbots – 25% off entire purchase, plus free shipping on $150+

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We’ve covered a lot of books with general advice for businesswomen, but let’s face it — a lot of those books have younger women right out of grad school as their target (and were written quite a while ago, like former reader favorites Lean In and Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office). It can be hard to find some good reading to help you level up in your career if you’re already doing well… so I’m always interested to hear what the readers recommend! These are some of the books people have mentioned as being particularly great for women managers, directors, and other women looking to move to more senior roles.

Readers, what leadership books would you recommend for women managers and directors?

The Best Books for Women Managers

How Women Rise

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job, by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith, came up in a conversation with a reader who kept getting rejected from jobs she was qualified for. She wasn’t getting good feedback, and worried she had a general “gets stuff done” vibe that was more employee than manager. Specifically, she said,

the last role I was rejected from was for a department I worked in previously, and have a good relationship with one of the decisionmakers. I asked for feedback and got something like “keep trying, this was just not the one for you”. This is generally what I get when I ask for feedback.

A commenter recommended this book, noting that it was particularly helpful when she was at a similar point in her career: “More general feedback than what to do in specific interviews, but when I was at this point in my career (“maybe not enough “executive” and more “gets stuff done”) I found the book “How Women Rise” to be invaluable.” Another reader called the book a “gamechanger” for her.

In another discussion, a commenter suggested a product manager should “run, don’t walk” to read this book, noting this one was much more women-centric than other books by the same authors.

The book was written by leadership coaches; Amazon describes how the book came from their experience:

Again and again, they see that women face specific and different roadblocks from men as they advance in the workplace. In fact, the very habits that helped women early in their careers can hinder them as they move up. Simply put, what got you here won’t get you there . . . and you might not even realize your blind spots until it’s too late.

Are you great with the details? To rise, you need to do less and delegate more.

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Are you a team player? To advance, you need to take credit as easily as you share it.

Are you a star networker? Leaders know a network is no good unless you know how to use it.

This book was written in 2018; Marshall Goldsmith also authored another book readers have recommended: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful. (The first edition from 2011 of What Got You Here is available on Kindle Unlimited and on Audible!)

The Secret Handshake

The Secret Handshake: Mastering the Politics of the Business Inner Circle, by Kathleen Kelley Reardon, Ph.D. has been mentioned a few times by readers, also, specifically in response to questions about office politics and leadership like this one from a commenter:

Does anyone have any resources for office politics, specifically getting promoted? I’m starting a new job soon and at my current gig I was well regarded and did good work but wasn’t considered for supervisor and management positions. I find i have little instinct for which projects will be considered important, for example. Or I’ll lean into the wrong metric and have little to show for it. 

From the Amazon description, the book is based on “hundreds of candid interviews with executives at Fortune 500 companies who have achieved their goals and joined the inner circle,” and seeks to “lay bare the unstated conventions that govern and shape corporate hierarchies.” (We got into this a bit when we discussed invisible furniture, too!)

(Another book recommended in that thread: Seeing the Big Picture, by Kevin Cope.)

Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader

Herminia Ibarra’s books have been hits for a while here — Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader has been recommended a few times in conjunction with The Secret Handshake.

From the Amazon description, the book promises to help you

• Redefine your job in order to make more strategic contributions
• Diversify your network so that you connect to, and learn from, a bigger range of stakeholders
• Become more playful with your self-concept, allowing your familiar—and possibly outdated—leadership style to evolve

Ibarra turns the usual “think first and then act” philosophy on its head by arguing that doing these three things will help you learn through action and will increase what she calls your outsight—the valuable external perspective you gain from direct experiences and experimentation. As opposed to insight, outsight will then help change the way you think as a leader: about what kind of work is important; how you should invest your time; why and which relationships matter in informing and supporting your leadership; and, ultimately, who you want to become.

(Readers also frequently recommend Ibarra’s earlier book, Working Identity — and that one has a 2023 edition out now!)

Radical Candor

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, by Kim Scott, has come up a few times, especially in response to questions like this one:

Favorite books about how to pull yourself out of the weeds and manage/lead managers? I’ve done it before, but I really struggled with delegating and letting go and could use some inspiration as well as practical advice.

In response, readers suggested this book — which is currently the #1 bestseller in “Workplace Behavior” on Amazon, and is available on Kindle Unlimited. Amazon describes the book as being

about caring personally and challenging directly, about soliciting criticism to improve your leadership and also providing guidance that helps others grow. It focuses on praise but doesn’t shy away from criticism—to help you love your work and the people you work with.

The First 90 Days

The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, by Michael D. Watkins, is another frequently mentioned book — one reader even went so far as to say that she rereads it every time she starts a new job.

Obviously, though, the book focuses on “the importance of successful performance during the first 90 days in a new position.” It’s been updated and expanded; it looks like the most recent edition is from 2013.

Other Great Books for Women Managers Recommended by Corporette Readers

A few others mentioned in similar conversations include these books…