Jacqui Meskell
Founder/CEO, Huggnote
📍Limerick, Ireland
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
For me, there’s no question, and it’s the exact opposite of what some leaders have been pushing for lately. The best way to create a positive impact on both society and the economy is to have more women in leadership, running companies and, indeed, countries. With business and politics becoming increasingly intertwined, the stakes have never been higher.
Women’s voices need to be heard. It's critical we have a seat at the table, not as a token gesture, but because women-led companies are more likely to tackle pressing societal issues. Female-led teams take better care of their employees and communities, creating lasting benefits that extend for generations. And, for those in the back - the data is undeniable: women-led companies consistently outperform those led by men.
That’s no coincidence. When profits and purpose align, everybody wins.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
Huggnote is on a mission to make two billion hearts sing, because we believe that's exactly what the world needs now and well into the future. Technologies may evolve, but our core mission remains the same: to be a catalyst for fostering genuine, heartfelt connection. To make it easy to be there for others in the instant it's needed. And yes, our ambition is bold. But that’s the point. We want to inspire others to dream big, chase their passions fearlessly, and know that with courage, failure isn’t an option.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empathic.
As a leader, I’m crystal clear on my mission and the strategy to achieve it. I set high standards for myself and others because I believe we’re all capable of far more than we realise. But potential can only be fully unlocked when it’s nurtured the right way.
Every team member has unique circumstances, strengths, and needs. To lead effectively, I believe it’s my responsibility to understand these and create the right conditions that will enable each person to thrive, because when people are at their best, they perform at their best.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of your femininity, it’s a strength. Lean into it.
Unlearn everything that dulls your intuition and question everything. We don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done. In fact, it's imperative that we don't. We won’t find our way forward by following the same path that led us here.
Unlearn everything that dulls your intuition and question everything.
Remember that every societal, political, and economic construct thus far was designed through an androcentric lens. We cannot build a new future with the same old bricks.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
So much! 2025 is already shaping up to be a whirlwind year, and we’re ready for it. We have ambitious goals for Huggnote's growth, plus a big geographic move on the horizon, very exciting! The best part? Getting to do it all with my sister and co-founder Perry.
Entrepreneurship, like life, is all about the journey - we can be sure there will be lots of ups and downs but I couldn’t ask for a better co-pilot.
