International Women’s Day 2026 – A conversation with Helen Russell

For International Women’s Day this year, the theme ‘Give to Gain’ is all about encouraging individuals and organisations to share knowledge, inspiration and champion each other so that women at all levels thrive.

This year, we spoke to colleagues across the firm about the experiences and insights that have shaped their careers and the support they have received along the way. Next up, we’re hearing from Helen Russell, lead HR consultant and solicitor in our employment & HR team.

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Harrison Drury.

I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s and my first job, in 1995, was proof reading catalogue blurbs at an electronics company. I spent a bit of time in procurement before landing in my first HR role in 2000.  I’ve never really looked back; I love what I do!

I did my Post Grad in 2005 and became Chartered in the same year. I bounced around a few in-house roles at larger organisations before arriving at Harrison Drury as an HR advisor in the employment team in 2015. I became a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD in 2021 and, in 2025, qualified as a solicitor.

It’s been a circuitous route to be sure, but quite a journey; I’ve learnt something from every role, and as I’m lucky enough to work with a talented team who are generous with their time and experience, I am delighted that it’s still the case that I learn every day.

What gives you the most satisfaction about the work you do at Harrison Drury?

There is something immensely satisfying about dealing with a client – or a colleague, or a friend for that matter – who comes to you with a problem that they are really struggling with, and you can provide them with a safe space and, hopefully, options and a way forward.

I am also very flattered that people seek me out for advice and that I am recommended as someone helpful. I’ve been told that, even though they acknowledge that I may not tell them what they want to hear, people do generally leave with a plan.

If you met your younger self today, how do you think they would describe you?

I was quite shy in my youth and said to a colleague recently that “I know I’m a bit of a push over”; she fell about laughing, but it is funny how those impressions of oneself stay with you.

I think younger me would probably be impressed at the confidence, and I sometimes still surprise myself. I find comfort that my working knowledge is based on solid foundations, and I think my younger self would be pleased by the toolkit that I’ve been able to acquire.

What can colleagues – of all genders – do better to support women?

I think we all have a part to play in supporting all those around us. I’d suggest keeping an eye out and check in with people and be prepared to provide feedback whether it’s good (which builds confidence) or developmental (otherwise, how are people to improve?).

Also to be kind; life’s rich tapestry has some difficulties in store for all of us, and we should have a care for one another as, at some point, we will need help too.

What is one achievement that you are especially proud of and why?

This is tough; I have two amazing daughters who make me proud every day, but I can’t take credit for them, their achievements are all their own.

I’m proud of qualifying as a solicitor; doing that as a single parent in a demanding full-time job and being one of the oldest in the cohort, some 30 years after I last studied law academically, was some challenge.

That said, as one of my trusted advisors said “Yeah?  So?  That’s done now and therefore boring.  What’s next?”. As such I think it’s a toss-up between no longer acknowledging career limits and always being honest and behaving in a way that enables me to look myself in a mirror, which is sometimes not without cost.