International Women's Day is a moment to celebrate progress, amplify voices, and inspire change. It's also an opportunity to recognize the incredible women leading the change in industries where they've traditionally been underrepresented. At HONE, we don't just talk about resilience, leadership and mental wellbeing - we embody it.

As a female-founded and female-led company, HONE was built to provide a lifeline to athletes - the very people the world often sees as "not needing it," despite the overwhelming statistics that say otherwise. "Athletes are underserved when it comes to mental wellness support, and we knew that had to change" says HONE co-founder, Jessica Renney. 

But creating change isn't always easy. "Paula and I have been underestimated - just like the underdog teams we support. The ones who "have no business" making it to the championship, the ones with less experience, the ones who don't fit the mold." Jessica says, "But belief in each other, in our mission, and the undeniable need for mental wellbeing in sport has fueled our journey."

The moment that changed everything

For co-founder, Paula McQuaid, the importance of mental well-being in sport became clear at a young age. Facing mistreatment from a coach, she spoke up - not just because of who she was, but because she had support. Knowing that she had people in her corner gave her the confidence to stand her ground. 

"Not all athletes are so lucky," Paula says, "too often, barriers prevent athletes from accessing the support they need. That's why we built HONE - to ensure mental wellness isn't a luxury, but a standard in sport."

Leading with Purpose

At HONE, we don't just equip teams with mental performance tools - we live by them. "Open communication, shared values, and unwavering support have been our cornerstones as leaders." Jessica states, "We recognize that leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about staying committed to the vision, even when others try to steer you away from it." she adds.

"Kindness is my leadership mindset," Paula adds, "It might not always be the fastest route, but it's the one that aligns with who I am. When we see people, when we value their experiences, we create space for authentic leadership." Paula continues, "And in business, just like in sport, it's not about doing it alone - it's about having a team that lifts each other up."

The change we want to see

In sport, women are still fighting for equal opportunities, visibility, and leadership positions. The solution isn't asking female athletes to constantly prove their worth - it's creating a clear path forward. 

Think of an icebreaker ship. It doesn't wait for permission or the perfect conditions - it moves through frozen waters, making way for others to follow. That's what women in sport and leadership need. 

"We don't need constant explanations of why we belong - we need the ice broken so we can move forward" says HONE co-founder, Jessica Renney.

The impact of HONE: Changing the Game

At HONE, we've seen firsthand how prioritizing mental wellness can transform teams. One of our long-standing partner teams, led by highly successful coaches with an impressive record, faced internal struggles that threatened their performance. Despite their accolades, they recognized that something was missing - the mental and emotional support their athletes needed to thrive.

When they integrated HONE into their team culture, the shift was undeniable. The insights, strategies and accountability provided through HONE gave them the tools to navigate challenges, foster trust and create a culture of resilience. 

"HONE provides information and sets a standard," says co-founder Paula, "knowing how the team is managing gives coaches the insight to make better decisions - whether it's adjusting their approach, refining their planning, or even rethinking how they support their athletes. When organizations actively prioritize mental well-being, they send a powerful message: the wellness of your people is a priority."

And the data proves the need. Traditionally, only 10% of athletes reach out for mental wellness support, even though 53% suffer in silence. But when teams use HONE, athletes are four times more likely to keep the help they need. 

"Without a doubt, HONE is disrupting traditional 'help-seeking behaviour,'" says Jessica, "By embedding mental well-being into the team environment, we're not just providing resources - we're reshaping how athletes and coaches think about mental performance. It's no longer an afterthought; it's part of the game plan."

This shift is about more than performance - it's about creating a culture where mental well-being is just as important as physical training. When teams prioritize mental wellness, they don't just perform better - they become stronger, more connected and more resilient. 

HONE is changing the game, and we're just getting started.