How Vanessa Kingori Is Shaping a More Equitable Future by Challenging the Myth of “Having It All”

Image by Kofi Paintsil

25 Jul '25

By The Shift

25 Jul '25

By The Shift

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

Vanessa Kingori OBE is a trailblazing business leader who, in 2023, became Google’s Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms for the UK. Previously, she was Condé Nast Britain’s Chief Business Officer, British Vogue’s first female Publishing Director in over 100 years, driving significant revenue growth and championing purpose in media and business.

The Shift:

Name 3 women that inspire you

Vanessa:

I am mostly inspired by ‘ordinary’ women. The unsung heroes who are the glue of our communities and society. The caregivers, those shaping the next generation, those doing the at home labour that is the unseen fuel to the shining success of so many. Without such people, society simply would not function or thrive.

One such individual was my grandmother; the daughter of a former slave and former slave owner. She was forced to leave school at 14 but became the most well-read, wisest and kindest person I have ever known. A kind shepherd to so many children and troubled souls. Worked unbelievably hard, buoyed everyone up with great advice, love and oodles of laughter. She forever looked for silver linings and opportunities in every challenge. Her words of advice and love are with me everyday long after she passed.

I am inspired by my dear friend Malala, and women like her, who turn challenge and tragedy into opportunity and triumph.

The Shift:

What is your vision for the future?

Vanessa:

I believe that women have been sold an impossible dream. Societally we still expect women to give 100% of themselves in multiple spaces – 100% primary caregivers, dedicated mothers, nurturers, wives/partners, homemakers with all of the associated always-on mental load. All whilst also giving 100% of themselves to their hard won careers, often needing to prove themselves more than their male counterparts with less support in the home. Being at least two sets of 100% is at best bad math, at worst a recipe for the collective burn out so many women are experiencing. My vision for the future is when societal expectations of women level out. Crucially when we start normalising elevating expectations of men’s work within the home and allowing them this a source of personal pride and fulfilment. Once expectations around caregiving and emotional labour become truly level, the mental and practical load on women can be alleviated, men can have a greater dimension of purpose, allowing us to truly have a level playing field and a greater chance of overall human joy and success.

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Vanessa Kingori is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.