To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we’re celebrating Swindon & Wiltshire’s most inspiring women.
Through our website and social media channels, we asked our readers which women in our community inspire them and created a list of 20. The list will be featured in our Spring magazine and every weekday throughout March we are profiling and championing each of these fantastic women online and via our social feeds.
Today we put the spotlight on Jo Smyth, Founder of Word Worker.
Tell us about you and your work…
I began my career in the fast-paced world of journalism, working my way from cub reporter to news editor. After a successful stint freelancing for national women’s and parenting magazines, I traded the newsroom for PR, founding Word Worker in 2009.
Since then, I’ve used my skills as a newshound to help SMEs and charities tell their stories. Because I know exactly what editors look for, I craft press releases that actually get published.
From accountants and local councils to book illustrators and shopping centres, I help diverse brands find their voice through web copy, blogs, award entries and case studies.
What are you most proud of?
I take quiet pride in the business I’ve built – one that grew alongside my family and has flourished now that they’re grown. Today, I’m privileged to partner with wonderful clients, providing the PR support they need to gain the recognition they so richly deserve
How does it feel to be recognised as one of Swindon & Wiltshire’s Most Inspiring Women?
I was genuinely surprised and delighted. Those who know me will appreciate that while I love shouting loud and proud about my clients’ successes, when it comes to my business and myself professionally, I don’t tend to push myself forward. I adopt the ‘show, don’t tell’ approach.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I believe International Women’s Day is a fantastic initiative that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary contributions women make to society.
While things have progressed significantly since the start of my career – when sexism and misogyny were unfortunately commonplace – we are still far from reaching true parity, and I applaud IWD’s efforts to bring this about.
This year’s IWD theme asks us to think about how giving benefits everyone. What’s an example from your work or community life where supporting another woman led to something meaningful in return?
Not specifically related to women, but I am very proud that at the start of the pandemic, I and others in my village set up a community shop. We also created an ordering system and did supermarket runs for those who were self‑isolating. I am delighted that, six years on, our shop is thriving and has become a real hub of the village.
What piece of advice would you share with your younger self?
Crikey, where to start! Professionally, I’d advise my younger self to worry less and look at the bigger picture — I’ve always been more of a doer than a planner.
On a personal level, I’d say: take time to appreciate the present and be more carpe diem.
Funnily enough, now that I’m about to enter my seventh decade, I’m much better at both of those things.
This feature is sponsored by Goughs Solicitors. The team at Goughs believe in championing ambition, celebrating achievement and creating opportunities for women to connect, lead and thrive.
