In 2025 Funny Women proudly launched The Glitter Challenge, and this year we’re mentoring nine amazing women who have taken on a unique Comedy Challenge to raise vital funds for The Glitter Project. Each challenger is being mentored by an experienced comedian, helping them write and perfect their own unique five minute set. The challenge culminates with a night of stand up, our challengers appearing live on stage at the world’s largest arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe 2026.
The funds we raise from The Glitter Challenge will go towards giving women and non-binary people from all walks of life, access to incredible creative opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment.
Let’s meet our next challenger… Harriet Minter.
Harriet runs Lea_p Leadership, a leadership development company specialising in relational leadership and bringing teams together. She’s also an award-winning journalist and author, writing about the future of work, women’s rights and culture. She lives in London with her dog Blue, the love of her life.
The Glitter Challenge journey is a masterclass in growth and mentorship. We caught up with Harriet and asked about her comedy inspirations and the biggest lessons she is taking away from the experience so far:
Why did you join the Glitter Challenge?
I joined the Glitter Challenge last year because I was looking for something that felt both a bit daunting and exciting. My younger self would have loved to go to the Edinburgh Fringe, so this was a chance to do a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Except it wasn’t once because I’m doing it again!
This year I wanted the commitment and structure of the Glitter Challenge to help me keep writing comedy and go even further with my performance.
What or who inspires your creativity and comedy writing?
Right now I’m loving Joanne McNally, Katherine Ryan and Judi Love, but anyone who can tell stories that make you think and laugh at the same time inspires me.
Looking back on your Glitter Challenge journey so far, what’s been your biggest takeaway, biggest surprise or learning curve?
I think the biggest surprise has been how much more confident I feel this time around and how much less daunting things like writing a joke or trying out new material are. I feel much more comfortable trying something and failing this time around and that’s such an amazing way to grow.
Come along to the Groucho Club in London and support our brilliant Glitter Challengers as they preview their Edinburgh Fringe show! Book your tickets now to catch them first.
Heading to Edinburgh this August? Catch Harriet and the rest of the Glitter Challengers live at the Fringe on 17th August. Tickets and more information can be found here!
