International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is celebrated around the world. International Women’s Day has been an event for over a century, dating back to 1911.
At Hemingways, Voucher Express’ parent company, we are very female dominated business with many of our senior roles being filled by women. We thought what better way to celebrate and recognise International Women’s Day this year than to hear directly from some of our powerhouse leaders themselves!
Becci Paul
What is your role at Hemingways and how long have you worked for the company?
“I am the Operations Manager for our B2C department and I have been with Hemingways for almost 15 years! I started in the Customer Solutions Team back in 2007, I went on maternity leave to have my first child in 2010 and returned to work in the Processing team. I moved into the Control Team and then became Senior Supervisor. After 5 years in that role, I became the Operations Manager. I feel that my hard work and determination has helped me power through my career with Hemingways. I currently manage two teams of staff which is around 20 during the year and has been known to go to 90 at peak times!”
Is there anyone that has inspired you throughout your career?
“My sister has always shown me that hard works pays off, over the years she has set up her own businesses which have been a success and proves that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. More recently, my partner has taught me a lot about how others perceive you and that going the extra mile will always have an impact on that person. A simple ‘have a nice day’ can really make someone’s day and they will remember you in the future and will want to help you.“
Why do you believe diversity in the workplace is so important?
“It’s very important to have diversity in the workplace because it provides you with a wider range of perspective and ideas. Each individual can feel they are bringing something different to the team and their strengths and potential can be noticed.“
Have you faced any barriers throughout your career due to being a woman?
“If so, how did you overcome them? I can’t say that there have been any barriers throughout my career but sometimes you can be faced with an out-of-date perspective on a younger woman being in charge. When this happens, you don’t succumb to it, you understand that not everybody has the same views and you work around it.”
How can we encourage more women to pursue senior roles in their careers?
“If someone wants to apply for a senior position, then their gender should not come into play. Anybody is capable of doing what they want to and if they need a bit of encouragement to show they can do it then boost them and show them their worth.”
What one piece of advice you would give to a young woman starting their career?
“Work hard and it pays off, don’t give up on your dreams and know that not everything goes the way you had planned. Your career can take a turn at any moment and you don’t have to stick to any plans you may have made in your earlier life.“
Stephanie Ryder
What is your role at Hemingways and how long have you worked for the company?
“I have been here just 5 weeks ! I am covering a Maternity leave HR Manager.“
Is there anyone that has inspired you throughout your career?
“I take a lot of inspiration from those who maintain their place at the top of their game or sport for long periods. A female inspiration would be Margaret Thatcher. Karren Brady (football club owner now an MP) would be a second . He book Strong Women is fabulous!! She sold her husband !!!”
Why do you believe diversity in the workplace is so important?
“For any business to be successful it needs to reflect the society we live in and the population that we serve. It sounds a touch Crass…. But if you were to go and visit A fairground, and every ride was the Waltzers… it wouldn’t make for a very stimulating or exciting time… and its unlikely that the Fairground business would survive.”
Have you faced any barriers throughout your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
“I haven’t , but I have had to educate some dinosaurs to embrace women in Senior roles. I did this by presenting (unnamed) factual supported stats, of each candidates contribution and the role was shortlisted from that . in this case the 2 shortlists were both Women!”
How can we encourage more women to pursue senior roles in their careers?
“1. The use of flexible working and the use of Job Shares. 2: a Mentoring situation , an especially when we have some strong women in pivitol roles in Hemingways 3: We need to ensure people have Confidence they hold a valued seat at the table of the company they work for.”
What one piece of advice you would give to a young woman starting their career?
“Glass ceilings are made to be broken.”