Celebrating the women of Spring & Autumn Fair for International Women’s Day 2020
Since it’s International Women’s Day this weekend, we are celebrating some of the incredible women who make Spring and Autumn Fair what it is.
Jennie Kwan, Senior Creative Manager
How did you get to where you are now?
Being really clear with myself on what my strengths, weaknesses and interests were to carve out a career where I knew I had to have creative autonomy, that my skills were being used and where I felt I was being challenged. These are my non-negotiables in finding the perfect roles.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
I’m a very big fan of Michelle Obama and am currently reading her autobiography. No matter what she’s working on, she always stays true to her personality. I’m a big fan of authenticity in people.
What does gender equality mean to you?
I’m a big believer in closing the gender pay gap, and while companies are doing more to become transparent and change their policies, women themselves also need to start closing the gap. There’s a universal belief that men are more likely to pitch themselves at higher salaries and ask for promotions and raises, so why not women?
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Never doubt your abilities within the role you’re in, you were hired because someone believed you could do it, so the most important thing is that you believe you can do it. There’s a lot of truth behind “fake it ‘til you make it.”
Julie Driscoll, Regional Director
How did you get to where you are now?
Lots of hard work, loving what I do, being constantly curious and constantly knowing that every day is an opportunity to improve myself.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
Rather than one individual, I am lucky to have a tribe. There are strong women in my family who help, inspire and nurture each other. My female friends and colleagues are my daily inspiration and support network. Women who juggle motherhood with a career are all inspirational.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Sharing parenthood. Being equally supportive of each other’s careers. Not being judged because you work and are a mother and not being judgemental. Ditching old boys networks and truly embracing the talent around us regardless of gender, age or race.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
When women help other women, great things happen... let’s do more of this!
Melissa Ramage, Key Account Manager
How did you get to where you are now?
I strongly believe that hard work and dedication pays off in the long run. I have always respected other’s opinions which has helped me learn quickly.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
Cheesy but true - my mum! I have never met a person who can be so frank but complimentary at the same time to help drive you to reach your goals. She has taught me to keep going even when I feel I can’t do something or if someone else doesn’t believe I can.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Being able to sit at the table and be heard (Sheryl Sandberg). And being able to go into a new role or environment where your gender isn’t the deciding factor of whether you get it or not.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Don’t be afraid to approach individuals, men and women, on a higher status in an organisation and ask questions, you’re the only one holding yourself back from succeeding. Also, always support other young women in any walks of earth- we should always be backing each other if we want gender equality to be achieved.
Natasha Jeans, Creative Producer
How did you get to where you are now?
In the last 6 months I moved from Sales to Marketing to pursue my passion for Creative. I really took a leap of faith making this career change to follow my passion and it’s definitely paid off!
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
Michelle Obama. She could have been seen as just “the wife of the President” but she has done so much in her own right, made such a huge impact on society and is such a powerful woman.
What does gender equality mean to you?
When men and women have the same opportunities in life and are treated the same. Gender should not influence your opportunities, pay, career, anything!
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Young women shouldn’t feel limited to what they want to do for a career. Don’t be afraid to be ambitious and put your career first, you can do anything you want.
Suzanne Ellingham, Head of Content
How did you get to where you are now?
By always choosing roles that give me the space to grow professionally and learn something new. The second I have felt that I was in a place where I couldn’t grow, or try new things, has been the time I have known I have needed to make a change.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
I have been lucky enough to have very strong men and women in my family who instilled that I can do whatever I want to do, provided I’m prepared to work hard for it. I don’t know if there is an iconic/famous woman that pushes me to succeed, although Ruth Bader Ginsberg is someone I find inspirational.
What does gender equality mean to you?
That I have exactly the same chances and opportunities as anyone else.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Back yourself and never be afraid to negotiate hard. Always know the market value of your skills and never be afraid to ask for what your skills are worth. I am a big believer in paying it forward, genuine kindness or words at a difficult time can make a lasting impact.
Alex Oxley, Marketing & Partnerships Executive
How did you get to where you are now?
Education was massively important to me, I always immersed myself in as much extra-curricular responsibility as I could. I love learning, meeting new people, and I have always followed the path I wanted to. Every day is a school day; you can never stop learning.
Who is the one woman who inspires you to succeed?
My first CEO, Debbie Wosskow inspires me massively. She to me is a powerhouse, and I absolutely love and respect a powerful woman in business. She had an immense impact on me, and I am still a big cheerleader of everything she does.
What does gender equality mean to you?
This quote says it perfectly for me: “Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Being nervous is a good thing, harness it and embrace it. If you are nervous about something, it means you care - “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
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