Which woman do you admire the most and why?
It's hard to pick just one woman that I admire because there are so many amazing women who impress me in different ways. I really look up to all the women who work in male-dominated industries and prove people wrong by achieving success despite the doubts and obstacles they face. I also have a lot of respect for women who strive for better education, single mothers, and those who fight for their passions and rights, making the world a better and more inclusive place for all of us. These women show incredible strength and determination, breaking through societal expectations and stereotypes in their own ways, and they deserve all the recognition and praise for their awesome accomplishments!
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It's a great way to remind ourselves that we still have a long way to go in terms of achieving gender equity and inspire more women to dream big.
Which women have supported or inspired you in your career path?
The woman who has supported and inspired me the most in my career path is my mom. She has been my biggest cheerleader and motivator, always encouraging me to pursue my dreams and to work hard to achieve my goals.
Despite the challenges that we faced as a family after my dad's passing, she never gave up on me and provided unwavering support throughout my life. Her strength, resilience, and selflessness have shown me what it truly means to be a strong woman and leader. I am grateful for her constant guidance and inspiration, and I hope to be able to have the same impact on others that she has had on me.
Do you find your role particularly female or male-dominated?
I personally don't find recruitment to be particularly male or female-dominated. However, I do believe that it may depend on the target market and industry in which you operate. At Gibson Watts, we work in cleantech which is known to be a male-dominated industry. However, I am proud to say that Gibson Watts actively promotes equality in the workplace by making sure that all employees are accommodated and feel equal. Having a female CEO creates an inclusive culture where everyone's voice is heard and valued, regardless of their gender, race, or background.
Another way that Gibson Watts promotes equality is by ensuring pay equality for all employees, regardless of gender. We also recognize and celebrate the success of women within the company by promoting them to higher positions. We make it a priority to create a diverse and inclusive work environment by hiring a lot of women and people from different backgrounds. By doing so, we strive to create a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their gender or background.
Why do we need more balanced workplaces?
When workplaces have more balance in terms of gender and diversity, it can bring together different perspectives and ideas, and this can lead to more creativity, better problem-solving, and improved financial performance. It can also improve employee engagement and make a company look good in the eyes of potential employees.
In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up recruitment in the near future?
In my opinion, it's important for more women to take up recruitment in the near future because women bring valuable perspectives and insights to the hiring process. As a woman in recruitment myself, I make a conscious effort to include women on my shortlists for clients and advocate for their needs. I believe that women can sometimes underestimate themselves and their abilities, and it's important to push them to aim for higher positions and dream big. Encouraging more women to get involved in recruitment can help to promote gender diversity in the workplace and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
In my career, I have faced several barriers due to being a woman. Some workplaces do not accommodate women's needs, and some clients and candidates have underestimated me. However, I have learned that it's important to focus on my own abilities and work hard to prove them wrong. Patience and determination can go a long way in overcoming these challenges.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
On International Women's Day, my message to young women would be to believe in themselves and their abilities, and not be limited by societal expectations or gender stereotypes. Pursue your passions and aspirations with courage and work hard to achieve your goals. Support and uplift other women around you to create a more inclusive and equitable world. Let's empower and encourage each other to strive for success, despite criticism or obstacles.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Gibson Watts team, contact a member of the team today to find out more.