International Women’s Day is not only a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women worldwide but also a moment to reflect on the path ahead and explore new ways to support and empower women and girls.
We spoke to two of our Board Directors, Kat Wallace and Gayle Grant, about the women who have inspired them, the advice they’d give their younger selves and how BIG Partnership is championing gender equality.
Kat
What female has inspired you on your journey to leadership?
There are lots of women I admire, and I tend not to look too far from home. I have a lot of fiercely intelligent and committed friends and family members, including my sister, in roles that demand a lot from them. They continue to inspire me.
If you could use a time machine, what would you say to your younger self on entering this industry?
Ask lots of questions, attend all the events you can, throw yourself wholeheartedly into projects even if they don’t initially excite you. Have the best attitude in the room.
What’s the biggest challenge women face in the workplace today?
Every sector is different and there are so many variables that it’s impossible to pinpoint one challenge.
It is spoken about all the time, but there is often a pressure to work as though you don’t have children and to parent as if you don’t have a job. Couple this with the extortionate cost of childcare and it is little wonder that so many women feel locked out of the workplace.
How is BIG Partnership championing gender equality at work?
It’s important to recognise the contribution that everyone makes, regardless of sex. BIG is a ‘people’ business and we understand that everyone has different ambitions, motivators, and pressures, both inside and outside of work. By supporting people and encouraging them to reach their full potential – whatever that looks like – we can ensure everyone has the same opportunity to do well.
What’s one action everyone can take today to support workplace equality?
Listen to different perspectives and engage in conversations that allow people to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. An inclusive approach invites people from different groups to participate, and it’s a win-win – often the best work is delivered this way.
Gayle
What female has inspired you on your journey to leadership?
I’m lucky to have had several strong women to look up to and learn from over the years. I continue to seek out the guidance of colleagues and have developed strong bonds with peers in the energy sector who are a trusted sounding board.
My mum was my original cheerleader and as a middle child with two brothers, she made me believe I could do anything they could do and actively encouraged me to pursue my passions, which led to me leaving home at 17 to study journalism in Edinburgh.
If you could use a time machine, what would you say to your younger self on entering this industry?
Be yourself, not what you think a ‘businessperson’ should be. Seek out mentors. Build your network and have fun along the way.
Now that I spend a lot of time hiring people, I realise that it’s not personal when someone is simply not the best fit at that time and it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be right at another time or in another role.
In my early career I applied for a job at a newspaper in Cambridge and when I didn’t get an interview, I took it personally. I now realise I should have called and asked for feedback. I made my first move into PR at an agency in Cambridge, so it all worked out in the end.
What’s the biggest challenge women face in the workplace today?
Unconscious bias plays out in several ways. Research has shown that women are less likely to pursue opportunities with a list of requirements if they don’t fulfil every ask, unlike male counterparts who are more likely to go for the opportunity if they meet only a few.
There has been some positive work on inclusive hiring practices to reverse this trend, but it’s a reminder to be mindful of creating the right conditions. Working mums have to navigate career breaks and face the ‘juggle’ pressure and guilt.
We also need to normalise menopause, provide support and show women are relevant at every stage of their career.
How is BIG Partnership championing gender equality at work?
We have a balance at BIG in the boardroom and across our teams but appreciate the same can’t be said across every sector we support. For us, it’s about creating the space for every person to turn up at work and be themselves and be heard.
What’s one action everyone can take today to support workplace equality?
Active listening is important. Seek out different perspectives and advocate for people so that they can thrive.
At BIG we know that championing gender equality is an ongoing journey – not just a one-day event. We remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where women thrive, voices are heard and opportunities are open to all. Together we can build a future where everyone can succeed regardless of gender.
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