Today is International Women’s Day.
As Southernsbroadstock, we want to show ongoing appreciation to all our employees, and today especially, our talented women. To encourage the spread of support, appreciation, and inspiration to all women, particularly those within the manufacturing industry. To do this, we asked the women of Southernsbroadstock to provide us with an insight to their perspective of working within the industry and as part of the Southernsbroadstock team.
Take a look at some of our insights: aiming to inspire the younger generation of females looking to work within any male dominated industry. Let’s show our collective support on this important day.
Please consider communicating with an inspirational female you know and asking her what it’s like to be a woman in her role, in a particular industry. We know you will be surprised by the answers…
Hayley M – Sales Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
There are so many features that I love, it’s always changing – always evolving. I thrive on the challenges that each day brings. I love that I have a lot of control and freedom in my role and that the leadership team has full confidence and trust in me to produce and deliver high quality results.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Don’t be afraid to be honest, to own your mistakes, to learn from them, to work hard, and to believe in yourself.
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.”
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” (Michelle Obama)
Giselle – Account Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
What I enjoy most is the diversity of the projects I undertake. Working with colleagues, clients and supply chain partners to create inspirational work and study spaces within the Education Sector. The team at SBL work together towards achieving our goals and being a female member of this team is extremely rewarding. I have worked in the industry for over 20 years and have seen a significant change in cultures, work opportunities and benefits for woman which is great to see and long may it continue.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Choosing the right employer is key, feeling valued and supported within the workplace, additionally that the work is rewarding and meaningful to you. The workplace ideally needs to feel dynamic and inclusive, when you feel part of a supported environment and your values are aligned with your employers you are more likely to thrive and achieve. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and always be honest.
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.”
Success isn’t about how much money you make, its about the difference you make to peoples lives (Michelle Obama)
Christine – Internal Account Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
Having been in the industry a number of years, I enjoy challenges of different aspects. Looking forward in my new role of specifying exciting new products and achieving goals.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Always stay focused on what you want to achieve and never let anyone change your dreams and goals. Aim high!
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.”
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women”
Steph – Account Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
I love having a job that allows me to get out and about and see customers, and building relationships with them. I’m also really keen on interior design and that sort of thing, so being able to specify furniture and finishes, etc. is genuinely enjoyable for me. Working with our design team and the customer to bring a project from an idea in someone’s head, to an actual furnished functioning space is really rewarding.And I love when we have finished a great project with a customer and then I get to see the staff/students using the space when I visit site. It’s lovely to see groups of students studying around our tables, or sitting chatting with their friends on our sofas. It makes me feel proud!
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Be passionate about what you’re doing and take pride in your work and the rest will soon follow. There have been times where I’ve felt out of my depth, being relatively still young and in a male dominated industry but then I’ve realised that as long as you’re determined and put your full effort into something, it will be a success!
(I still chuckle to myself how often people email me and call me Stephen or Steve – I think they must see the job title “Account Manager” and assume I’m a guy because this is a male dominated industry. They must get a shock when they speak to me on the phone and hear my squeaky girl voice!)
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.”
“A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants.”
Loren – HR Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
I love the variety of working at SBL. No two days are the same, because no two employees are the same. The business has given me great experience and continues to do so, and despite manufacturing being a male dominated industry, I haven’t ever felt out of place as a woman at SBL.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Work hard and stay focused. There is nothing you can not do if you put your mind to it. If you can find something you love doing, whatever it is, and get someone to pay you for doing it, you will succeed.
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism
“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” For me this highlights that this is an inclusive day of celebration, and that IWD is as relevant to men as it is women.
Ange – Head of Logistics
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry) I love that every day is different and brings new challenges to overcome, I get so much job satisfaction from installations and deliveries going well, I feel very privileged to be surrounded by a fantastic team and I’m very proud to work with such fantastic people
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Believe in yourself, work hard and this will not go unnoticed! Every day is a school day! ( I say this all the time) – listen to the people round you and learn from them. Don’t be afraid to hold your hands up when you have made a mistake (we are all human)
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “”The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.”
Justyna – Senior Designer
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry) In my job I love meeting people who share my passion for design. I get to work with an incredible range of products that bring comfort, functionality and beauty to spaces I design. Seeing the buildings come to life once the project is complete must be my favourite part of the job!
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Be confident in your knowledge and skills but never stop to ask questions.I need to start dropping some hints re the Womens Day. My husband sadly didn’t take on any of the Polish traditions and he will no doubt need a reminder… I will swap the stockings and coffee for a bottle of Prosecco though.
Lisa – Sales & Purchase Ledger Assistance
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
The thing I enjoy the most about my role is the people I work with and the personal friendships that I have built with them.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
My advice to young women would be to not listen to the negative comments regarding a situation that does not involve them. An example of this I can relate to is returning to work full time after both of my maternity leaves and receiving negative comments from several external people that this was the wrong thing to do. These comments had a massive impact on my return-to-work last year but I have since come to realise I am doing the best I can for my 2 daughters and no one else’s opinion is going to drag me down! Everyone is on their own journey in life, and you should not compare your situation to anyone else’s.
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them!'”
Becky – Logistics & Installations Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
I love that I work in a team of women, in a role that is predominately occupied by men. Every day is different and comes with new challenges but I get job satisfaction from solving the problems and when delivery and installations go to plan. I am proud to be a manager and aim every day, to out shine yesterday’s version of myself.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
I would advise young women that the world has changed and to not be afraid to go for a job that you think is more suited to a male – it has only every been another example of an inappropriate presumption. You can do anything.
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “Strong women don’t have ‘attitudes’, we have standards” – Marilyn Monroe
Sarah – Finance Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
The people I work with is the best part of my job role and the friendships I have built over the years is priceless. I have worked for Southernsbroadstock for 14 years and I can honestly say every day is different. I enjoy the challenges that may come my way and thankful for all the opportunities that I have been given.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Don’t compare yourself to other women and where they might be in life. It’s your own journey and its ok if you have a different destination and how long it takes you to get there.
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.”
“Behind every successful women is a tribe of other successful women who have her back”
Rhianna – Logistics Co-Ordinator
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry) I enjoy working with the colleagues in my department; they are extremely supportive and know how to make you smile. Every day is also different; new challenges we can overcome as a team or an individual. As one of the newest Southernsbroadstock members, I am proud of myself for interjecting perfectly into this community and look forward to getting to know my other departmental colleagues
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
Always believe in yourself, no one else’s opinion matters when it comes to you being happy. No matter the obstacle, you can achieve it. Prove them all wrong… but most importantly, prove yourself right.
Hayley K – Customer Service Manager
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
Each day is different and this is one of the things I enjoy the most. My role can be demanding, however I work with a great team of people across the whole business and together we can always find a solution for every situation and challenge. This business has come a long way in the 14 years I have worked here and I truly believe our dedication and determination is what makes us stand out from the rest.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
One of the main hurdles that we need to overcome at times is the limits we place on ourselves. I am a mother to 2 beautiful young children and I have also worked hard to progress my career. At times a woman is told that we cannot have both. Believe in yourself and make sure you surround yourself with people who believe in you too.
Ellie – Customer Service Advisor
1 – What you enjoy about your role (at SBL specifically or within the industry)
There is lots of different aspects of my role I enjoy, one of them being the fact the no day is the same, although the role and the job doesn’t change you never really know what you walking into in the morning I like that aspect of walking in to new challenges makes the role exciting and interesting.
2 – What advice would you give to young women aspiring to be where you are/doing what you do?
My advise to any women would be to do what truly makes them happy, we are only here once find a job that’s enjoyable, work hard and never give up, the majority of our days are spent working therefore before you embark on any job whether it this or something else make sue it works for you and your wellbeing. Took me 10 years to realise this from my old job and know I can truly say I am a lot happier doing what I am doing so girls it is never to late.
3 – Your favourite, or an inspirational quote of your choosing, relating to feminism – “The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes.”
“THERE IS NO LIMIT TO WHAT WE, AS WOMEN, CAN ACCOMPLISH” – MICHELLE OBAMA
