My biggest career break was when a previous manager took a leap of faith and made me responsible for a highly important project at MasterCard.
It turned out to be a much bigger project than anticipated and I got an opportunity to build the strategy, go to market plans and the teams to put it in place. It pushed me and helped me build confidence in my abilities
The biggest influence on my career was a gut feeling to move to London and get a job in a business where there were plenty of people to learn from. My only experience of the business world previously had been a summer job.
I chose to leave the entirety of my science focused education behind me because I realised how much I enjoyed the limited experience I had had.
To juggle my work and life balance I maintain separate work and personal phones. The work one gets banished to a different room at weekends and in evenings. I find it too tempting to look otherwise.
One thing that makes me mad in business today is when senior women don’t support development of other women in the business. We all have a role to play in paying it forward.
Boardroom quotas are necessary or nuts? I don’t like the principle of quotas because I think the talent should be hired on the basis of the talent (not gender/age/any other diversifying factor). What we need to focus on is supporting the pipeline of women to build skills, confidence and a network that helps them get into the boardroom.
My one tip on negotiating a pay rise is don’t be afraid to ask but you must have a clear justification. Like everything, it’s about the business case you make.
In five years I see myself… I have rarely stuck to my plan. This is partly because my self-awareness and understanding has developed substantially in this space of time and I’ve adjusted accordingly. If you are good at planning 5 years down the line, try and be open to new opportunities and factor in what you learn about yourself on the way.
My number one piece of advice to young women starting their careers is be known for something and be really good at it. Start to notice patterns in what you’re good at and what you’re not. This will help you better understand future job options and articulate the value you can bring to an employer.
My favourite wind down activity is a day in Stoke Park spa
The last book I read was Where My Heart Used to Beat by Sebastien Faulks
The one thing I can’t live without are holidays. I don’t understand why some people forget about their annual leave. Everyone is so much more impactful with regular breaks.
