International Women's Day 2023 #EmbraceEquity

1. What does International Women’s Day (IWD) mean to you

IWD is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women around the world and reignite attention for the day as we continue to call for gender parity. As a mother to a 4 year old girl, I worry about the impact of the inequality on her career/ personal life growing up. Social media will no doubt have a strong influence in her life as she moves through adolescence, so celebrations like IWD and the small steps I take to remind her of her strengths and the positives others see in her, help towards diminishing any self-doubt that might occur.

2. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you think this can apply this apply to the workplace?

Equity in the workplace is important, as its key to recognise that each person has different circumstances, but in turn should receive the support and resources they need to reach the same goal and success. As a manager of a large team, it’s important for me to be fair and impartial, and challenge issues that may arise in relation to fairness in pay, opportunities for progression and fairness in day to day management.

3. Which women inspire you the most?

Women who have nailed a healthy work-life balance! I think one of the biggest struggles for working mothers like me is finding a work-life balance that works for them and their family. The sweet spot where you are achieving your career goals and making time for your family, friends and own self-care. In a way, having it all and doing it all well is the ultimate goal!

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

I’d hoped to become an air hostess. I think as a young girl and the gender stereotype that came with that type of role, I hadn’t looked beyond or had any understanding of where my career could go as a female. And fortunately since then, though we still live in a world of gender inequality, the gaps have certainly closed and opened up more opportunities to women in the workplace with less gender stereotypical roles.

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

My recent promotion to Head of Sales. Our industry is very male dominated at a senior level, so it’s an achievement I’m certainly proud of.

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Worry less about people pleasing, opinions of others and the fear of failure. Instead focus on what you can influence, and although your work and career are important, don’t push for anything at the expense of yourself.

1. What does International Woman's Day (IWD) mean to you?

I feel very passionately recognising women and how strong we are. With all of the negative connotations and crime that we are seeing in the media recently, it’s great opportunity to come together and celebrate our successes.

2. This year's IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you think this can apply to the workspace?

As a Team Lead in the Customer Care team, I need to adapt my management style to each and every one of the members in my team, and in the wider department. By embracing this, it means we are showing we are willing to look at the bigger picture, and that we are aiming to do what we can to make their role with PayStream the best it can be.

3. Which women inspire you the most?

My best friend, Eleanor. She has shown me that anything is possible! I’ve seen her bounce back from difficult situations and always keeping a level head. She has always been an advocate for women equality, and I think I became more passionate about it too, by learning from her. Thanks Elle 😊

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

I always dreamed of being a singer (it also may be still my dream job). I always loved the idea of being in the spotlight and being a role model to lots of people!

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

I would say being nominated for Employee Of The Year. It’s easy for achievements to be overlooked, but to be runner up when I worked here for only 2 years was a very proud moment.

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Don’t be afraid to be heard. If you feel you need to question the process, or if you feel that something could change, then speak up as soon as possible. Even if it may seem tedious, make it known.

1. What does International Woman's Day (IWD) mean to you?

It’s a day where women all over the world can be celebrated and acknowledged for their strength, determination and amazing achievements. Whether that’s starting a business from the ground up, revolutionising their field of work or just simple surviving life’s hardships. It’s a chance to show the world what we’re made of.

2. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you think this can apply this apply to the workplace?

Embracing equity to me means women are accepted based on all aspects of themselves and are given a fair chance and the ability to succeed in whatever path they choose to follow through life without hinderance or judgement.

3. Which women inspire you the most?

I really look up to Helen Sharman, not only was she the first western European woman to go to space she was the first Brit! She managed to do this by entering a competition where she was chosen over 13,000 other applicants. Unfortunately, as it wasn’t an ESA mission, she was never accredited with being the first ESA Brit in space (That was Tim Peake 20 years later)

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

When I was younger, I wanted to be an architect. I’ve always wanted to travel and I thought that being able to leave behind a building that would last long after I’m gone would be an awesome way to leave my mark on the world. I still plan to travel but I might have to find another way to leave my mark nowadays. I’ve always wanted to go to space to!

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

My proudest achievement has been being promoted to Payroll Senior. It’s a really good feeling knowing people believe in you and I’m really enjoying learning all the new things and opportunities it brings my way.

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Never be put off by mistakes, everyone is human and as much as it makes you feel bad at the time, I can guarantee someone else has made it before. If you’re not making mistakes you’re not learning and you will only progress by learning at every opportunity.

1. What does International Woman's Day (IWD) mean to you?

It is a day to recognise and celebrate women around the world, to remind us of the importance of our contributions towards society.

2. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you think this can apply this apply to the workplace?

We need to continue to embrace equity by sharing our passion and excitement, continue to value and support difference. Ensure we are part of the solution, never the problem. Encourage everybody around us to embrace equity.

3. Which women inspire you the most?

My Mum – she raised three children very well whilst working full time and took fantastic care of my grandparents. My mum installed a great work ethic in all of us and taught us that there are no limits to what we are capable of.

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

For as long as I can remember I just wanted to travel the world and help people. As soon as I turned 18 I flew out to Tanzania and helped build a school for young children.

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

I started PayStream as an experienced team leader with minimal knowledge around umbrella companies or the services they offer. Nearly a year has passed now and my knowledge has grown massively, and continues to grow each day. I have supported my team throughout the progress helping and encouraging them to also progress their careers. My proudest achievement so far is working with this amazing team and building a strong support network, full of experience, passion and knowledge.

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Venture outside your comfort zone, you might like it!

1. What does International Woman's Day (IWD) mean to you?

This day is the birthday of a close family member of mine, and I use it to celebrate her life, as well all the lives of the women who have inspired me. Being a woman can mean many different things, but I associate it with strength, patience, kindness, and sensibility, because these are the qualities that all of us share.

2. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. What does this mean to you?

As a woman who used to work in male-dominated job, I faced a lot of prejudice as to what I was able to accomplish. I had to fight harder than others to be heard and considered for certain roles, purely based on the fact that I was a woman. Luckily we are moving into a new era where differences are celebrated and we look at the person in front of us, not their gender.

3. Which women inspire you the most?

In a general sense, I believe that anyone who is a mother is the most inspiring role that a woman can take on. I am already so amazed at the process of growing life and then to ultimately manage that responsibility in your every day life; it’s truly heroic! A shout out to all the mum’s out there, all your hard work is appreciated 😊

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

I always wanted to be a mermaid! I love the ocean and ended up studying Marine Biology because of this, and I spent 6 years as a scuba diving instructor essentially making that dream come true.

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

I was promoted to Senior Payroll Admin and was told that I had a friendly and approachable nature. It was a quick comment that was made about the reasons for the promotion, but it stuck with me. I know how thankful I am for the feeling that I can approach people with problems and not be worried about any judgements, so it was great to hear that I’m providing someone else with that feeling.

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Be patient! Whenever you feel like something might not be going your way, allow yourself the time to understand why this is the case, and keep putting in the effort to be honest and do well in your job. No one is perfect, but if you do the best you can, good things will happen.

1. What does International Woman's Day (IWD) mean to you?

I think it is a great opportunity to celebrate us wonderful women in the world, while supporting women’s rights. It’s a chance to reflect on the awesome things us ladies have been achieving and will further achieve!

2. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you think this can apply to the workplace?

Always ensure that the opportunities for men and women are equal and be mindful of your surroundings.

3. Which women inspire you the most?

I don’t have a specific kind, I think all women can inspire everyone in different ways, sometimes in ways that you don’t think you need but you benefit from and vice versa.

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

Being a vet or working in the zoo.

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

Being able to get my mortgage on my own and buying my car, I’ve been out the country for 5 years so I didn’t think it would happen so quickly!

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Don’t stress, life is about growing and adapting and everyone has to go through it within their professional career and if there was a guide on how to do it the right way I’m sure it would be out there already!

1. What does International Woman's Day (IWD) mean to you?

For me International Woman’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate all woman, and recognise how far we have come over the years!

2. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you think this can apply this apply to the workplace?

#EmbraceEquity can be applied in the workplace by identifying employees individual needs, offering support and helping staff achieve what they’d like to achieve.

3. Which women inspire you the most?

My mum for building a successful career in Nursing, whilst raising me singlehandedly. Now I’m a mother, I can now truly appreciate how difficult it must have been for her, balancing her work life and home life, with little support.

And my Great Aunt for showing me true independence, determination and perseverance. I guarantee I will never meet a stronger woman, especially one who is 91 years young!

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

I dreamed of following in my mum’s footsteps in becoming a nurse, until I realised I was extremely squeamish.

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

My career change into HR. I have been lucky enough to work in a few departments during my time at PayStream, but my role in Human Resources has definitely been the one to give me the greatest sense of pride and fulfilment.

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Be open to new things. We change daily. You may want something one day, and something different the next. It’s ok to change your mind!

1. What does International Woman's Day (IWD) mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a celebration of women. Everything they have achieved and will achieve. It’s all about empowering women but also seeing the power they already have.

2. This year’s IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity. How do you think this can apply this apply to the workplace?

Equity can be applied to the work place by championing the rights of everyone. This is something very close of the heart of those who work in HR!

3. Which women inspire you the most?

Georgia O’Keefe was an artist in America and her work is very beautiful. She was quite a fierce, independent woman and worked very hard to be seen as a serious, professional artist. I think, particularly at the time when perhaps male artists were more well known, this must have been quite difficult for her.

4. What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?

I wanted to be a teacher. I think I had some good female role models in my school when I was growing up and that really influenced me. I didn’t do that in the end but have been involved in training over my career which was something I enjoyed.

5. What has been your proudest achievement whilst working at PayStream?

Probably receiving the ‘Best Newcomer’ award in 2021. I had only been working at PayStream less than a year so I was very surprised but it showed me that the work I was doing was seen and was appreciated.

6. What advice would you give to someone that is just starting their professional career?

Hard work pays off. Even if you feel is doesn’t, hang in there because someone will notice. And someone will appreciate it.