Every year, International Women’s Day celebrates women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements throughout history and across nations.
This year, the theme is #BalanceforBetter, aiming to reach a more gender-balanced world and give equal rights to everyone.
For organisations, it’s time to focus on the issues of gender parity, inequality in wages, and diversity in areas that are still very “gendered”. Obviously, these reflections are valid all over the year, but the 8th of March gives a good pretext to open the debate on questions and put them in the context of a working environment.
We’ve asked 3 inspirational women at Annapurna on how they’ve reached the position they’re in today, with a focus on their achievements and advice. Get to know Becky, Terri and Jess through their interviews.
Becky, Nordics manager
1. How did you get to be in the position you’re in today?
Worked hard. Listened to the advice and coaching from Directors and believed in myself. Kept my head down and focused forward on the next progression.
2. What would you recommend for other women wanting to lead?
Believe in yourself. Don’t worry about the drama going on around you and distractions of others who come and go. Figure out your strengths and use them to your advantage. Not everyone is perfect at every aspect of this job so maximise the things you’re already good at. Get to know what motivates you and how you can be genuine when motivating others.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Perspectives are really important. Also, don’t get discouraged when things aren’t going your way, just persevere and believe that things will pan out in the long term.
4. What’s your biggest achievement to date?
Buying a house.
5. What are your future aspirations?
To become a Director. To use my experience to play a strategic role in growing the Nordic Business and opening up more international offices. To buy another house.
Terri, HR Manager
1. How did you get to be in the position you’re in today?
I think I’ve got to where I am today through hard work, courage and internal motivation. I knew I wanted to move along the career ladder at Annapurna as soon as I joined and saw how much opportunity the Directors have created for people.
The Director’s pushed me out of my comfort zone when I joined Annapurna and continue to do so, and I feel that is really owed to my growth both as a Recruiter and a Manager.
2. What would you recommend for other women wanting to lead?
Listen to and action the help and advice from those around you and don’t be afraid to fail. Also, make sure that those around you know they can count on you.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Take risks and have the courage to push yourself out of familiar territory. (Also, if in doubt, send it out…!!)
4. What’s your biggest achievement to date?
Running the marathon in 2018 in a heatwave!
Career-wise – seeing my team succeed as they are at the moment is incredibly rewarding and is a different sense of achievement. It makes me so happy to see them doing so well!
5. What are your future aspirations?
I’d like to become a Director at Annapurna and see my team all branching out teams of their own as they are all so capable of doing so.
Jess, Business Manager
1. How did you get to be in the position you’re in today?
I joined Annapurna as a trainee consultant straight from university and immediately took on Charlie’s advice to “work hard, action what we tell you to do and there is no way that you will not be successful”. Luckily for me (and Charlie), it’s worked out pretty well.
2. What would you recommend for other women wanting to lead?
Don’t wait to be asked, take initiative and start acting as a role model and asking for responsibility.
3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
In some situations, perception is more powerful than reality.
4. What’s your biggest achievement to date?
Becoming the first female manager at Annapurna and beating Joseph Nabarro at golf.
5. What are your future aspirations?
Continuing to help the Directors to deliver our vision of being the world’s leading responsible search firm.
Would you like to start a career at Annapurna? Visit our career page, and get in touch with u
