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PEOPLE
Most
Influential Sarah Gardner
Women
Deputy chief executive , GB Gambling Commission
For Sarah Gardner , being recognised as one of iGB ’ s Most Influential Women is an achievement on both a personal and professional level .
“ It ’ s hugely significant for me personally and very humbling because I ’ ve been honoured to meet some of the women who ’ ve received this award in the past and they have all been very impressive indeed ,” she says . “ However , I also think the award is a reflection of a wider team effort at the Gambling Commission .”
With her career at the Commission spanning 14 years , Gardner has had a front-row seat to witness gender equality initiatives improve parity in the workplace .
“ The Commission is made up of around 50 % women , which is great ,” she explains . “ While that ’ s been the case for some time , it used to be possible to see some pretty thick glass ceilings in some places and there have been various points where I was the only woman on the executive team .
“ Now , that is no longer the case and we have many fantastic women who are doing brilliant jobs at all levels in the organisation .”
Gardner recognises the difficulties that can come with being outnumbered in a professional environment . As such , she says she makes a concerted effort to encourage underrepresented groups to speak up .
“ Like many women , I ’ ve often felt that I have to work much harder than most people to make myself heard in a conversation ,” says Gardner . “ It ’ s been a frequent event in my career that I would be the only woman in a room full of men . That still happens today and it does make for a different dynamic which can be challenging .
“ I have learned to believe in what I can bring to discussions and debates and I always try to encourage colleagues to do the same , especially those who might be holding back because they are conscious that they aren ’ t like others in the room , whether that is because of gender , ethnicity , sexuality or any other reason .”
“ We have many fantastic women who are doing brilliant jobs at all levels in the organisation ”
ICE LONDON 2024 • ISSUE 135 • 105