WINNER:
Sponsored and shortlisted by Tracerco
MALE ALLY AWARD
WINNER:
STEVE DOUGAN
( ALT LABS)
A male supporter of women in business said it was a“ huge privilege” to be the first winner of a special award.
Steve Dougan of tech consultancy firm Alt Labs was named inaugural winner of the Male Ally category, which was introduced as a reminder that gender equality isn’ t just a women’ s issue but a collective goal.
And a delighted Steve said he was“ really proud and humbled” to be a male ally trailblazer.
He said:“ It’ s not about being the male ally who opens doors, fixes things and comes to the rescue – it’ s about being someone who’ s there to try to give a more level playing field because there’ s still a huge distance to go.
“ Look at the number of female founders who get investment in their businesses. There’ s still a huge gap between male founders receiving VC investment and female founders, so there are lots of things that need to be addressed in that space.”
And he told Tees Business how working to support women in business has been a“ joy” for him.
He said:“ Working with female founders is a joy, but it’ s different – they bring a different energy to what they do and a different perspective to their business.
“ I think the most important thing to do is to give an ear. Listen to the challenges they have, which might be different from those of a male founder – they might have caring responsibilities, children in the mix and a dose of imposter syndrome is often there. So, if you can do anything to alleviate that, it’ s a really good thing to do.”
And in a message to fellow potential male business allies, Steve said:“ Offer mentorship and guidance and use your networks to make introductions and ease the path. Also, do business with female founders. Make the effort to reach out and connect and make it a more accessible space to do business in – and it will be for everyone’ s benefit.”
Winner – Steve Dougan, right, of tech consultancy firm Alt Labs, with Rachel Burke, director of compliance and risk at sponsor Tracerco.
FINALIST: FINALIST:
Grant Honzik( PD Ports)
Women have historically been underrepresented in the ports industry but Grant, the business unit director – bulks at PD Ports, has proactively taken steps to remove these barriers, creating an inclusive environment that consistently considers the welfare of female colleagues.
Grant encourages collaboration at all levels and has led the implementation of inclusive practices, such as flexible work arrangements. He has also changed job adverts to be more inclusive, upgraded changing facilities in a traditionally male-only space and championed the Women’ s Network Group. The result? An inclusive environment where Tees Dock now has its first-ever female crane driver, and the first female to be promoted to operational superintendent and team leader.
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
David Williams( Hartlepool College of Further Education)
The vice-principal of finance and corporate services at Hartlepool College of Further Education, David is an authentic leader who shows how genuine advocacy can break down barriers that hinder women’ s success, wellbeing and achievement. Leading a predominantly female team, he empowers each to lead with confidence and autonomy. But his actions go beyond words, actively championing initiatives such as Power of Women, encouraging his team to engage in professional development and networking, and consistently creating opportunities for women to thrive. But what also sets David apart is not only the big gestures, but his daily practice – his approach and mindset reflect the positive difference a leader can make when they lead with intention and determination.
Rachel Burke, director of compliance and risk, Tracerco: I was always supportive of this award from the beginning. It’ s not an“ us and them” situation – it doesn’ t have to be women against men. If we really want to move the dial on equality, we’ ve all got to move in the same direction, working towards the same goal. And when I read the nominations, I was blown away – each one of them was such a high calibre. I would be really happy if any of those men were a mentor or a champion to one of my daughters.
132 | Tees Business