74 | Tees Business
TEES TALK
Nicola Duffey, Senior manager HR, SABIC
“One of the challenges for women in
business is overcoming the myth that working
long hours means a more effective and
committed employee.
“The reality is that the majority of women
still hold the lion’s share of responsibility for
childcare. Childcare facilities have improved
enormously but women still need to find ways
to work more flexibly so they can achieve a
good work-life balance. A supportive boss and
good support network are both essential to
making this a success.
“At SABIC, we offer flexible working
arrangements for all employees, which are
essential to helping us to attract and retain
women in the chemical industry.”
Sharon Starkey, managing director,
Resolution Communications
“I feel lucky to be operating in the Tees
Valley as we are surrounded by successful
women in all areas of business. This region
seems to be extremely supportive of women
entrepreneurs, with females represented in
both the private and public sector.
“As a result, I haven’t felt the challenges
that some women have experienced. I would
encourage women to engage with their fellow
business people, whether male or female.”
Jo Shepherd, sales manager,
Hardwick Hall Hotel
“The current challenges for women in
business are for equality with men. We
constantly strive to be equal to our male
counterparts.
“I do believe a glass ceiling does exist and,
as women, we push to break this. I believe
I’m as good as my male equivalents but feel
that I have to work harder and push further to
achieve the same outcome.”
Jo Davies, managing director, HR Alchemy
“When I worked in the steel industry, the
key challenge for me was about establishing
myself as a credible businesswoman in my
own right in a male-dominated industry, which
wasn’t always easy. I was once questioned
by a senior HR colleague about why I was
attending a meeting as ‘No-one will listen to
you anyway…you’re female’. It made me all
the more determined to prove them wrong.
“The other challenge is juggling the
pressures of work and family. Trying to accept
that you can never really ‘have it all’ is a tough
cross to bear, especially for someone like
myself.”
This autumn Tees Business will host the first ever
Teesside Businesswomen Awards as part of our
efforts to shout about women who are making a
real difference on the local business scene.
We asked eight Tees businesswomen this question:
What are the key challenges for women in business?
Helen Stewart, director, Calm Digital
“I personally haven’t experienced any challenges
specific to women in business. I think both genders
face the same challenges - proving your ability and
managing daily business decisions as well as carrying
out the company strategy in the best possible way are
key to running a successful company. If you work hard
and remain focused, your effort pays off, no matter
what your gender.
“I’ve found that you are paid on your skillset and
ability for the role you do. The opportunities are endless
- if you push yourself and strive to be the best you can
you will be rewarded.”
Louise Gynne-Jones, PR & communications
manager, NEPIC
“The biggest challenge for women in business is work-
life balance. Flexible working arrangements are a great
tool that can assist businesses in attracting top talent.
I hope flexible working will soon be a workplace norm
for all, not a ‘benefit’ for women with children.
“Another challenge is the lack of female role models.
It’s hard for people to be what they can’t see. We need
more business leaders sponsoring highly qualified,
talented women by speaking up on their behalf and
providing them with a platform for self-promotion that
many females naturally shy away from.”
Paula Tinkler. commercial director, Chemoxy
“When I started work as an electrical engineer in ICI in
1989, the key challenge was getting a pair of size three
safety shoes and locating a ladies’ locker room!
“Today the important challenges are, quite frankly,
the same as for men - to be resilient, adaptable and
creative. Women also have the extra challenge to
be seen as assertive, not bossy, and organised, not
secretarial.
“On Teesside we have many senior female leaders
in Lucite, SABIC, Chemoxy, Exwold and others, so
young women in our region are well placed to find
someone to offer advice on how to overcome any real
or perceived obstacles.”
Karen Eve, centre manager, Castlegate
Shopping Centre
“Women in business have extra obstacles to overcome
as we often have additional demands on our time,
energy and resources. As a mum of three, I’ve strived
to have everything - a successful career, a relationship
and motherhood.
“Women face challenges in securing highly paid
jobs that have previously been dominated by males. I
firmly believe employers who recruit women into these
jobs can be completely comfortable in the thought that
they will deliver.