Conversations for Change: International Women’s Day

Q&A: Rachel Banks - Product Manager

1. What does International Women's Day mean to you?

Positive change. I look forward to a future where there is no requirement for IWD. A world in which we celebrate successful people and their gender is irrelevant, where strong successful women are the status quo. In the UK we have come a long way to achieving that but IWD gives us the opportunity to inspire women in countries where they have to fight for even the basic rights such as access to education.

2. What is your proudest achievement to date?

There have been many moments in my career where I have smashed targets, saved the business money or created efficiencies, all of which I have been proud of but as a mother of two young children it would not feel right if my greatest achievement did not relate to them. Being a working mother is incredibly hard and there are constant challenges and emotional guilt but I am so proud to be a role model to them, to show them life's possibilities. At just four years old they are already beautifully sassy and independent and know what they want.

3. What comes to mind when you think of this year's International Women's Day theme, Breaking the Bias...?

I love this year's theme! It's the answer to achieving an equal playing field for men and women. So many of the challenges women face in the workplace stem from unconscious bias. Managers naturally form affinities with their team members, and this is fuelled by social categories and common interests. This can result in key projects and conversations only being shared with those who there are affinities with. It can be harder for women to build a rapport when working in a man dominated industry. We need to create a more diverse workforce to mitigate this risk.

4. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

My ambitions are simply to be a success in whatever I do. To be well thought of and to provide a positive impact. In ten years I will have two beautiful teenage daughters and so I hope to be a role model to them, to show them they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

5. Are there any women in particular that have positively impacted you in your career? If so, what's one lesson they have taught you?

I was lucky to work with incredibly inspiring women in my early career. In particular, one who worked in a heavily male dominated role and showed me the possibilities. She showed me it was possible to be respected, to be successful and to still also be a mother. This was so important. You can't be what you can't see, as Marian Edelman once said.

6. What advice do you have for women starting out in their careers?

Find something that you can be passionate about and then stay true to yourself. Ask questions and don't be afraid to say when you don't know the answer.

7. Tell us about a stereotype you've had to overcome.

Whilst working in the construction industry I was subjected to many situations fuelled by gender stereotypes. On many occasions in client facing meetings I would find that the client would often talk over/through me and direct questions at my male colleagues. As the product expect I was best placed to answer these questions, but although I was the one answering the next question would again be directed at my colleague. There was an assumption that being female I could not be the most technically able in the room.

8. What's the best thing about being a woman?

Admittedly in a previous role when I was working in construction there were times where I felt it opened a few doors for me being female. People were intrigued to see what I had to offer and I got in with clients where others couldn't. However, on the flip side of this, it was incredibly hard work to then maintain this relationship. I had to really prove myself very quickly in a way my fellow colleagues were not having to. I don't believe we should be driven to achieve by our gender. We should celebrate all successes equally.

9. Do you have one particular highlight of your career?

Being asked to participate in IWD's in a highlight for sure. Being recognised as successful and potentially being about to inspire others is very humbling. Another highlight was travelling to China for a week to source products and suppliers. I made this journey alone and had ultimate decision making on all aspects. It was very empowering to know I had the respect of my managing director in making the right decisions for the business.

10. What are the challenges facing women in business today?

As mentioned earlier there are still some challenges present where affinities are formed often in a more social environment. Out on the golf course, watching the football/boxing for example. If women do not have these shared interests its harder to build a rapport. Women also have the additional challenge of still generally being see as the main caregiver towards children. Once I remove my make up at the end of the day, my thoughts do not tend to be how to progress up the hierarchy. To attract more women into leadership roles, companies need to offer flexibility. The work/life balance is essential.

11. What are 3 key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in business?

• Be true to yourself.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions.
• Be positive and passionate.