The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day on 8th March is #InspireInclusion, emphasising the importance of diversity, inclusion and empowerment in all aspects of society. In this blog, we shine the spotlight on six women that have taken part in the Women Rising leadership development programme, supported through our partnership with Microsoft. Read on to find out more about their experience and their thoughts on what organisations can do to improve inclusion for women.
What is inclusion?
Inclusion is more than just a buzzword that organisations need to use when discussing recruitment strategies or how best to look in front of stakeholders. Inclusion is to create a feeling of belonging regardless of background, ethnicity, gender, race, age or any other difference to those around you.
At Advania, we believe everyone deserves to feel valued and supported at work. We take a proactive approach to building a workforce that not only breeds success, but that creates better people, too. However, we are always striving to do more – and our Diversity and Inclusion Board meets regularly to keep us driving forward on this issue.
One of the ways we support this is through the Women Rising leadership development programme. Through our partnership with Microsoft, every year we sponsor women throughout Advania to complete the programme. We’re able to support women who are already leaders to develop their authenticity, confidence and leadership skills to create breakthroughs in their professional development journeys.
Women in tech spotlight
We’re exceptionally proud of all the amazing women in tech working across Advania. For IWD 2024, we asked six of our Women Rising graduates questions on the theme of this year’s celebration: #InspireInclusion. Here’s what they had to say.
Natalie Plant, Business Applications Lead Consultant, 3 years at Advania.
How has your experience been being involved in the Women Rising programme?
My overall experience of the Women Rising programme has been very positive. It’s great to be part of a supportive community of women who are all in a similar situation, the confidence boost that you gain from the course gives an increased belief in your own personal abilities.
The rise in self-confidence is great and I have found that I have found more inner strength to step up and take part in the additional opportunities that have been offered to me that I would previously have shied away from.
The course also teaches us to trust our ability and knowledge and to believe we are capable of great things, which we definitely are. I have learnt that I shouldn’t be afraid to be who I am and not to feel alone in a male dominated team, I am able to offer a unique range of skills that my employer and customers can benefit from, and we should all be celebrated for our uniqueness.
Looking back on your career so far, what is something that you wish organisations would do to improve inclusion for women in our sector?
To date my career working as a consultant in the IT sector has been a positive one although I always say the life of a consultant isn’t a glamorous one. We can be up early and travel for a few hours before a full day of work onsite and then an overnight stay, as a working single Mum this has not always been easy for me, and the Mum guilt is very real.
Before the advances in remote working I used to question how long I could sustain the constant struggles between being a Mum and a Consultant, but now I am able to work from the comfort of my home for the majority of my time and I am still able to give the same level of service to customers (or better as I don’t get up at 5am to travel to them). Working from home has also allowed my daughter to be inspired by my determination to succeed, these days she is 24 and building a career of her own so now I am a working Mum to my 6 month old puppy. The ability to balance my home and work life these days is top priority.
Hannah Towers, HR Business Partner, Professional Services, started her career with the acquisition of Sol-Tec in October 2021, but has been with the business overall for 25 years.
How has your experience been being involved in the Women Rising programme?
I loved the Women Rising course. I found it insightful and felt very grateful for the opportunity. I loved hearing how what are thought of feminine leadership qualities are thought to be critical to modern leadership. I have often thought that I don’t have the character to be a leader, but this course changed my mindset. There was a slightly uncomfortable exercise where you are asked to reach out to people to ask what they see as your strengths and weaknesses. It took me a while to do but the results were very rewarding, and I sometimes look back on them if I have had a drop in confidence.
Looking back on your career so far, what is something that you wish organisations would do to improve inclusion for women in our sector?
I have seen positive movement in inclusion for women in my career for a good number of years. It has been a tough industry for female representation, but I think this is improving and we have some fantastic female talent here at Advania. I think family friendly policies are key and early years talent schemes. Giving access to courses like Women Rising and nurturing our female talent is so important.
Melanie Mackenzie, Sales Director SMB, has been with Advania for 10 years this Summer
How has your experience been being involved in the Women Rising programme?
The Women Rising programme was extremely valuable for me. A key theme throughout the programme was to be the most authentic self in my role. This means I have credibility in what I do and aligns to my own personal brand within Advania.
I learnt interesting, forward-thinking ways to handle conflict, understand derailing factors, set boundaries that match my own career objectives and recognise physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The programme was unique in that each module allows you the capacity to apply to real-life so value associated with learning can be applied almost immediately.
Looking back on your career so far, what is something that you wish organisations would do to improve inclusion for women in our sector?
I feel very fortunate that throughout my career with Advania I have had the opportunity to progress. I have seen over the past 10 years progression in that more women are establishing careers in our sector. I do feel we still have a long way to go, and I feel a focus needs to be in the earlier stages, within primary, secondary and sixth form.
I have applied to volunteer as an Enterprise Advisor, going into schools in the Manchester area trying to help align curriculum to industry, and in turn, encourage more young women and girls to see a potential career in our sector. I strongly believe this will make a big difference over time and we will start then to see a balance within all different roles in technology.
Laura Monteiro, Microsoft Alliance Manager, 1 year 3 months at Advania
How has your experience been being involved in the Women Rising programme?
The programme provided so much useful content, all delivered in the most inspiring yet practical way. The regular sessions gave me the opportunity to reflect on what matters to me and provide the resources to help me now shape the career that I want.
Looking back on your career so far, what is something that you wish organisations would do to improve inclusion for women in our sector?
Help women put the practices in place to gain a “sponsor” within the organisation – someone who will use their influence to support and advocate them and could prove to be one of their most valuable relationships in terms of career success.
Kate Hutchinson, Head of Business Applications, 21 years at Advania
How has your experience been being involved in the Women Rising programme?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Women Rising programme – it made me really question where my career was headed and what impact I want to have. I particularly enjoyed the Grit and Grace module as it made me really think about how to deal with difficult situations in the best way. The whole programme also made me think about how women treat each other – we should all be encouraging one another to be the best we can possibly be!
Looking back on your career so far, what is something that you wish organisations would do to improve inclusion for women in our sector?
Flexible working is now very much part of our daily lives. Since Covid the balance we can now have between work and family life has improved. Encouraging flexible working options and making hybrid working a permanent feature makes juggling personal and work commitments that bit easier and can help more women to fulfil their potential in whatever their chosen career.
Jo-Anne Frais, Senior Account Manager, 4.5 years at Advania
How has your experience been being involved in the Women Rising programme?
Finding the time to do the programme justice was a challenge, looking inward at who you are, what you are, and how you are perceived was insightful.
The honest interaction amongst other women all questioning the same as you was heartwarming.
I left the programme realising all roads lead to you, you the individual. Believe in who you are, your abilities, what you stand for, who you are, and you won’t go far wrong.
I would urge anyone given the opportunity to take part in these type of programmes to say yes and give it your all.
All I have outstanding, is to find myself a mentor. All applicants welcome
Looking back on your career so far, what is something that you wish organisations would do to improve inclusion for women in our sector?
I have never felt excluded from anything in my life let alone my career. I was never brought up to question my gender limiting me from anything, it wasn’t a feminist upbringing but one that encouraged me to strive for what I wanted. It has never occurred to me I cannot be part of an industry or sector based on my gender.
Find out more about working at Advania
A huge thanks to our women in tech who shared their insights, we hope you found it as inspiring as we did. At Advania, we’re the tech company with people at heart. If you would like to find out more about how you can be a part of this, visit our careers page for more information and vacancies.
