For Ten Live Group, IWD is about sharing women’s achievements, recognising their challenges and bringing global focus on the benefits of gender diversity within organisations. As a female business owner for over two decades, Joanne Telfer is proud of the gender diversity within their recruitment organisation here at Ten Live.
As a recruitment specialist, there are some basics that business owners can do to lay the foundation for positive change and female representation within leadership roles. One of those is tailored structure to returning to the workplace. Within recruitment, whilst gender representation at recruiter and mid-level management is more balanced, research shows that women are more likely to leave the industry before they move into senior positions. This move is largely due to taking a career break for family commitments.
One of the biggest challenges women face, following this career break, is returning to the workplace in a competitive and high-pressured industry. Not every woman is fortunate enough to have the support and encouragement to make that positive move, however they certainly have the skills and desire. What better evidence could we want to justify that flexible working adds value, than the last two years? Support women with the skills and talent businesses need, by creating opportunities that sustain their lifestyle requirements. For example, flexible working and child care benefits is pivotal to increasing female representation in leadership. And that’s not just for recruitment businesses.
Ten Live Group Director Joanne Telfer, tells us how from her experience how women can succeed in a male dominant environment.
“The key for me to succeed in any environment is to be knowledgeable and confident, seek respected people as mentors, both male and female, and surround yourself in positivity with positive people”.
Joanne who is a massive advocate in celebrating the success of all women on International Women’s Day, she shares advice to anyone looking for the next step in their career
”You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them”. Fantastic words by Maya Angelou. Inspiring and motivating in equal measure. Be courageous, know your worth and trust and invest in yourself.
It’s not always easy. It’s about continuously learning and growing and being better every time. Something I encourage young women to do in their careers is to believe in and support each other. Build a network of peers who you trust, who champion you and keep you pushing through.”
