Celebrating International Women's Day

Join us in celebrating International Women's Day by recognising some of the incredible women who bring their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences to Belgotex.

JILL JARVIS - NATIONAL HOSPITALITY MANAGER

Tell us a little bit about who you are.

I’m Jill Jarvis - South Island born and bred. I enjoy life at a steady to frantic pace as a Mum to two teenagers and working full time. Spare time for me is taken up with friends, family, the gym (instagram: @thearm8464) and pottering about my house. I’m excited to have some overseas travel planned for later this year (finally!).

How long have you been part of the?Belgotex Team?

I’ve recently ticked over eight years with Belgotex, and enjoyed working in the Commercial Sales Team with Architects, Interior Designers, Retailers and End Users across the South Island area in a BDM role. Since October 2022 I’ve moved into a newly established National Role, specifically focused to Hotels and our Tourism industry across New Zealand, and a role I’m really (really) enjoying.

What do you enjoy the most about working?at Belgotex?

It’s the people and the variety! The Belgotex NZ team is a collaborative and solutions focused unit. We have great goals and it’s fun to be a part of the Team. I’ve met some fabulous people in my time – it’s not just ‘selling flooring’ - strong relationships with good people are important to me, and this speaks to both our internal Team and clients and businesses I’ve worked with over the years.

What does International Women’s Day?mean to you?

From a business perspective, it’s great that we have strong females in roles across so many industries in NZ. That’s not just females that are the CEO, but females in roles across all areas of a business - owning what they do, being proud of it and empowered and confident to do more and know that there is no limit. International Women’s Day is the opportunity for us all to stop for a minute and reflect on not only how far we’ve come, but how much further we can (and will!) go.

As the Mum of 2 teenage girls, I love that they have strong role models across all areas of their life so they have confidence that anything is possible – if they dream it, they can make it happen with no limits. A favourite mantra in our home is ‘Best Foot Forward, ALWAYS’. It’s wonderful that this is achievable and that they see this easily everyday with strong and kind women in their education, family and friends.

Why do we need to see more women?in leadership?

Women in leadership is important, I agree that we need to see more and I’ve enjoyed working with some amazing female leaders in business over the years - however, my priority is to see the right people in leadership roles, I don’t care if they are male or female, young or old. Having strong leaders that are driven, focused to task with great skills for empathy and inclusion is what I admire the most, and what will see us all stronger and better in the future.

What progress have you seen on gender quality in NZ? What progress would you?like to see in the future?

Rightly or wrongly - our world moves at such a fast pace now, across all things - change is rapid! But there remains a strong determination in the mindset and attitude of the women around me – we are nimble, confident and proud to drive our own destiny. Do what makes you happiest, surround yourself with a like-minded team and know that there is always a choice! My hope is that this continues in the future.

KELLY MEDINA - SALES SUPPORT

Tell us a little bit about who you are.

I was born and raised in the Philippines before I moved to New Zealand in 2016. I have gained a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism from a reputable university in the Philippines.?

I am a fan of travel and geography. I love meeting people from all walks of life. I am very happy with my career in New Zealand because through it, I get to talk to and connect with other people from different cultures and professions, which is what I love doing.

My 14 years’ experience in customer service honed my abilities and boosted my potential. It helped me gain my confidence in communicating and relating to people. I love listening to customers’ concerns and finding the best solutions to their problems.

I enjoy helping people and I love expanding my knowledge and experience so I can share it with others. On weekends, I love helping my husband in marketing his immigration consultancy business.

How long have you been part of the?Belgotex Team?

I am now in my second year at Belgotex.

What do you enjoy the most about working?at Belgotex?

I enjoy working at Belgotex because my skill set is a good match to my current role and that I have opportunities to learn more about the other aspects of the business.?

What does International Women’s Day?mean to you?

International Women’s Day to me is the celebration of women’s rights and gender equality in the family, in the workplace and in the community.

Why do we need to see more women?in leadership?

We need to see more women in leadership because they provide a holistic approach in leading their respective organisations. Women leaders sincerely bring in the?emotional part of leadership which is crucial in motivating their people and ensuring their people’s welfare is taken care of. In my home country, over 50% of workplace managers are women – the fifth highest rate in the world as per World Economic Forum report in February 8, 2021. This only shows that women can be leaders, and that they are effective ones!

What progress have you seen on gender quality in NZ? What progress would you like to see in the future?

I have been seeing the income gap between men and women in New Zealand has been narrowing through the years.?

In the future, I would like to see income equality between genders as an actual fact, and not something that we are only envisioning in the future. Women bring in the same level of skills (if not more!) in the labour market as men, so we should all be given the same compensation, the same opportunity regardless of gender.

TONI-MARIE MARTIN - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Tell us a little bit about who you are.

I am a Wahine Toa (strong woman) in Aotearoa and when I’m not coming up with flooring solutions for my customers, I’m out on my motorbike off to the batch in the Coromandel. I also have a big passion for teaching and performing Aerial silks and trapeze.

How long have you been part of the?Belgotex Team?

3 years.

What do you enjoy the most about working?at Belgotex?

Company Culture – building a great team working environment. Being a part of a leading company in the industry. Contributing to a larger purpose which gives me the motivation to hit goals.

What does International Women’s Day?mean to you?

To recognise and celebrate Wahine (women’s) achievements – their strength, intelligence, fearlessness and supporting all woman in all walks of life.

Why do we need to see more women?in leadership?

To inspire the younger generation of Māori women to chase their dreams and never give up.??

What progress have you seen on gender quality in NZ? What progress would you?like to see in the future?

Caring for their children while working a full time job is not the sole responsibility on a woman. Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way New Zealand perceives that strength.