Embracing Equity: Insights and Tips from the Women of Circet for Success in Business with Cecily Haywood

Hi, I'm Cecily. I joined Circet in November 2022 as a Design and Acquisition Program Manager. My role is to ensure efficient delivery of projects by managing workflows with internal and external teams and acting as a customer liaison.

The fast-paced and dynamic nature of telecoms work, coupled with hardworking colleagues, has made me appreciate this sector even more. I have a lot of respect for those who have achieved success through hard work and dedication.

Have you had a female leader that you have been inspired by?

I have had one female mentor over the course of my career. She recruited me into my first telecoms role and supported me through some of my more difficult patches. Whenever I thought I couldn't do something, she believed in me and was there to cheer for me when I proved I actually could do it. I will never forget her. I think having an example of a strong female who has overcome the challenges of being a leader in a male-dominated environment is hugely beneficial as they have a unique understanding of what we're up against!

What advice would you give to other women who are looking to build their careers?

Don't mistake self-belief for arrogance. Know your worth but make sure you can evidence it. There is no substitute for excellent results.

What are the main challenges for female leaders, especially as a female leader within our STEM industry?

Overcoming the assumption that you are just an administrator has been my biggest challenge. Motivating senior leaders, who have often been in telecoms longer than I have been tying my shoes, to embrace change rather than just reminiscing about how things were in the good old days has been difficult. In order to do this, you need to let your work speak for itself but also never be afraid to (respectfully) disagree. Just because something has always been done one way doesn’t mean it should always be done that way in the future.

How did you achieve success in your career as a woman? What do you consider the most significant factor in your success?

Belief that if others can learn something, I can learn it. Honesty about what you can and can’t do is important, but always see a knowledge gap as an opportunity rather than a barrier. Never wait for things to be done for you; go out and fight for what you want.

What are your top tips for supporting women in business?

1. See women as allies, not competitors. It is so easy to fall into comparing yourself to others and feeling envy rather than admiration when others achieve. I try to be someone who is unfailingly honest and accessible. While I don’t consider myself an expert in anything, I know how it can feel to be thrown in at the deep end and surrounded by others who appear to be better prepared than you! So often, women underestimate how much we can do, so I always try to show my female colleagues how respected and amazing they are so that they have the confidence to go out and smash it.
2. Never ask someone else to do a job you’re not prepared to do yourself. Never assume. Be someone who shares their skills and knowledge rather than hoards them.