A question I thought I'd never be asked....
Have I finished breeding? Really?!?!
This morning I came to work invigorated by spending time with the Financial Services Federation HR Working Group yesterday. I was invited to speak about authenticity and storytelling and how they can positively impact organisational culture and our own leadership presence. The discussion was animated, reflective, and honest. We talked about the importance of emotions, what authenticity isn’t, and the challenges that we face when being vulnerable in the workplace.
Synchronicity is a wonderful thing, so on my arrival at work this morning I read this frank and open opinion piece by Executive Director of the Financial Services Federation Lyn McMorran about her experiences as a women in Financial Services and felt compelled to put pen to paper for IWD2019 #BalanceForBetter.
As I reflect back on my nearly 20 year career as an accountant and leader in professional services, government, and now financial services, I feel fortunate to not have felt disadvantaged by my gender. It feels strange to use the word fortunate as I believe in an inclusive world where we are able to simply be ourselves.
Now, does that mean I haven’t experienced moments of discomfort, anxiety, or downright shock with some behaviours or experiences throughout my career? Absolutely not.
Lyn talks about the ‘best legs’ competition she experienced, and I vividly remember being invited to events with more senior members purely because of how I looked, rather than for what I could contribute to the discussion. To be honest, I went along anyway, as at that time I had a mantra of not saying no to opportunities (and perhaps thought that by showing up I was able to prove that I was more than how I looked).
I also remember the professional services dress codes that had ‘acceptable colours’ and strongly discouraged trousers for women. I should note that this was after I’d arrived for induction at the firm wearing my proudly purchased and saved for purple trouser suit.
I also remember being asked, a number of years ago now, in an Interview for a Senior Management position whether I had “finished breeding”. I still have no words for that question.
I stand for an inclusive world where we are proud of our own identity and the facets that make us unique and I love working in a place where we work hard to create an environment where people can be themselves.
I am proud to work in a company where 62% of our people are women, including 48% in leadership positions.
We were finalists and winners in the 2018 Financial Services Awards that Lyn talks about, and our nominations and winners were, on reflection, all women. This wasn’t deliberate, they were the people that genuinely were working hard for our customers and making a true difference not only to them, but to our business, and our industry.
So here’s to being proud of the steps we have already made in #BalanceForBetter, and realizing how far we’ve come.
For the record I don’t even own a black, grey, or blue skirt suit now, and more often than not look like a technicolour rainbow in our office, because that is who I truly am.
#authenticleadership #IWD2019 #financialservices #womeninleadership #financialservicesfederation #wearwhatyoulike
Financial Controller / Director
5 年In about 1993 I went to work in trousers one day and the senior partner told me ‘ I looked very nice if he was taking me out to dinner but trousers weren’t appropriate for work’. Same man made the old ‘joke’ that my dress was ok but would look better on his bedroom floor! Hopefully things have changed for women now and they feel empowered to say something if those situations occur and not keep quiet for fear of not progressing in their careers.
General Counsel - Director of Legal and Democratic Services at Christchurch City Council
5 年Brilliant!
Customer Operations
5 年I love your story and your colours
Wow, I’d forgotten about the trouser thing! I remember going for graduate job interviews and being warned in advance that some employers would prefer me not to wear trousers...
Generating real ROI driven results via social media, digital marketing and education for businesses around the globe.
5 年Love it! A great read Sasha and good on you for sharing it. I am sure that many of those awesome and successful Avanti women will have been inspired by you.