IWD 2023: Embracing equity at graze

??This International Women's Day, we're celebrating all the women at graze who are trailblazing for better ??

We spoke to Penny MacKintosh (our Chief Customer Officer) and Clare Green née Jackson (our Safety, Health, and Environment Manager) to find out more about their careers in spaces that are traditionally male dominated. And they’re as good at sharing brilliant nuggets of wisdom as they are at challenging gender stereotypes in the workplace. ??

Read more about how we #EmbraceEquity at graze in our Impact Report here. #IWD2023

How did you get to where you are today?

Penny: I am proud of the squiggly and less traditional route I followed to get to where I am today. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had leaders who encouraged and supported me, and mentors that have pushed me to be brave enough to stretch out of my comfort zone at times when it would have been easier to doubt myself. 

Clare: Keeping options open, looking ahead, and a supportive family. For example, for my first job I opted for a large company as they offered a range of opportunities. I started my career in product quality, however, I could see that the manufacturing site I worked at would soon close, so I stayed ahead of the curve and gained extra qualifications in health, safety and environment knowing it was an extremely transferrable profession. Also, I genuinely wouldn't be where I am today without my partner's support who, once we started a family, shares the school/nursery runs, and other aspects of having a family and home.  

What advice would you give to other women looking to work in a male-dominated industry?

Clare: Follow your heart, enjoy what you do. As I so thoroughly enjoy the manufacturing environment that it's never bothered me that it can be male-dominated, so I would encourage others not to think about the gender that may or may dominate in an industry or profession but to focus on finding a career that you feel passionate about and enjoy.  

Penny: I have often admired how people who are more confident in backing themselves are generally more successful. They look at opportunities to stretch, focusing on their strengths and how these would be an asset to a new job, rather than using what they don’t know as a reason not to put their hat in the ring. Ironically, if you’re taking on a job where you are already good at everything it requires - you have probably taken the wrong job.

What would you like to celebrate this IWD? 

Penny: Unusually and very proudly, our entire sales leadership team at graze (Sophie Kennedy, Katherine Wynn-Davies, Mariana J. & Shrenee Patel, ACA) are women! Today is a perfect day to highlight and celebrate that. It is a good example of actions speaking louder than words! 

Clare: I am proud to work for graze whose leadership has promoted a culture where flexibility is the norm, and employees are trusted to juggle work and life commitments. This is important and valued by many staff with responsibilities outside of work, including me personally as I have not had to choose between my career and my family.