Together. We Move.

Interview: Working Mums

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Happy International Women’s Day!

#InternationalWomensDay

Contents

CONTENTS Page 4: The stronger we are, the further we’ll go: Meet the Women inspiring us at Gymshark.

WORKING MUMS: Page 6: Connie Nam is Founder and CEO of jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu and mother of two.

Page 7: With two under two as well as a thriving business, Ella Mills shares her story.

Page 8: Sophie Beresiner is raising her baby in a world far from normal, but she’s embracing all of it. Here she talks maternity leave, and her career learnings so far.

Page 9: Looking after the Gymshark family is work enough, but Emma Brundrett does it all while looking after her own family too.

NOT BOSSY, THE BOSS: Page 10: Meet Yvette Noel-Schure, a true trailblazer of the music industry.

Here, we talk to her about what she’s learnt on her path to leadership.

Page 11: Founder of Vestpod, Emilie has led it to be the success it is today,

here she talks about how she did it.

Page 12: If you’ve worked with Vanessa Belleau, you know how much of a powerhouse she is. Here, she chats about her journey so far and how she embraced her authenticity and authority.

Page 13: Through hard work and determination, Rimla Akhtar MBE made her passion her career, even if it meant breaking ever barrier in her way.

Page 14: We talk to Baroness Michelle Mone OBE Founder of Ultimo, Entrepreneur and Parliamentarian.

LEADING IN A MAN’S WORLD: Page 15: A true trailblazer of her industry, we talk to Bee Adamic about

leadership in a male-dominated field.

Page 16: Gymshark’s first female chief, and pioneer of all things data,

Gemma Hulbert talks all things career and leadership.

Page 17: Monique Blake balances not only family and career, she balances

multiple, global careers. We chat to her about how she does it all.

Page 18: Rikke Rosenlund founded BorrowMyDoggy the same year

Gymshark was founded. Leading it to where it is today, she paved her own path to success.

Page 19: Recruiting Soon: Gymshark Employee Resource Group.

#InternationalWomensDay

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Introduction

THE STRONGER WE ARE, THE FURTHER WE’LL GO.

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This International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate some of the wonderful women we have in the Gymshark family, and in the world at large. This booklet is jam-packed full of inspiring interviews from trailblazer businesswomen talking about busting stereotypes in maledominated sectors, career mothers discussing how they succeed and balance both ‘jobs’, and girl bosses embracing their authority to exude confidence and power. So what are you waiting for? Stop reading this and enjoy learning all about these amazing women.

LIZ THOMPSON

CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Elisabeth is humble, caring and incredibly skilled. She creates such a great environment whilst juggling being a mum. I hope one day I can be the super star mum Liz is whilst always putting family first.

- Gemma Hulbert

JANE WILSON

HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL TRADING

Jane still manages to kick ass in all meetings with a toddler and new-born wanting her full attention. She somehow doesn’t let zero sleep get in the way of knowing her numbers.

Women really are superheroes.

- Steph O’Neill

MARIANA CAMORGO

HEAD OF WOMEN’S PRODUCT MARKETING

Mariana’s work ethic and openness for challenge is super refreshing! She holds me accountable and I’ve learnt a lot from her. I also, love her ‘won’t take shit from a man’ mentality!

- Lois Woodcock

Interview: Working Mums

CHLOE PERKINS

JULES SMITH

INFLUENCER MARKETING EXECUTIVE

STEPH O’NEILL

PROJECT MANAGER

HEAD OF PR & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Chloe is the most positive & caring person to work alongside!!

Constantly looking out for others and checking in. She’s a huge advocate for women and how we can be better and diverse.

Jules is one of the most organised people I know, and her way of managing her home life while headlining projects in the company is so inspiring to me.

How Steph juggles the PR operation is beyond me, from a different location, with a strategy evolving daily...

As well as leading a bad-ass team.

Doing it all in 6 inch heels - iconic.

- Sophie Collins

- Hattie Abbott

- Jane Wilson

JODANNA BIRD

AALIYAH DICKENS

SENIOR CREATIVE

DIANA FERGUSON

SOCIAL CULTURE SPECIALIST

PAID SEARCH EXECUTIVE

I love listening to Jodanna’s ideas and her creativity blows me away.

The passion she has for women and mental health shines through in the work that she does!

Aaliyah inspires me every single day just by being herself and the disruptive nature that comes so effortlessly to her work.

Diana is a sweet, joyful, beautiful person. She makes a point in doing her job right. Not to mention she’s a mother of three boys and speaks three languages!

- Amanda Webb

- Rebecca Shipton

- Eva Lazennec

VANESSA BELLEAU

SAMMIE JONES

INCLUSION & BELONGING CONSULTANT

JZUEE PRADHAN

SENIOR CAMPAIGN MANAGER

CUSTOMER ANALYTICS MANAGER

I am in awe of Vanessa, she is a breath of fresh air- a true gem! She encourages passion, values the importance of asking hard questions and motivates us to walk the walk.

Sammie is a process and management legend who has built our team up from the ground. Having a good manager is so important and she’s set the bar high!

Jzuee brings everything, every day!..

She motivates me to bring my best self, and makes me so proud to be working alongside such strong and resilient women in data.

- Jade Roberts

- Grace Brough

- Sam Vidler

YOU MAY RECOGNISE SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL FACES ON THE COVER, THAT’S BECAUSE THEY ARE ILLUSTRATIONS OF A HANDFUL OF OUR VERY OWN INSPIRING WOMEN AT GYMSHARK, RECOGNISED BY YOU! #InternationalWomensDay

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Interview: Working Mums

who are family planning?

It’s not easy being a working mum (let alone being a mum), so don’t be fooled by all the glamorous Instagram mums who seem to have it all. Everyone struggles and being a mum has been the toughest things I’ve ever been through, and I’m pretty resilient. Remember that if you’re struggling, you’re not alone!

Can you tell us what success looks like for you?

Being able to do what I love, spending time with people I adore and respect, having an impact on community and society at large, while having full financial freedom!

CONNIE NAM Meet Connie Nam, founder and CEO of jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu and mother of two.

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What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I am the founder and CEO of Astrid & Miyu. Founding A&M was my first step into the jewellery industry.

Out of university I started my career in investment banking, mainly helping tech start-ups raise money through IPOs. After that I did some consulting work for LVMH. What does a typical day for you look like?

It’s difficult to pinpoint a typical day running a fast-moving business.

But I generally block out Mondays and Tuesdays to catch up with the team, to work “in” the business.

Wednesdays, I have a lot of external meetings, either building new relationships with business development or catching up with industry leaders to share pain points.

I’m also spending a lot of my time at the moment recruiting as

I’m expanding our leadership team to prepare for growth.

I like to block one day a week out for “deep think” which doesn’t always work out as planned.

I like to spend an hour with my children before they go to bed (I have a 2.5 year-old and a 3.5 year old) and then unwind over dinner with my husband.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement so far?

Completing 2 fund raises, having 2 kids and growing the business at 500% over the course of two years between 2017 and 2019.

Less exciting, but I am also proud of how I led the business through the pandemic in 2020.

Best piece of advice you would you give to working mums or to those

What do you think is the biggest challenge faced by mothers in the workplace?

I think cost of childcare is a huge issue in this country. First, statutory maternity pay is very low, so unless you work for a company with generous benefits it becomes a struggle.

Second, there is no childcare benefit until your child turns 3 which means for a mum to return to work you need to fund either a nanny or a nursery on your own. For many women, these childcare expenses are larger than their net salary.

When I speak to my friends who are mums, I think there is still a lack of understanding towards needs that come with being a mum, such as having to take some time Out of working hours for childcare of home schooling. Lockdown has brought out the more human side in organisations, but I think we have a lot more work to do in this front.

What were or are the biggest challenges you faced going back into the workplace after children?

When I had my two children, the business was much smaller, so I had to come back to work pretty quickly. With my second I only had a month off before I came back, and

Interview: Working Mums

“THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS PERFECT. I THINK MUMGUILT IS VERY REAL”

then went through a fund-raise process almost immediately.

So not having that time off, not being able to look after myself properly, was a huge challenge now looking back. To make up for this, I am planning on taking a sabbatical at some point when the business becomes more mature.

How do you personally juggle your career and having a family?

Having good people around me is key to the balancing act.

At work I have a strong leadership team that take full ownership over day to day, so if I had to step out for a bit there is no major impact on the business.

At home, my husband is very supportive, and I also have a very good nanny who we rely on completely.

Have your career goals changed since becoming a working mother from that prior to having children?

No. If you could give your past self-one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to show that you’re a mother. Shit happens when you’re raising children.

Be open with your team. Be human. You will be surprised how supportive and empathetic people can be! #InternationalWomensDay

ELLA MILLS With two under two as well as a thriving business, Ella Mills shares her story.

What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I’m the founder and creative director of deliciously ella. In 2011 I was diagnosed with a condition that impaired the functioning of my autonomic nervous system, and I looked to a change in diet and lifestyle to help manage my symptoms. I couldn’t cook, so I started a recipe website to record my experiments. The website went on to have 130 million hits over the next three years, and in 2015, I released my first cookbook, which went on to be the fastest selling debut cookbook of all time, From there the website grew into an app, then a central London café; a range of food products in over 7,000 stores across the UK and five more best-selling cookbook.

What does a typical day for you look like?

A real mix, no day is ever the same, which I love. I look after the brand side of what we do, and my husband runs the day-to-day functioning and operations of the business.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

Knowing that we’re making a difference. Hearing from our community is what makes everything so worthwhile for me. Changing my diet changed my life and knowing that we’re able to support others truly means the world.

Best piece of advice you would you give to working mums or to those who are family planning?

There’s no such thing as perfect. I think mum-guilt is very real, finding the balance between time at work and time with my daughters is a constant juggling act, some days I

feel I’m doing it well and other days I feel I’m doing it terribly.

What is success for you?

Genuinely enjoying what I do, feeling there’s meaning and purpose in my day to day.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for mothers in the workplace?

Hours in the day! Other than trying to carve out enough time for everything. As a founder taking maternity was also incredibly difficult, I took four weeks first time round and two months second time, it wasn’t enough by any means.

What were or are the biggest challenges you faced going back into the work place after children?

Confidence. Both times I felt very nervous, it’s our company, my name is on the logo, and yet I was still terrified – I think it’s normal to doubt yourself and wonder if certain processes worked better without you.

Have your career goals changed since becoming a working mother from that prior to having children?

Definitely. I’ve never been more efficient – the saying if you want something done give it to a busy person feels so apt. I’m so focused when I’m at work as time is infinitely more precious than it ever was before, things have to get done faster so that I can find real time for my children.

If you could give your past self-one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?

Take the pressure of yourself, we’re all in this together, no one does it perfectly – there’s no such thing as perfect in motherhood or a career.

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Interview: Working Mums

SOPHIE BERESINER Sophie Beresiner is raising her baby in a world far from normal, but she’s embracing all of it. Here she talks maternity leave, and her career learnings so far.

What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I’m on maternity leave from my role as Beauty & Style Director at BURO. A digital luxury editorial platform. I am also a columnist for the Sunday Times Style.

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Typical day includes…

My maternity leave days are madder than the work ones. Apart from tripping through the complexity of bringing up a tiny human with no previous experience, I squeeze in writing my Mother Project column, as well as running my own website motherprojectofficial.com, and planning for my book launch. In a way the quiet lockdown life has been great for close bonding with my baby, as well as my own productivity, in lieu of baby classes, a social life etc. Saying that, I live for 22.00ish when my husband and I watch Mad Men on the sofa while I pretend I’m not falling asleep.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

My column starting in The Times was a huge moment for me that has spiralled into a collection of very proud achievements. First it was published, and I was beside myself.

It won an industry award. Then it moved to Sunday Times Style and then I got a book deal with Harper Collins and I had to pinch myself. My proudest achievement though was writing and delivering my manuscript whilst on maternity leave.

That was an opportunity for escapism and a sense of achievement that I wasn’t sure I was capable of.

I’m so happy my daughter has her own legacy already. It is due to be published on May 27th.

Best piece of advice you would you give to working mums or to those who are family planning?

Don’t plan too hard.

It’s great to have structure and a sense of what your daily goals look like, but like any routine you’re trying to establish with a child, if you put too much pressure on controlling the uncontrollable, you will combust. There has to be contingency factored in! And wine.

Describe what success looks like for you?

This is cheesy, but I’ve never worked for anything as hard as I did trying to have a baby.

What do you think is the biggest challenge faced by mothers in the workplace?

Judgement. And misinformed judgement at that. I recently found out a third of private sector employers believe pregnant women and new mothers are ‘generally less interested in career progression’, whilst half agree there is sometimes resentment towards women who are on maternity leave by their fellow employees. This is obviously bullsh*t of the highest order.

How do you personally juggle your career and having a family?

Honestly, I have no idea. I take each day as it comes. I work while my baby sleeps, then I lose myself in playing with her and I have to forget the other stuff. Otherwise I’d be doing her a disservice. I have to think ‘What’s more important?’ So far, 10 out of 10 times it’s been the baby!

Have your career goals changed since becoming a working mother from that prior to having children?

No! I wasn’t expecting them to. I had cancer ten years ago and in a funny way it drove me to do more. I kind of feel the same about having a baby. It’s a huge life event and it changes you. I just want to do better and better.

If you could give your past self-one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?

First of all, stop taking it for granted that you’re going to be fortunate enough to be a mother who works.

You will be, but not in any way you ever imagined. Just focus on dealing with that when the time comes.

Everything else will wait.

“...SUCCESS IS BEING ABLE TO CONSISTENTLY DRIVE AND EMBRACE CHANGE”

Interview: Working Mums

EMMA BRUNDRETT

Looking after the Gymshark family is work enough, but Emma does it all while looking after her own family too.

What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I’m the VP People for the International Business Division. I started my career working in the ceramics industry; I joined a graduate training programme and completed a rotation in procurement before moving into Personnel. I completed my professional People Qualification with the CIPD and decided that People was definitely the place for me!

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

The first is my move to being a line manager; I went from managing myself to having to be far more considered with my time and the impact of my working style on others; it was really a moment that I remember clearly.

The second is starting work at Gymshark just over 3 years ago… we have built such an amazing team and whilst not perfect, I am getting to shape a People agenda in a way that most others never get a chance to. A proper pinch me moment!

I work hard and have a good work ethic, but luck has definitely been involved too!

Best piece of advice you would you give to working mums or to those who are family planning?

Stop judging yourself! Just because you are a mum or want to be one doesn’t make you any less able to commit, participate, to have a voice or to do a bloody good job!

What does success look like for you?

Making a difference. People matter.

If I can do something in a day or a week that makes a difference to one person then that’s enough for me.

What do you think is the biggest challenge faced by mothers in the workplace?

The pressure that they put upon themselves to be good at both being a mum and the job role that they have. You can do both successfully, but I have found that it has to be a balance that works for you and sometimes it takes a while to find that.

What were or are the biggest challenges you faced going back into the workplace after children?

I won’t lie, the first time was terrible, my boss was horrible; she micromanaged me, undermined me and I began to doubt myself as a result. I left for baby no.2 soon after knowing that I was never going back to a place that had so little consideration for its people.

I started at Gymshark as my return to work from baby no. 2 and couldn’t have had a more different experience…I asked to work part time; Dave Parry agreed without question and I have worked flexibly around my family every day since. Every once in a while I feel guiltily about it, yet Gymshark have never once questioned anything about my ability to perform my job role as a result of being female or a mother.

How do you personally juggle your career and having a family?

With a lot of careful planning and help! I am very lucky my husband and I have two wonderful boys. We need to have a plan as to who is dropping off, picking up and where school clubs or grandparents can help…it’s like a military operation!

I work part-time to balance the needs of my family and my job and to ensure that there is a little time for me!

Have your career goals changed since becoming a working mother from that prior to having children?

Yes and no! Before children I was all about work…I worked a lot of hours and success for myself was measured in terms of my career achievements.

If you could give your past self-one piece of advice about being a working mother what would it be?

1. Don’t ever doubt yourself…there will never be the right time to have a baby.

2. You’re likely to work with someone that has not had children / doesn’t want children, so what?

Don’t apologise or hide the impact that having a family has on you, embrace it!

3. You will never not feel guilty again. Guilty for abandoning your job; guilty for wanting to leave your child to feel a little bit of normality again; guilty for forgetting about them for a little bit when you have an amazing day at work; guilty for being late; and guilty for not being Mary Poppins!

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Interview: Not Bossy, the Boss

YVETTE NOEL-SCHURE We talk about what Yvette has learnt on her path to leadership.

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What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I have a few titles. I am currently the Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of my PR agency, Schure Media Group. I am also the head of Media for Parkwood Entertainment, the company founded by Beyoncé.

I am a publicist with clients including Beyoncé, her philanthropic initiative BeyGOOD, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Chloe x Halle and many more. I am a visiting lecturer at Berklee College of Music in Spain, a founding member of the media activist group, My Publicist Is Black and a member of Gucci’s Changemakers initiative. I came into the music industry as music journalist, working as an editor at Black Beat Magazine, a fanzine for a targeted teen audience that was rabid for R&B and rap acts, including LL Cool J, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

I requested a Mariah Carey album from Columbia Records to review for Black Beat and was offered a job.

One week later, after almost ten years as an editor, I started as a publicist at the number one label working the number one act; Mariah Carey.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

My proudest career achievement was getting a second call from Prince to represent him again in 2014. I first

worked with him for the Musicology album ten years earlier. Not known for looking back, it was rare for him to work with someone he met at a label. That call was special, and I was able to get him to say yes to doing some great interviews before he left this earth. Writing the announcement of his death, left me broken, but I was also profoundly prepared to honour him with the most heartfelt three sentences I had ever written.

Describe what success is to you?

Success to me is finding ultimate happiness. The kind of joy that makes you skip when you wake up in the morning.

Have you ever struggled with showcasing authority at work? If so, how did you overcome it?

Absolutely. My biggest issue was feeling like I did not belong. Impostor syndrome. Why was I given this job? Am I good enough? Will they find out that I am not as good as they think I am? Every day for 17 years at Sony Music, I had a little box under my desk, just in case I was fired. As an immigrant in the US, you hear, listen to and take in negative words about your worth. But starting a company from scratch is more than building an empire; it’s building your character. Of course, I could lose a client. I lose them all the time. We lose titles all the time.

Character you hold on to. Character is the enemy of impostor syndrome.

How do you show authority without coming across as bossy?

That is easy for me. Treat people the way you want to be treated. I am tough, but I will never take

away one’s humanity. It does me no good to make others feel small.

The human factor is too important to me. When I was at Sony, I had a sign on my desk that said, “You don’t have to be a bitch to get the corner office.” I still believe that. And I had the corner office!

Over the years, have you encountered any barriers to your success or growth as a female leader?

Honestly, most of the barriers came in the wage department. I accidentally saw a male co-worker’s pay stub one day and I almost passed out.

He was earning twice the amount I was. I definitely don’t take a job just for money. So many other factors are at play, before I say yes, but fair wage for the same job is one I will fight for every single time. I went straight to the financial officer. Told him what I saw, then I retained an entertainment lawyer and signed my first contract.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

To me, you cannot have power if it is not used to help others. I am comfortable aspiring to be a leader.

Representation is everything to me.

If a little girl who looks like me, feels that they could, because I did, that is power and true leadership to me.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

That took some work. I spent so many years doubting myself.

But then I started looking back at those who meant the most to me.

My Grandfather was a leader. My grandmother was. They were not educated, yet brilliant. What really built my confidence was speaking to young people and understanding how they saw me. They were looking for a way in. They were looking for someone who looked like them.

They were praising me in ways I was not yet ready to praise myself. Talk about a confidence booster. I also saw that for my assistants, mentees and students, I was making a difference in how they saw themselves in this business and honestly, it made me know I was on the right track.

Interview: Not Bossy, the Boss

EMILIE BELLET

Founder of Vestpod, Emilie has led it to be the success it is today, here she talks about how she did it. much harder for female founders to raise capital (just as one example), but start networking, meet female investors and find your tribe.

What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I am the founder of Vestpod.com, and my mission is to help women achieve financial independence. I previously worked in finance, but realised I didn’t have the right tools and guidance to help me save and invest for my future, which is why I set up Vestpod.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

Publishing my book, You’re Not Broke, You’re Pre-Rich, was definitely a highlight. Writing a book can be a lonely process, but the hard work paid off. Our book launch was amazing: hundreds of women from the Vestpod community attended and the day was decked out with glitter, disco balls, and heaps of fun.

It was amazing to share this experience with other women and to party in the name of financial education.

“...UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE DOING, NEVER STOP LEARNING AND REFLECTING...” #InternationalWomensDay

Have you ever struggled with showcasing authority at work? If so, how did you overcome it?

I try to be cooperative, rather than authoritative, with the people that I work with. It’s really important for me to listen to what others have to say. I come from a finance background where you didn’t necessarily have to share your views, and weren’t always listened to. It’s been an adjustment, but I’m much happier to be in the place I am now!

How do you show authority without coming across as bossy?

It’s important to practice active listening, to empathize with the people you work with, and to value their time and opinions. I try not to micromanage and always make the point of being as clear and transparent as possible.

Over the years, have you encountered any barriers to your success or growth as a female leader? If so, how did you overcome them?

In my experience, it can actually be an advantage to be a female founder. Understand why you are doing what you’re doing, never stop learning and reflecting, and try to ignore the background noise.

Focus on what you can change and pick your battles. Yes, it can be

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

Leading by example and being the change you want to see. Leadership should involve seeing the bigger picture, questioning ourselves and our surroundings, and being proactive in trying to change whatever we don’t like. It should inspire others and to feel really empowered.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

By doing things that are difficult and uncomfortable. We don’t grow by continuously doing the safe things we know we’re good at.

Tackling my fear of public speaking opened a pathway for reaching more people, having a bigger impact, and growing my business. If you’re a little scared of doing something new, it’s a sign that you probably should do it.

If you had to have a different career, what would you see yourself doing?

I don’t see Vestpod as a career, per se. It’s a part of my life and I love it! It’s not always easy, but I feel extremely privileged to be working on such a big and ambitious mission. I spent my twenties playing hockey with the French national team alongside studying and working, and I have to say that was also super fun!

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Interview: Not Bossy, the Boss

If you’ve worked with Vanessa, you know how much of a powerhouse she is. Here, she chats about her journey so far and how she embraced her authenticity and authority.

VANESSA BELLEAU

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What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I am the founder of HighFifteen, a multifaceted consultancy with the mission of getting people and brands to focus on what really matters. At Gymshark, I am the Global Inclusion & Belonging consultant. I found the sweet spot between all of my professional talents and created a reputation for myself.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

I am lucky to have a few. Last year was very hard for many – professionally and emotionally. Knowing that I have managed to communicate joy, support many businesses + people with expert advice and exceed my financial targets, despite the pandemic and the BLM movement is truly amazing. As a new Black female small business founder, I am proud that I managed to create a proposition that resonates with others and that enables me not to feel alone – a feeling that many solopreneurs share. Working with Gymshark has been a big highlight of 2020 and a fabulous proud moment for me as well

Describe what success looks like for you?

I have a quote that describes exactly what success means to me. It is by Maya Angelou and it reads: ‘success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it’ Have you ever struggled with showcasing authority at work? If so, how did you overcome it?

I used to. This was very much linked to me not believing that I was adding value and that I was not worthy of speaking up to showcase that value. Now, I don’t struggle anymore to showcase authority because to me authority is synonymous to expertise, knowledge, assertiveness and a big fat sign that I care A LOT about enabling progress and success.

How do you show authority without coming across as bossy?

I think that we need to define the terms properly so that everyone understands them. Someone bossy is someone, who gives people orders and who wants things their way. Someone with authority is someone who has the power or right to give orders and make decisions.

There is a big difference between the two.

I don’t care for being bossy to be honest. I have worked hard in my career – and keep working hard -

“...AUTHORITY IS SYNONYMOUS TO EXPERTISE, KNOWLEDGE, ASSERTIVENESS AND A BIG FAT SIGN THAT I CARE A LOT...” to feel that I am able to showcase authority in my areas of expertise. Period. My opinion & unique perspectives matter. I matter. I decided a few years ago that I owe it to myself to have this right.

Over the years, have you encountered any barriers to your success or growth as a female leader? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, I unfortunately have. It was really in the first 8-10 years of my career and I think that I have been overlooked for opportunities. Actually I don’t think, I know because I asked for feedback. I am very ambitious and have been called ‘high functioning’, which I think means that I have a high capacity to focus to find solutions to challenges and I think this was not valued or even welcomed when I was junior. In hindsight, I can see that my passion often was often misunderstood.

Plus, I rarely played ‘the game’. I managed to overcome these barriers by working with a coach – this

Interview: Not Bossy, the Boss

RIMLA AKHTAR MBE

Through hard work and determination, Rimla made her passion her career, even if it meant breaking every barrier in her way. experience actually influenced me to become one myself. The key is for me to be myself authentically. I also developed my networking skills, which allowed me to gain a lot of perspective.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

Being a powerful woman & leader means that you can be yourself and be a role model to others whilst encouraging them to be the best they can be – whatever that means to them. To me, it is all about providing a different perspective to a male narrative that is prominent in most companies.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

By developing my resilience skills and humility. I also really focus on discovering and connecting with my strengths rather than my weaknesses. This works 98% of the time! Truth be told, I work on my confidence every day. That is the least I can do in order to perform and achieve my purpose.

If you had to have a different career, what would you see yourself doing?

I would be an artist. I paint in my spare time. And I am quite good at it, I am told!

#InternationalWomensDay

values-driven. Nobody has the “right” to be a leader - It Is a responsibility and we must give back If we are placed In that position of Influence. My own style is very much coach-mentor, and some of that is derived from my experience of coaching within sport.

I don’t need to be the “heroine”. I look to be an enabler.

What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I hold a number of leadership positions in the sport industry, including being a NED at the RFL, Council member at the FA and NED at the Sports Ground Safety Authority. My journey began through voluntary roles in an advisory capacity whilst I was working at PwC. Eventually, I decided to leave and set up my own leadership consultancy, RimJhim Consulting, and take on these more formal roles in the sports industry.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

My mother always encouraged me to push myself to be my best and be different, so I think my natural drive comes from there. Sport has played a massive part in my leadership development, where my natural leadership came to the fore, but also where my style was challenged, including one coach years ago saying that my natural leadership was both my biggest strength and weakness! I also put myself forward, even when I didn’t feel confident. How else would I learn and grow?

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

If I had to choose one, it would be the impact that I had as Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sport Foundation until 2018, taking it from a small organisation with a few thousand pounds income a year, to one with an international reputation for excellence, all whilst bringing in over half a million pounds to support our activities across the country and internationally.

Has working in a male-dominated field impacted you / your experience?

Of course, it has! I’m quite different to the usual individuals who take on the roles in which I find myself.

In so many ways - a woman, Asian, Muslim, hijab-wearing! However, I’m quite used to being around men and, being the youngest of three, you learn to find your voice!

What does success look like for you?

My basketball coach, years ago, took me to a side and said, “Rimla, I know you can score baskets all day long. You’re a star in this team. But what are you doing to make your teammates shine?

How are you going to help them be stars?” So, for me, the community as a whole, whether that’s a business or a social group or a sports team.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

I don’t really look at myself in that light, but I did recognise, only very recently, that I am seen in that way by others. By recognising it, I take even more responsibility to be the best leader and example I can be. I am by no means perfect, but I can always have good intentions and do the best I can in each moment. And so, I’m so glad that I can be the person that young girls and boys have to look up to, that I didn’t have when I was growing up.

What qualities do you think makes a good leader and what is your leadership style?

A good leader is one who is true to themselves, whilst being positively

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Interview: Not Bossy, the Boss

BARONESS MICHELLE MONE OBE Founder of Ultimo, Entrepreneur and Parliamentarian What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I am the Founder of Ultimo, an investor, I’ve got several other businesses and I’m a Baroness in the House Of Lords.

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Typical day includes…

I get up around 6:00 o’clock, go the gym or at the moment home gym and do around an hour of cardio, have some breakfast and go into my home office and working away doing some zoom calls. At lunchtime I go for a walk with my husband Doug and then in the afternoon do more work. I don’t have as much work on nowadays since I sold Ultimo six years ago. It’s calmed down quite a bit where I now get to come first.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

Launching Ultimo around the world, it was one of the biggest brands and the UK at the time. As well as launching 17 worldwide inventions, I’m very proud of my OBE

from the Queen and have been made a Baroness and a Lady in the House of Lords.

What does success look like for you?

Success is that you’ve got to be happy within yourself first and foremost. It’s important to prioritise looking after your family and being a nice person as well as working hard and giving back to others at the same time.

Have you ever struggled with showcasing authority at work? If so, how did you overcome it?

At work not so much, you should treat people as you want treated yourself and if you respect them you get respect back. I always follow the belief that you should never ask anyone to do anything unless I’m prepared to do it yourself.

How do you show authority without coming across as bossy?

I try not to worry about coming across as bossy, it’s important to encourage everyone to work as a team. You’re all singing from the same hymn sheet and going for the same goal so everyone’s got to be on board.

Over the years, have you encountered any barriers to your success or growth as a female leader? If so, how did you overcome them?

I’ve faced lots of barriers in my life, I remember going into

the bank when I was 24 years old and telling him I wanted to invent a gel-filled bra and they laughed at me. I think that you’ve just got to get on with it and not complain that you’re a woman and feel sorry for yourself. I think we need both males and females in the business world, we’re both different, have different skill sets which I think complement one another.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

I think someone that just knows the game and the industry inside out. Someone who is a nice person and is fair but you know you wouldn’t want to mess around with them either- that’s powerful!

For me, you should never ever raise your voice because if you raise your voice, you lose.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

I would I gain confidence by working hard and from knowing that my brand was one of best out there.

If you start doubting yourself then others around you will doubt you.

If you had to have a different career, what would you see yourself doing?

As a child I just always knew that was going to be into business, I’ve been an entrepreneur since the age of 10 so I knew I would go into business in some sort of shape or form. What Ultimo did was teach me a lot about manufacturing, shipping, patents, design, marketing, PR, management and finance. It taught me a lot of things which means I’m now able to take those skills into the multiple other industries I work within.

Interview: Leading in a Man’s world

BEE ADAMIC A true trailblazer of her industry, we talk to Bee Adamic about leadership in a male-dominated field.

What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I’m the CEO of a digital comms agency, Liberty Music PR - I run a company of 45+ freelancers around the world. I got into the industry 10 years ago, I had a real passion for the music business and basically threw myself into everything at the start. I ran my own music blog, radio show, I also curated live events and then I started artist managing. I have done it all!

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What does a typical day for you look like?

I practise a miracle morning, so that involves 20 mins of exercise, 10 mins of meditation and 20 mins of journaling. I’d be lost without this, it sets me up for a successful day.

I’m really into cold showers, after following Wim Hoff - check him out for the benefits. I then sit down for a keto breakfast with my partner and daughter around 8am. I usually use the first half an hour to scan my inbox, then I’m in google hangouts most of the day with my senior team. I finish my day around 3pm to collect my daughter from nursery, we’ll do something creative together straight after, then its dinner at 6pm as a family. From 8pm is my downtime I like to do yoga, I always write a daily gratitude list then I’ll unwind watching my favourite Netflix series.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement so far?

My proudest achievement is seeing amazing new recruits, with no experience who are #InternationalWomensDay

new to the business flourish into exceptional talented individuals.

Also being recognised and getting on the Alt 100 Power List award for She Said So. Best piece of advice?

Treat everyone with respect and be kind. Remember no job is too small and try a bit of everything in an industry you are interested in.

You never know who’ll you’ll meet along the way and the doors they will open for you. This has always been my mantra.

Describe what success looks like for you?

A very happy workforce and happy clients - it’s ultimately what I strive for.

What qualities do you think makes a good leader and what is your leadership style?

Resilience by the bucket load, passion, drive, motivation, determination, being able to be firm but fair, patience. You have to have strong ethics and only surround yourself with people with the same values.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

It took me a while, it’s taken almost 4 years if I’m honest. I felt like an imposter for so long, but then one day something clicked and I felt confident in my skin as a leader. I did lots of speaking engagements as I was petrified of speaking publicly.

So the more I did it the more I was comfortable.

Has working in a male-dominated field impacted you / your experience?

When I first fell pregnant, I felt quite worried at the start, as I was just launching my agency. It took me quite a while to announce it to some of my male clients, as I felt they may feel I would no longer be able to do my job, which is crazy really. I did work long hours even when I’d just had my daughter, as I felt I had something to prove. My advice to anyone in the same situation is please take some time for you and your baby, like I wish I had.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

To me it’s a real gift and I cherish this role. I was such a shy girl, my parents didn’t have much money, but my dad installed so much confidence in me and made me realise I could be whoever I wanted to be. I want young girls from a similar background to be inspired by my journey and know that anything is possible.

If you could tell your younger self something 5 years ago, what would it be?

Enjoy the journey and embrace every moment.

“...HAVE STRONG ETHICS AND ONLY SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VALUES...”

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Interview: Working Mums Interview: Leading a Man’s World

everything, but I’ve learned that over thinking only wastes time and steals your joy!

MONIQUE BLAKE Monique Blake balances not only family and career, she balances multiple, global careers. We chat to her about how she does it all.

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What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I wear a few different hats: • Owner & Founder of MEA Creative & Management • General Manager, Swizz Beatz Productions • Branding & Marketing, VERZUZ • President of Music & Special Projects, Clokkemaker I started in music as a receptionist at a recording studio. I wanted to be a music producer, so I thought if I worked at the studio that would be the best place to start that career.

God had other plans…

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

This is a tricky one, there have been so many moments that I smile about. Verzuz has definitely been great! To see how an idea (that so many folks passed on months prior), bring so much healing and entertainment to everyone while the world has been dealing with this pandemic has been special.

What does success look like for you?

Success for me is

seeing my family and those closest to me happy. However I can contribute to that is my success “sweet spot”.

What qualities do you think makes a good leader and what is your leadership style?

I’ve had leaders whose style involved yelling/tearing you down.

I’ve had leaders whose style was “lets see what you can do”. Both settings taught me a lot. I think I sit comfortably in the middle of both extremes. I love collaboration, I love hearing others thoughts/ideas - solely because you never know where the next great idea is coming from. I try and be as available as possible for people I work with.

Growth is important. Stagnation doesn’t benefit anyone. There are people I’ve helped who cut checks for me today and vice versa, so always keep in mind you never know where someone is going to end up.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

Trusting that I am where I am supposed to be has been the best confidence builder. I naturally over think

Has working in a male-dominated field impacted you / your experience?

It makes you more aware of things you probably shouldn’t have to pay attention to in the workspace. Men have been doing a better job at removing those stigmas but they do still exist. If I walk into a setting that has an energy that doesn’t feel right I either leave or just don’t work on the project.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

Being a powerful woman and leader is most meaningful to me through the eyes of my daughter.

To see her be excited for me and the things I’m doing and her wanting to “be like mom” is such a wonderful feeling. Outward facing, I just hope someone sees my work or hears my story and is inspired to go after what they want for themselves. I’m literally living my story in real time. Only God knows what’s next for this little Canadian girl from Brooklyn.

“...TRUSTING THAT I AM WHERE I AM SUPPOSED TO BE HAS BEEN THE BEST CONFIDENCE BUILDER...”

If you could tell your younger self something 5 years ago, what would it be?

Let that man go live his life sis!!

Your king is on the way lol. No but seriously, I’d tell myself it’s OK to rest, it’s OK to say “thank you, but NO THANK YOU”, and to trust the process, because it’s all going to work out in my favour.

GEMMA HULBERT

Interview: Leading in a Man’s World

Gymshark’s first female chief, and pioneer of all things data, Gemma Hulbert talks all things career and leadership.

What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I’m Chief Data Officer at Gymshark. I found my passion for data during my placement year in 2011 as a junior marketing analyst I fell in love with the career path and haven’t looked back since!

Best piece of advice you would you give?

Always walk the line between chaos and order. Too much discomfort can push you over the edge, but the right amount helps you develop, grow and become the best version of yourself.

What does success look like for you?

Ultimately, I want to leave a positive impact on the world. To help me add the most value in my personal and professional life, I want to become the best version of myself and fulfil my potential. On the personal side, I’d love to start a family and be a great mum.

What qualities do you think makes a good leader and what is your leadership style?

I think great leaders inspire those around them to become the best they can be, leading by example and allowing people to thrive in the environment they create. Great leaders are willing to make sacrifices and put their team first always. They empower those around them whilst showing vulnerability to allow others to feel comfortable with mistakes and failure.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

I think people believe that all leaders are confident all of the time, but that’s not true. I struggle with consistency in my confidence. #InternationalWomensDay

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There are moments where I feel I can achieve anything, and there are moments where imposter syndrome kicks in and I question what I offer.

What helps give me confidence as a leader is seeing my team empowered to do great things. I also revisit wins or praise that I’ve captured when I’m lacking confidence to remind me that I can do this!

Has working in a male-dominated field impacted you / your experience?

There have definitely been moments where I’ve had to fight battles that I wouldn’t have faced if I was a man. Being a female leader at such a high level definitely plays on your mind sometimes, making you feel that you need to prove yourself more than your male counterparts.

I’m so grateful to feel fully accepted and embraced at Gymshark, but these subconscious barriers that come from some of the perceptions of women in the wider world can affect your confidence at times.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

For me, being a powerful female leader means having the respect of those around you. It means pushing your ideas forward and not holding back because of concerns around how you may be perceived. It’s about inspiring those in your team and across the whole organisation.

If you could tell your younger self something 5 years ago, what would it be?

Firstly, I’d tell myself to spend more time reading. I’d tell myself to start writing more too as it helps sharpen your ability to articulate ideas more clearly. Finally, I’d tell myself to fail fast and allow myself to make mistakes, because it is the best way to learn.

Interview: Leading in a Man’s World

RIKKE ROSENLUND Rikke Rosenlund founded BorrowMyDoggy leading it to where it is today, she paved her own path to success.

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What is your current role and how did you get into the industry?

I’m Founder and CEO of BorrowMyDoggy, the UK’s largest dog sharing community. We connect owners with local, trusted borrowers to help take care of their dog for walks, weekends and happy holidays. I came up with the idea of BorrowMyDoggy in 2012 after looking after my neighbour’s beautiful chocolate Labrador for the day. While we were having a ‘pawsome’ day out in the park, I thought “there should be a website where dog owners can have their dogs taken care of by people, just like me, who absolutely adore dogs and miss having a doggy in their life rather than for a profit”.

Could you tell us about your proudest career achievement?

BorrowMyDoggy was started in the aim to leave ‘Pawprints of Happiness’ on the lives of people and dogs. Seeing this in action and hearing the incredible acts of kindness our members show one another, especially through the pandemic, makes me feel incredibly proud. Another pawsome highlight was when we reached over 1,000,000 members on BorrowMyDoggy.

Best piece of advice you would give?

Embrace the fact that there will be lots of things that you might not know, be open to asking questions.

Also, always listen to

your customers. Lastly, always take good care of yourself, to spend time with family and friends.

What does success look like for you?

I believe success is about accomplishing your goals, both personally and professionally. BorrowMyDoggy is a passion project and I love seeing the success and growth of our platform and the positive impact we have on the lives of dogs and people.

What qualities do you think make a good leader and what is your lead Personally, I think integrity is important, along with the ability to delegate. Of course, empathy and gratitude are always important, communication is key and also understanding what your team needs to learn and grow - a positive attitude and influence is essential.

How did you gain your confidence as a leader?

My background has given me a lot of experience and confidence as a leader. I come from a family of entrepreneurs and that had a profound impact on me.

At 17 years old I managed large events at my high school in Denmark.

Since then, I have lived in 7 different counties across different continents, learned to get by in 3 different languages and even

set up a company in Latin America.

I also have a strong academic background, including taking an MBA at INSEAD, and that has definitely helped me gaining the confidence to start and try new things.

Has working in a male-dominated field impacted you / your experience?

Yes, of course. Still today, women are massively unrepresented in senior leadership positions. I was always conscious of the difficulties of thriving professionally in a male-dominated field, and I experienced it first in several of my positions throughout my career. But I have learned a lot from all these experiences and, as a result, I am now a more balanced and openminded person.

What does being a powerful woman & leader mean to you?

A powerful woman is a woman who has the necessary gravitas, strength of convictions, integrity, competence, empathy and drive to be a successful leader.

If you could tell your younger self something 5 years ago, what would it be?

Breathe and remember to stay calm. Something is never as bad as it seems, or, sometimes as good as it seems.

RECRUITING SOON Gymshark Women Employee Resource Group For more information email your interest to: v.belleau@gymshark.com Gymshark Women: Using International Women’s Day as a springboard for information, followed by the distribution of gender pay information within Gymshark, we will be forming a Women’s Employee Community - which will provide a safe space for employees to discuss their experiences, have a voice, receive support, and find solutions to challenges.

Make sure you’ve joined our internal ‘gsladies’ slack group. A community of women within Gymshark where there’s always appetite for conversation and advice, from binge-worthy TV shows, gift advice, work support, holiday hotspots.. you name it, we’re there!

Interview: Working Mums

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