WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) which took place on Tuesday 8 March, the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce developed a campaign featuring inspiring female leaders from across its network. The 2022 IWD theme was Break the Bias; something the Chamber knew it could get involved with by showcasing the motivational stories and offering words of advice from successful women in a range of different sectors. The aim of the campaign was to inspire the next generation of budding female leaders, offering guidance on how to kickstart their career with confidence, or take that next step and move up the ladder. To begin the IWD campaign, Chamber colleagues spoke with Amanda Beresford, Chair of the WNY Chamber and Partner & Head of Planning at Schofield Sweeney LLP. When asked what advice she would give to a woman beginning her career, Amanda urged: “Cultivate an appearance of confidence, even if you don’t feel it, take a few smart risks and be prepared to step outside your comfort zone.” You can access information and resources on the Chamber’s Women in Business website: www.wnychamber.co.uk/women-in-business/ “Make the most of opportunities open to you, even if you don’t feel 100% confident about them. Growth comes from doing new things.” Sandy Needham Chief Executive West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

“When opportunities come knocking – grab them with both hands. Even if at times you feel uncomfortable – step outside that box and let yourself grow. You are amazing...” Joanne Love Site Communicator Solenis

“Listen to your conscience, if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. Accept that imposter syndrome happens to us all so embrace it and allow it to make you feel proud and excited for the work you do! ” Alex Miles Managing Director Yorkshire Learning Providers

“Find your values and personal brand, be true to who you are. Be accepting of your imperfections (we all have them) and be brave at times to go out of your comfort zone.” Rebecca Fitzgerald Director of Data Yorkshire Building Society

“Be curious and ask questions. Show enthusiasm for the work that needs to be done. Treat your career as an exciting journey and keep an open mind.” Kathryn McKenning Learning & Development Manager Solenis

“Invest in yourself, learn, seek advice & support, ask questions, you don't have to be perfect and if you want to be promoted you have to let everyone know.” Natasha Hudson HR Manager West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

“My mantra has always been just be who you are, be authentic and don’t pretend to be someone else. We need to be adaptable to change and be able to manage change.” Suzanne Watson Managing Director Approach PR

“Give credit where credit is due – a thank you goes a long way and nearly always comes back around. Always ask for help where it is needed: you don’t need to know everything!” Justine Andrew Partner KPMG Leeds

“Bring your personality to work and be yourself. Don’t let others change what is unique to you! Have courage and confidence to follow your dream and keep positive at all times.” Caroline Pullich Managing Partner NFU Mutual & Senior Group Secretary NFU

“Don't be intimidated, never be afraid, stay resilient and always follow your gut instinct. Smart hard work pays off so stay on task and don't allow distraction.”

Kerry Hope Managing Director Castle Employment Group “A piece of advice I would give to someone kick-starting their career is know yourself and your value, be assertive, humble and willing to learn.” Kersten England Chief Executive City of Bradford Metropolitan Council

“Be confident to embrace traits such as, kindness and empathy. The most successful women stay true to themselves, showing the unique leadership qualities that they can bring. Success is about how you communicate with people, regardless of gender.” Victoria Wainwright Managing Director Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants

“We all waste energy doing all that is expected of us. Do something different that excites and challenges you. Make developing yourself a priority…everything starts with you!” Kate Fisher Production Manager Solenis

“My advice would be don’t wait for things to happen, make your own opportunities and surround yourself with great mentors, coaches and colleagues whenever you can.” Amanda Selvaratnam Associate Director of Research Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at the University of York

“If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, make a change - take a look at all the brilliant businesses in Leeds you could be working for or seek out the support to start your own.” Eve Roodhouse Chief Officer for Culture & Economy Leeds City Council