What is your position within Integrity Connect?
Quality Manager and Information Security Compliance Officer.
What do you enjoy most about working in your role?
I must say it is enjoyable to work with a good team of people, helping to resolve issues. The role is quite varied, and no two days are the same.
Print is often viewed as a male dominated industry, do you agree, and if so what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Well, yes print is a male dominated industry and that can make it a little daunting when you first come into the role.
The challenges were winning hearts and minds, trying to get along with everyone and show willing to lend a hand and be capable of fulfilling the role. I have been known to be on the end of a finishing line packing or working with the team to try and find solutions or improvement within our processes. To be determined and don’t take any nonsense!
What are the biggest changes you have witnessed over the last five years?
The way that the business has had to evolve and change direction, changing the culture away from traditional print and moving into new areas like labels and mailing services.
What key assets do you think women have that make them valuable to companies like Integrity?
Years ago, we had quite a few women working on the shop floor, some of them supervisors working on our finishing lines.
I believe women can be an asset to any company. Remember, women were used to do men’s jobs during the war. They have an inner strength, a determination, and tend to step back from a problem to analyse with a calm approach looking for a practical solution whilst taking into account the possible outcome.
As Eleanor Roosevelt said ‘A woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she is until she is in hot water’
What women inspires you most, or share an inspirational quote from a woman you admire.
‘You must do the things you think you cannot do’ Eleanor Roosevelt.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Should we not celebrate women every day?
If a woman is able to carry out a role or have a career which is also done by a male colleague, then gender should not come into it. They should be treated as equals.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and whey?
Eleanor Roosevelt – As she is inspirational. A lady who was far from average and taught us to do what we felt was right in our hearts.
Amelia Earhart – for her determination, as she taught us to do everything in our power to achieve our dreams.
Dame Ellen Macarthur – for her resolve and empathy. Sailing single handed around the globe showing such strength and determination.
I know you only asked for three but also my mum for her ability to be strong, her wisdom, support, love, and kindness and to always to smile and the world will smile with you.
What advice would you give to young women that might be thinking in of a career in the print and communications industry?
Give it a go. There is more to print than just paper in boxes. You will be surprised what you have to offer and the changes you could make. You can be what-ever you want to be.
