#BreakTheBias: International Women's Day 2022

Can you tell us what you do at Atlas Copco?

I am a Synatec Engineer, looking after Atlas Copco devices and software at the Jaguar Land Rover plant in Solihull. We keep the production line in sequence and configure human machine interfaces that show workers the fixings and part scans they need to complete for each vehicle. Our visual displays let the workers know if bolts pass or fail or if they are fitting the correct part, all this data is then collected and sent to various reporting systems.

What does International Women’s Day and its theme this year, #BreakTheBias, mean to you?

For me #BreakTheBias means treating everyone equally. In the workplace I want to be judged on my contribution and technical ability not my gender. I don’t want my ideas to be devalued or overvalued because they came from a woman, and I don’t want to have to struggle to be heard within my male dominated team.

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

I believe everyone has something to offer; we have all come to Atlas Copco through varying paths which in turns gives everyone unique perspectives. This is especially useful when problem solving because everyone looks at a situation slightly differently. This individuality also creates more innovation because we inspire and challenge each other’s ideas which then leads us to more creative solutions. If we were just a homogenous group of people; these sparks wouldn’t happen.

Can you tell us what you do at Atlas Copco Power Technique?

I am the Northern Regional Sales Manager for Power Technique. This is both an exciting and varied role whereby I aim to provide the best solution to my clients who are requiring anything from Generators, Pumps to Energy Storage Systems.

What does International Women’s Day and its theme this year, #BreakTheBias, mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge women’s contributions to society. To me, the theme #BreakTheBias draws the attention to current biases and stereotypes we see in today’s society and work cultures and helps raise the question ‘what would a gender equal world look like?’

Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?

Diversity in the workplace is so important because it creates an inclusive environment, allowing everyone to contribute their own unique experiences and perspectives to create diverse solutions which will in turn allow the business to reach its fullest potential.

What piece of advice would you give to a young woman looking to start out in the career that you do?

A key bit of advice I would give a young woman looking to start out a career in this industry would be to trust your judgement and develop your confidence. In a predominantly male dominated environment, it could be daunting to share your thoughts and ideas for fear of ridicule. Believe in yourself that you can bring value to the table and throw your idea out there. You never know, a different perspective might just be exactly what was needed!

Can you tell us what you do at Atlas Copco?

I have recently joined the Marine Competence Centre as a global Business Development and Operations Manager for Marine Services. My main aim is to review and improve our business models/best practices on how we can best conduct our Marine Service Business around the world.

What was the most important piece of advice you have been given?

The most important piece of advice came from my dad. At a young age, he used to ask me ‘do you want to be pushed by your circumstances or pulled by your dreams?’ To this day, his advice about being in control of your own destiny has always stuck with me. If you are not willing to have an opinion, someone will always decide for you regardless of your best interests.

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

There are so many special and inspirational people I’d love to have dinner with! But, If I had to choose, maybe a bit more slightly unknown, these three women have been on my mind since being asked this question - here’s why;

Professor Monica McWilliams - Northern Irish academic, peace activist, human rights defender, and former politician in Northern Ireland. As an avid podcast listener, I came across Prof McWilliams interview via Desert Island Discs. As co-founder of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition political party, she was elected as a delegate at the Multi Party Peace Negotiations talks, which lead to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. 20 minutes in she said, ‘If you are going to be a part of the problem, you need to be a part of the solution’. That hit me, regardless of what side you are on, it’s important to be accountable. I found her account and life experience incredibly powerful and instrumental so I honestly feel I have a lot to learn from her. Check it out.

Sabrina Cohen Hatton - is a British firefighter, psychologist and writer. Again, Desert Island Discs. Sabrina faced some real challenges which she had to overcome within her career. But, the reason I chose Sabrina as my second inspirational person was because of her untold secret of 21 years. Homeless at 14, falling through social services, sleeping in derelict buildings to fighting out of poverty and now being the Chief Fire Officer of the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service. Sabrina used what she learnt on the streets to help here in her job and that was fascinating. Hearing Sabrina’s account made me take note of her grit and resilience towards every challenge she has been dealt with hence why she’d be great to meet. It’s a tearjerker but well worth a listen.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge - is an English actress and writer. She is best known as the creator of Fleabag and for being the executive producer of Killing Eve. Phoebe makes me belly laugh! Not just in interviews but I just find her content incredibly funny. For me Phoebe is inspirational because I get the feeling, she is down to earth and has the ability to make people smile regardless of what situation you find yourself in. Phoebe is also bossing the entertainment and film industry! Along side Professor McWilliams and Sabrina I think Phoebe would be a great addition.

Can you tell us what you do at MultiAir?

I am the Aftermarket Area Sales Manager for the South of England – I work closely with our Distributors to ensure they are able to sell the full turnkey solution after the point of sale, offering further ways to maximise continual growth.

What does International Women’s Day and its theme this year, #BreakTheBias, mean to you?

International Women’s Day means showing my solidarity, to be treated the same as men in the work environment and having the same opportunities. I believe that no matter what colour, religion or gender we should all have the same respect for each other. I also think it is important that we take the time to remember the women that stood up for our rights now.

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Emmeline Pankhurst, I admire her because she stood up for women and was jailed standing up for what she believed in. It is sad that she had to die before she could see all her hard work pay off. The People Act of 1928, establishing voting equality for men and women was passed a few weeks after her death. Even to this day, young girls are taught about the suffragette movement at school.

Emma Watson – Apart from playing a young female wizard ‘Hermione Granger’ in Harry Potter, she is also a spokesperson who empowers young girls to become the strong intelligent woman. She raises awareness about violence and discrimination that women/girls experience all around the world.

Malala Yousafzai – I would have dinner with this lady as she is a true inspiration for young girls all around the world and continues to fight for girls to have the right to be educated and given the same opportunities. She fought for women’s rights at the age of 11, she went through the unspeakable violence of the Taliban groups ways in Pakistan. That did not stop her speaking up for women to have the rights to be educated. Thankfully she was not killed by the gunmen that shot her in the head, as she continues to speak up and support female education and gender equality. I am not surprised she was given the Nobel peace prize and I’m sure she would have many stories to tell during dinner.