In recent weeks, the media eye has been on the campaign to increase the number of women in the boardroom. What does it take for women to succeed on the corporate ladder? We asked women who have achieved career success to give us a tip:
- “Networking is a vital aspect of business and can no longer be seen as a ‘nice to do'; it is an essential part of a woman's business development. It is imperative for women to start networking as early as possible, as this will help you grow your business profile, meet men and women to do business with, perhaps meet someone who'll help you with your career and/or support your development. Starting early will also show you that networking is not as daunting as you might think. Ultimately networking is about quality not quantity so choose your events carefully, making sure you put into it as much as you take out, and nurturing relationships for the longer term - you never know when they'll come in handy.” - Heather Jackson, CEO of An Inspirational Journey
- “Regularly strike out with pitches to do things differently to improve your organisation’s performance - and action them. Proactivity and innovative thinking put you in the frame for leadership. Secondly, be confident about asking for what you want regardless of what peers are doing.” - Jessica Chivers, author of Mothers Work! How to Get a Grip on Guilt and Make a Smooth Return to Work (Hay House, £10.99)
- “Put all your eggs in one basket – and guard it with your life. That advice came from a businessman friend at a time when she and her husband were deciding whether to sell two houses and invest heavily in their company, Higgidy. If you are passionate and committed, you should back your dream. Now people ask if I have a house and I say ‘no, but I have a factory.’” - Camilla Stephens co-founder of Higgidy award winning pies and quiches
- “I used to always try to blend into the male dominated workplaces, wearing trouser suits and keeping my head down. But that simply wasn’t best for me or best for business. Men and women do work in different ways; however women often suppress their natural traits. If women can be encouraged not to do this, you end up with strong male and female professionals able to work together to provide a powerful team.” – Depika Mistry, Manager, Baringa Partners Financial Services team
- “Understand your goal and what you want to achieve and stick to it. Be prepared to take risks and put any thought of a work life balance to one side. Don't try and act like a man but rather play to your strengths as a woman and above all, be authentic and remain dignified.” - Suzanne Ramsay, Chief Executive of Change Recruitment Group
- “Never give up on what you really want to do. No matter what obstacles you face it is up to you to make it happen and you will if you really want it to. Gratefully accept any advice and help on the way. Finally, always behave like a lady and remember you have to live with yourself and your choices!” - Susan Edwards, CEO, PR agency Aspen Sachs
- “I think the most important aspect of business is the ability to listen. It is not always about simply going after the next opportunity. You can create far more genuine value for you, and your company by identifying what the true issues are. You do this primarily by listening to customer’s needs, and hearing what their real pain points are.” Linda Kozlowski, Head of International Business Development and Marketing (IBDM), Alibaba.co.uk
- “Never lose your female approach just because you work in a male environment, it can be very powerful. In business, skills and expertise are essential, but this needs to be coupled with a large degree of emotional intelligence if you are going to be successful. Being able to understand people and how they operate is key to being able to negotiate your way through.” - Victoria Brannen, CEO of Maya Asset Management
- “Listen to your gut instinct, 9 times out of 10 it's right. Fail to prepare and you prepare to fail. Research and preparation will arm you with the knowledge and confidence needed to cinch a deal or promotion.” – Jaime Gee, managing director and founder, JAM Public Relations
What is your career advice for women? Tell us in the comments!
