Awards for women in transport & logistics showcase diversity of roles

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

The transport & logistics sector is often misunderstood when it comes to careers for women.  It is surrounded by misconceptions:

Not an interesting sector to work inA male-focused environmentJobs are low-skilled or manualLimited scope for women

The list goes on.  Reality, I am delighted to say, tells us something completely different.

Let me smash each of these misconceptions:

Transport & logistics may not necessarily have the appeal of, say, the ‘sexier’ aerospace sector, but I can honestly say that it is one of the most important.  Without the planning and distribution of resources, society would cease to exist as we know it.  How would food be transported not only in the UK, but across the world?  How would people be transported to work or explore the world? When you stop and think about it - the importance can't be underestimatedThere is no denying that women are outnumbered by men in transport & logistics (75% of employees are male*) but the tide is most definitely turning.  Research in mid-2012 by everywoman showed a marked increase in the number of women who feel their career aspirations can be fulfilled in the sector – 94% compared to 83% in 2011.Sure there are manual jobs but just as the sector is so varied so are the types of jobs available.  From truck and passenger drivers, warehouse workers and forklift operators, to those for people skilled in planning, business development, marketing, finance, project management, human resources, language specialists, etc. the sector has positions for people at all levels of skills and education.  The sheer variety of work available is what makes the sector so interesting to work in.Many women hold top positions and head up large companies as well as those who are drivers, have administration roles straight out of school, are on management/graduate training programmes or at various levels of management.

The sector can be demanding and those I know who work within it have a high level of pride in how they have chosen to earn their living.  Women can, and do, enjoy successful careers in the sector and there are no limits for women especially when it comes to entry routes.  This last point is important for the many girls choosing their path after school who want more than a job - they want to have a varied and fulfilling career.

A shining example of a woman who chose to start her career straight from school rather than continue on the university route is Stephanie Unitt.  Stephanie started on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) and worked her way up through the ranks to be a Regional Stock & Audit Manager gaining qualifications on the way.  Her passion and enthusiasm for the environment changed her career path and Stephanie is now Environment Advisor at CEVA Logistics.  In recognition of her achievements, Stephanie was awarded the Green Champion Award at the 2012 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards (now the Innovation and Sustainability Award). 

As the transport & logistics sector has so many facets and levels there are many opportunities for advancement or a career change.  One lady who really embodies this is Jane Weaver of AYS Couriers. Starting out as a PA within just a few years she launched a management buyout of the firm and drove a four-fold increase in turnover.  Jane is a passionate believer in the opportunities that logistics offers – as she states “I would say to anyone thinking of either starting their own business or moving into transport and togistics without experience – do it!”. Her career achievements led her to win the Director of the Year Award at the 2012 everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.

Stephanie and Jane are just two incredible examples of not only the varied roles in the sector but also of the different routes to the fulfilling careers they both have.  The transport & logistics sector is changing which is great news for women seeking a career in this exciting and important area.  The changes are reflected in this year’s everywoman FTA Transport & Logistics Awards with two new categories (Industry Champion and Innovation and Sustainability) and the scope being widened to include passenger transport for the first time.

If you are a woman working in transport & logistics or you know a woman who does then you still have time to enter these awards as nominations do not close until Monday 11th February.

* Road Haulage Association 2011

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Celebrating diversity within technology

AppId is over the quota
AppId is over the quota

A recent article in the Evening Standard highlighted that London has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs in Europe, according to a global study of 50,000 start ups. However, it seems that the issue of the industry being dominated by men prevails – both for entrepreneurs and those in organisations. This is backed up by research undertaken at the recent everywoman in Technology Leadership Academy with 45% of women surveyed saying that they believe it is harder for them to progress than for their male counterparts.

But it’s certainly not all doom and gloom. These stats got me thinking about the women who are making their way in technology and the truly amazing diversity of businesses and roles that they represent. I hate to admit it, but I do think I’ve previously fallen into the trap of viewing technology as being, well, intimidating techy! The women we have met really show that this isn’t the case. Yes, many are impressively talented in a technological sense and this clearly is a vital skill, but the roles and skills required are much broader as well – Communications and Marketing, project managers – to name but a few.

Winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year at the everywoman in Technology Awards this year was Olga Kubbasova of Image Analysis Ltd. Olga’s talent for technology has led to her creating a ground-breaking business which allows clinicians a vital window of opportunity to treat arthritis and other inflammatory diseases in its early stages by turning the abstract concept of algorithms into innovative software. At just 27 years old, Olga has turned a start up into a team of 25 with a turnover of £1m!

Another fabulous business is that of Pat Ryan, a 78 year old finalist in the 2012 Awards. Following retirement Pat set up Information Technology for Children in Hospital in 1997 to enable children suffering long term illness to continue their education and has been instrumental in providing equipment for over 240 hospital schools, impacting 250,000 children – an amazing achievement.

The list goes on, and what really struck me was that many of these women are in turn helping others to thrive in technology – for example Kirsten Duffield, CEO of Morning Data Limited invested 3% of the company turnover into an improved working environment and external training for every member of the team, showing a real focus and passion for developing others.

What we need now is for young women and girls to have their eyes opened to the possibility of a career in technology from a younger age – to not be put off by outdated and stereotypical ‘geeky’ images and to embrace what could well be a fantastic career full of possibilities. And for proof of this look no further than women who have achieved this already

Nominations for the FDM everywoman in Technology Awards are open for just a few more days until Monday 26 November – nominate online>>

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