To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we wanted to dig deep into this year’s topic of Inspiring Inclusion and do some inclusion of our own, right in the heart of the Diamonds Factory workplace. Here at Diamonds Factory, over a whopping 75% of our workforce are women, and what an incredible job they all do in each and every department. From retail to e-commerce, operations and so much more, we have women in our workplace all over the world, from the UK to Australia, Sweden, France, Germany, and various other locations too. Long gone are the days where a successful business was run solely by men, and we’re proud to say that Diamonds Factory is glistening proof of that.
Whilst we wanted to inspire inclusion even further within our workplace, we put together a series of questions to just a handful of amazing women within the business. From finding out a little more about them and their role, what kind of advice they’d give to women looking to get into their type of job and what inclusion really means to them within the workplace. With some powerful answers at hand, we wanted to share them with you, our customers, so without further ado…
Amy – Assistant Operations Manager
What’s your name and job title?
Amy - Assistant Operations Manager
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
I would typically say it’s a male dominated position, which is why it’s nice to break the stereotype and be a female in this role.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s extremely important that we celebrate International Women’s Day. As a company it is imperative that we bridge the gap between male and female orientated roles.
What women inspire you?
All women inspire me in their own individual way. As a collective we inspire and encourage each other to achieve and live our lives to the fullest. You can take parts of each other's success and use it as inspiration and motivation to succeed in various aspects of our lives such as career, fitness, organisation, fashion etc. Main sources of inspiration for me will be viral influencers using books and social media to display their own success.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
We’ve got some great courses on offer in our local area. Birmingham city university offers amazing courses for those interested in learning more about the jewellery industry - I recently graduated from there with a gemology degree! Or pop into your local Diamonds Factory store to see how you can get started in the industry.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Inclusion for me as a woman means that my opinions, ideas, and feedback that I have to offer are listened to by the business and implemented in any way that we can.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Michelle Obama
- Marilyn Monroe
- Princess Diana.
I think they’re all very iconic and would give me a lot of inspiration.
Jinal – Merchandising Manager
What’s your name and job title?
Jinal Desai - Manager Merchandising
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
In merchandising, we particularly investigate the products as whole. Right from conceptualisation, till it reaches to stores/website for Sale. The Role particularly is female dominated. As female we are instinct to understand Jewellery better. But overall, the jewellery sector is dominated by males.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day in every organisation as it is a day when women are recognized for their achievements, Be it in their careers or at home. They work selflessly. Celebrating International Women's Day will recognise their efforts & encourage women even more.
What women inspire you?
Women that B - Believe in what they do E - Encourage others takes everyone along the way E - Empathise & respect everyone T - Think big!!!
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Passion, dedication, discipline, follow your dreams with above three qualities you are sorted.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Inclusion is a sense of belonging, connection and feeling valued at work. Personally, I feel Inclusiveness is a culture, which should be followed religiously throughout the organisation. Appreciation is a key factor which makes the person feel valued & important in an organisation.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Nirmala Sitharaman - Finance minister of India, it’s a remarkable achievement to manage the finances of world's 5th largest economy.
- Taylor Swift - an American singer-songwriter. She is just awesome & super creative
- Sudha Murthy - Indian educator, author, philanthropist, and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She is an allrounder & inspires me to work for Humanity.
Sahar – International Sales Manager
What’s your name and job title?
Sahar, International Sales Manager
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
It fits both.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It is an opportunity to not only remember the struggles and resistance that women across the world have endured but also to recognise the many achievements that have been won.
What women inspire you?
Margaret Thatcher. I do love the quote that Margaret Thatcher commented on being a female in politics: “Being powerful is like being a lady.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Follow your dream and work hard for it and rest assured you will overcome any challenges and succeed if you have a goal in your life.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Given equal opportunities and being respected as a human regardless of my race, background, ethnicity, feel heard, valued, and empowered.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- My mother: She sets an inspirational example to me teaching me how to live life and make wise choices, even in the most uncertain situations.
- Margaret Thatcher: As I said before I admire her dedication and strong belief in her abilities.
- Marie Curie: Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood… She said it well and it is truth.
Pooja – Operations Co-ordinator
What’s your name and job title?
Hi, I’m Pooja Mehta and I am the Operations Co-ordinator.
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
In terms of gender dominance, I find my role to be fairly balanced. Both men and women contribute significantly to the field of operations.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Celebrating International Women’s Day is really important because it’s a chance to recognize and appreciate the amazing things women do in every field. It’s about saying thank you for their hard work and standing up for fairness between men and women.
What women inspire you?
I’ve always looked up to Sudha Murthy for her generosity, Michelle Obama for her efforts to make a difference and handle tough situations gracefully, and Kalpana Chawla for being a trailblazer in space exploration.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
For women aiming for a similar position, I suggest focusing on developing strong organizational and problem-solving skills, emphasizing clear and open communication, adopting a proactive attitude, and being willing to take creative risks without hesitation.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
To me, inclusion in the workplace means creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported regardless of their gender, background, or identity. It’s about fostering a culture where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute, collaborate, and succeed.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Indra Nooyi, former PepsiCo CEO, celebrated for pioneering corporate leadership and championing diversity, inspiring women in business.
- Sudha Murthy, acclaimed for philanthropy and impactful writing, embodies compassion and storytelling for positive change.
- Gauri Sawant, transgender rights advocate and social worker, fights for transgender rights and supports marginalized communities.
Myrtle – Regional Manager
What’s your name and job title?
My name is Myrtle Polymenopoulos, and I am the Regional Manager for Diamonds Factory and Austen & Blake across New Zealand and Tasmania.
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
In Australia, I think women have come into senior management roles stronger than ever! Our nurturing nature and scientifically proven ability to multitask on a greater scope (sorry guys!) have come in as very valuable traits in leadership roles. More and more women are pushing and daring to penetrate male dominant roles in business and in other sectors, and I feel lucky to be in a country where this is endorsed and supported.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
For me International Women’s Day is a chance to stop and remember. To pay tribute to the first revolutionary women who paved the way to break the barriers. The women who are still fighting to break the barriers. And a celebration to those who have found the ways to make change happen. I also feel it’s important to take a moment and mourn. To pay our respect to the women and young ladies that have lost their lives fighting for hope and the future.
What women inspire you?
The anonymous women. The women no one knows about or really thinks about. The women and children who are lost every day from war, starvation, abuse, neglect. Women who anonymously devote their lives or time to volunteer and support women in need. These women have names…and they are fighting battles with dignity, bravery, determination, and hope for basic human rights! I think about these women every day. They give me strength and most importantly they give me perspective.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Be resilient! Think outside the box! Never give up, keep learning, keep growing and keep applying yourselves. Be unique! Test, push and break boundaries…. they do not exist! Find a niche and be the best at it! Harbour the idea that anything is possible! And most importantly if you do feel passionately about something you want…commit, invest and find the ways to just make it happen!!
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Inclusion has become a massive talking point! Personally, I interpret this as just being empowered to be your authentic self at all times. When we can stand and be true to who we are, we can unleash the power of diversity and channel it towards collective success.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
I will be a bit of maverick here. Celebrating known and often popular women in power has made me in the past feel like I need to also pay tribute to the lesser-known influential women. Those women who truly have impacted life…who will come and go without any historical record. Those women, which i would love to take out to dinner, are my grandmother, my mother and my daughter.
- My grandmother who managed to build a tiny home, off a poor man’s wage… always made sure that there was a simple but nourishing meal on the table, and always managed to have something special during the holidays…a homemade jam or a special desert. She is the only woman i know who consciously only had 1 child because she was poor. Sense and sensibility to live within your means, and still have a beautiful full life. A lesson passed on successfully!!
- My mother, who left her hometown back in the 80s with my dad, to migrate to the US for a better future for us kids…., who sacrificed her own dreams and life to be a stay-at-home mom for us and raise us while my father worked. Who as a result though gave me the best childhood memories full of warmth and love despite her own setbacks in life. Who always pushed me to go where the best opportunities would be for me….and has cheered me on my whole life…selflessly! Another lesson passed on successfully.
- And most importantly, my daughter who is 10, and is subjected to the new digital era…facing threats left right and centre….and was bullied at school for being chubby while someone was recording the humiliation, but…. Allowed me to empower her…. has come into her own strength… and is now thinking outside the box about who she is and how she wants to be in life in order to be happy, a good human being and prosperous at whatever she chooses to do!
Three women who pass on generational lessons and keep the empowerment alive!
Jasmine – Social Media Executive
What’s your name and job title?
Jasmine- Social Media Executive
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
Social media roles are stereotypically female orientated.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
In society, women are often pitted against each other. IWD is a great reminder for women to build each other up and celebrate one another.
What women inspire you?
Greta Thunberg - I think it’s amazing how much she has achieved as a young woman. She is a shining example of someone who can make a change with pure determination and grit, and a willingness to not stop until she’s heard. In a world where there is still a tendency for young women to have to be ‘nice and polite’, Greta shows no regard to this, landing her names such as “a brat with anger management issues” from world leaders. But, instead of being intimidated by this, she merely lightly mocked them on Twitter instead.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Many assume that this role is just about scrolling TikTok (which is undoubtedly a perk), and that it’s an easy job for a ‘young girl’. I’d say, stand your ground, work hard, and prove them wrong.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
To me, inclusion means a space where there’s a voice for many different people. When you only hear from the same few people, opinions can become biased and narrow minded. Inclusivity creates a more colourful and exciting outlook for the world.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Annie MacManus - Annie Mac has been on my radio since I was a kid. What inspires me the most about her is her activism within the music industry, having recently attended the Houses of Parliament to speak about the misogyny in the industry, and has spoken out countless times on the underrepresentation of female artists on line-ups. Plus, I think she’d have great stories to tell.
- Olivia Coleman - The most honest answer here is that I think she’s hilarious and we’d be the best of friends. But on a deeper level, I admire how she hasn’t a care in the world on how she is perceived. What makes her so special is that she is absolutely her 100% most authentic self, something that really inspires me.
- Audrey Hepburn - Audrey Hepburn has been my idol since I was a young girl. Like Olivia Coleman, she has captivated the globe with her spritely personality that was unlike what we’d seen before. However, her story wasn’t always glitz and glamour. Audrey endured hardships in Nazi-occupied Holland and brought light into the darkest of situations by entertaining her family by ballet performances. She is someone of great strength and kindness.
Mitali – Chief People Officer
What’s your name and job title?
Mitali Agrawal – Chief People Officer
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
Female Dominated
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Celebrating International Women's Day is important to recognize and honour the invaluable contributions, talents, and achievements of every woman in our organization and beyond.
What women inspire you?
Visionary women who are fearless innovators, entrepreneurs, breaking barriers, shaping the future and empowering generations through their remarkable achievements and resilience.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
For women aspiring to enter HR, the advice will be to focus on developing strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Network with professionals, seek mentorship opportunities along with Embracing challenges, being adaptable, and advocate for yourself to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding career path.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
In the workplace, inclusion means creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. It involves fostering diversity across all levels, embracing differences, and promoting a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and succeed.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women,who would they be and why?
- Michelle Obama: Michelle Obama, as a former First Lady of the United States, embodies grace, intelligence, and advocacy.
- Mithali Raj:Mithali Raj is a trailblazer in Indian women's cricket, renowned for her exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
- Falguni Nayar: As the founder of Nykaa, India's leading beauty and wellness platform, Falguni Nayar embodies entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we wanted to dig deep into this year’s topic of Inspiring Inclusion and do some inclusion of our own, right in the heart of the Diamonds Factory workplace. Here at Diamonds Factory, over a whopping 75% of our workforce are women, and what an incredible job they all do in each and every department. From retail to e-commerce, operations and so much more, we have women in our workplace all over the world, from the UK to Australia, Sweden, France, Germany, and various other locations too. Long gone are the days where a successful business was run solely by men, and we’re proud to say that Diamonds Factory is glistening proof of that.
Whilst we wanted to inspire inclusion even further within our workplace, we put together a series of questions to just a handful of amazing women within the business. From finding out a little more about them and their role, what kind of advice they’d give to women looking to get into their type of job and what inclusion really means to them within the workplace. With some powerful answers at hand, we wanted to share them with you, our customers, so without further ado…
Amy – Assistant Operations Manager
What’s your name and job title?
Amy - Assistant Operations Manager
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
I would typically say it’s a male dominated position, which is why it’s nice to break the stereotype and be a female in this role.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s extremely important that we celebrate International Women’s Day. As a company it is imperative that we bridge the gap between male and female orientated roles.
What women inspire you?
All women inspire me in their own individual way. As a collective we inspire and encourage each other to achieve and live our lives to the fullest. You can take parts of each other's success and use it as inspiration and motivation to succeed in various aspects of our lives such as career, fitness, organisation, fashion etc. Main sources of inspiration for me will be viral influencers using books and social media to display their own success.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
We’ve got some great courses on offer in our local area. Birmingham city university offers amazing courses for those interested in learning more about the jewellery industry - I recently graduated from there with a gemology degree! Or pop into your local Diamonds Factory store to see how you can get started in the industry.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Inclusion for me as a woman means that my opinions, ideas, and feedback that I have to offer are listened to by the business and implemented in any way that we can.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Michelle Obama
- Marilyn Monroe
- Princess Diana.
I think they’re all very iconic and would give me a lot of inspiration.
Jinal – Merchandising Manager
What’s your name and job title?
Jinal Desai - Manager Merchandising
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
In merchandising, we particularly investigate the products as whole. Right from conceptualisation, till it reaches to stores/website for Sale. The Role particularly is female dominated. As female we are instinct to understand Jewellery better. But overall, the jewellery sector is dominated by males.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day in every organisation as it is a day when women are recognized for their achievements, Be it in their careers or at home. They work selflessly. Celebrating International Women's Day will recognise their efforts & encourage women even more.
What women inspire you?
Women that B - Believe in what they do E - Encourage others takes everyone along the way E - Empathise & respect everyone T - Think big!!!
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Passion, dedication, discipline, follow your dreams with above three qualities you are sorted.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Inclusion is a sense of belonging, connection and feeling valued at work. Personally, I feel Inclusiveness is a culture, which should be followed religiously throughout the organisation. Appreciation is a key factor which makes the person feel valued & important in an organisation.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Nirmala Sitharaman - Finance minister of India, it’s a remarkable achievement to manage the finances of world's 5th largest economy.
- Taylor Swift - an American singer-songwriter. She is just awesome & super creative
- Sudha Murthy - Indian educator, author, philanthropist, and former chairperson of the Infosys Foundation. She is an allrounder & inspires me to work for Humanity.
Sahar – International Sales Manager
What’s your name and job title?
Sahar, International Sales Manager
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
It fits both.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
It is an opportunity to not only remember the struggles and resistance that women across the world have endured but also to recognise the many achievements that have been won.
What women inspire you?
Margaret Thatcher. I do love the quote that Margaret Thatcher commented on being a female in politics: “Being powerful is like being a lady.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Follow your dream and work hard for it and rest assured you will overcome any challenges and succeed if you have a goal in your life.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Given equal opportunities and being respected as a human regardless of my race, background, ethnicity, feel heard, valued, and empowered.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- My mother: She sets an inspirational example to me teaching me how to live life and make wise choices, even in the most uncertain situations.
- Margaret Thatcher: As I said before I admire her dedication and strong belief in her abilities.
- Marie Curie: Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood… She said it well and it is truth.
Pooja – Operations Co-ordinator
What’s your name and job title?
Hi, I’m Pooja Mehta and I am the Operations Co-ordinator.
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
In terms of gender dominance, I find my role to be fairly balanced. Both men and women contribute significantly to the field of operations.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Celebrating International Women’s Day is really important because it’s a chance to recognize and appreciate the amazing things women do in every field. It’s about saying thank you for their hard work and standing up for fairness between men and women.
What women inspire you?
I’ve always looked up to Sudha Murthy for her generosity, Michelle Obama for her efforts to make a difference and handle tough situations gracefully, and Kalpana Chawla for being a trailblazer in space exploration.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
For women aiming for a similar position, I suggest focusing on developing strong organizational and problem-solving skills, emphasizing clear and open communication, adopting a proactive attitude, and being willing to take creative risks without hesitation.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
To me, inclusion in the workplace means creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported regardless of their gender, background, or identity. It’s about fostering a culture where everyone has equal opportunities to contribute, collaborate, and succeed.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Indra Nooyi, former PepsiCo CEO, celebrated for pioneering corporate leadership and championing diversity, inspiring women in business.
- Sudha Murthy, acclaimed for philanthropy and impactful writing, embodies compassion and storytelling for positive change.
- Gauri Sawant, transgender rights advocate and social worker, fights for transgender rights and supports marginalized communities.
Myrtle – Regional Manager
What’s your name and job title?
My name is Myrtle Polymenopoulos, and I am the Regional Manager for Diamonds Factory and Austen & Blake across New Zealand and Tasmania.
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
In Australia, I think women have come into senior management roles stronger than ever! Our nurturing nature and scientifically proven ability to multitask on a greater scope (sorry guys!) have come in as very valuable traits in leadership roles. More and more women are pushing and daring to penetrate male dominant roles in business and in other sectors, and I feel lucky to be in a country where this is endorsed and supported.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
For me International Women’s Day is a chance to stop and remember. To pay tribute to the first revolutionary women who paved the way to break the barriers. The women who are still fighting to break the barriers. And a celebration to those who have found the ways to make change happen. I also feel it’s important to take a moment and mourn. To pay our respect to the women and young ladies that have lost their lives fighting for hope and the future.
What women inspire you?
The anonymous women. The women no one knows about or really thinks about. The women and children who are lost every day from war, starvation, abuse, neglect. Women who anonymously devote their lives or time to volunteer and support women in need. These women have names…and they are fighting battles with dignity, bravery, determination, and hope for basic human rights! I think about these women every day. They give me strength and most importantly they give me perspective.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Be resilient! Think outside the box! Never give up, keep learning, keep growing and keep applying yourselves. Be unique! Test, push and break boundaries…. they do not exist! Find a niche and be the best at it! Harbour the idea that anything is possible! And most importantly if you do feel passionately about something you want…commit, invest and find the ways to just make it happen!!
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
Inclusion has become a massive talking point! Personally, I interpret this as just being empowered to be your authentic self at all times. When we can stand and be true to who we are, we can unleash the power of diversity and channel it towards collective success.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
I will be a bit of maverick here. Celebrating known and often popular women in power has made me in the past feel like I need to also pay tribute to the lesser-known influential women. Those women who truly have impacted life…who will come and go without any historical record. Those women, which i would love to take out to dinner, are my grandmother, my mother and my daughter.
- My grandmother who managed to build a tiny home, off a poor man’s wage… always made sure that there was a simple but nourishing meal on the table, and always managed to have something special during the holidays…a homemade jam or a special desert. She is the only woman i know who consciously only had 1 child because she was poor. Sense and sensibility to live within your means, and still have a beautiful full life. A lesson passed on successfully!!
- My mother, who left her hometown back in the 80s with my dad, to migrate to the US for a better future for us kids…., who sacrificed her own dreams and life to be a stay-at-home mom for us and raise us while my father worked. Who as a result though gave me the best childhood memories full of warmth and love despite her own setbacks in life. Who always pushed me to go where the best opportunities would be for me….and has cheered me on my whole life…selflessly! Another lesson passed on successfully.
- And most importantly, my daughter who is 10, and is subjected to the new digital era…facing threats left right and centre….and was bullied at school for being chubby while someone was recording the humiliation, but…. Allowed me to empower her…. has come into her own strength… and is now thinking outside the box about who she is and how she wants to be in life in order to be happy, a good human being and prosperous at whatever she chooses to do!
Three women who pass on generational lessons and keep the empowerment alive!
Jasmine – Social Media Executive
What’s your name and job title?
Jasmine- Social Media Executive
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
Social media roles are stereotypically female orientated.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
In society, women are often pitted against each other. IWD is a great reminder for women to build each other up and celebrate one another.
What women inspire you?
Greta Thunberg - I think it’s amazing how much she has achieved as a young woman. She is a shining example of someone who can make a change with pure determination and grit, and a willingness to not stop until she’s heard. In a world where there is still a tendency for young women to have to be ‘nice and polite’, Greta shows no regard to this, landing her names such as “a brat with anger management issues” from world leaders. But, instead of being intimidated by this, she merely lightly mocked them on Twitter instead.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
Many assume that this role is just about scrolling TikTok (which is undoubtedly a perk), and that it’s an easy job for a ‘young girl’. I’d say, stand your ground, work hard, and prove them wrong.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
To me, inclusion means a space where there’s a voice for many different people. When you only hear from the same few people, opinions can become biased and narrow minded. Inclusivity creates a more colourful and exciting outlook for the world.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
- Annie MacManus - Annie Mac has been on my radio since I was a kid. What inspires me the most about her is her activism within the music industry, having recently attended the Houses of Parliament to speak about the misogyny in the industry, and has spoken out countless times on the underrepresentation of female artists on line-ups. Plus, I think she’d have great stories to tell.
- Olivia Coleman - The most honest answer here is that I think she’s hilarious and we’d be the best of friends. But on a deeper level, I admire how she hasn’t a care in the world on how she is perceived. What makes her so special is that she is absolutely her 100% most authentic self, something that really inspires me.
- Audrey Hepburn - Audrey Hepburn has been my idol since I was a young girl. Like Olivia Coleman, she has captivated the globe with her spritely personality that was unlike what we’d seen before. However, her story wasn’t always glitz and glamour. Audrey endured hardships in Nazi-occupied Holland and brought light into the darkest of situations by entertaining her family by ballet performances. She is someone of great strength and kindness.
Mitali – Chief People Officer
What’s your name and job title?
Mitali Agrawal – Chief People Officer
Do you find this role particularly female or male-dominated?
Female Dominated
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Celebrating International Women's Day is important to recognize and honour the invaluable contributions, talents, and achievements of every woman in our organization and beyond.
What women inspire you?
Visionary women who are fearless innovators, entrepreneurs, breaking barriers, shaping the future and empowering generations through their remarkable achievements and resilience.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women looking to get into the same type of job as you?
For women aspiring to enter HR, the advice will be to focus on developing strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. Network with professionals, seek mentorship opportunities along with Embracing challenges, being adaptable, and advocate for yourself to succeed in this dynamic and rewarding career path.
This year International Women’s Day is all about inspiring inclusion. What does inclusion mean to you personally within the workplace?
In the workplace, inclusion means creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. It involves fostering diversity across all levels, embracing differences, and promoting a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and succeed.
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women,who would they be and why?
- Michelle Obama: Michelle Obama, as a former First Lady of the United States, embodies grace, intelligence, and advocacy.
- Mithali Raj:Mithali Raj is a trailblazer in Indian women's cricket, renowned for her exceptional skills and leadership on the field.
- Falguni Nayar: As the founder of Nykaa, India's leading beauty and wellness platform, Falguni Nayar embodies entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.