Today the FourNet team is taking some time to celebrate International Women’s Day and hear from the fantastic women in our team who are at the heart of our success!

We have planned a company-wide meeting to hear about different perspectives from three female panellists who have a wealth of experience both professionally and personally. Aiming to give real-world advice to help shape gender equality for the future. We also want to open the floor to anyone who wants to get involved to share their thoughts.

To give you a flavour of the conversation, we have asked our three panelists, Caroline Thomas, Lucy Lockston and Karen Wentworth to share their thoughts and experiences.

Karen Wentworth – Head of Sales Operations

What progress have you seen in gender equality in your life and work?

Women definitely have more choices available to them than I had entering the workplace, I also think there are less stereotypes. I think the challenge we have going forward is maintaining equality across the board as we embrace diversity, this isn’t a passive thing we continually need to challenge what we believe the norm to be to stay real.

Why do we need more women in leadership?

I don’t feel like I had any strong female role models as a younger woman joining the workplace (with the exception of my Mum!). I came from an era where careers advice was hairdressing or learning to type and be a secretary!

I forged on determined not to let stereotypes dictate my path, it was hard, I chose a male-dominated industry that brought its own challenges. I think if I’d had more reference points it might have felt less lonely. I think young ladies need to know that there are no limits, the limits are the ones you create for yourself and that can be reinforced by seeing women around you who have achieved that.

Share someone that inspires you as a strong female role model?

A. Karren Brady was 23 when she started working as managing director of Birmingham City F.C. in March 1993, which takes some doing. She then went on to be Vice-Chairman of West Ham United in 2010 (so no flash in the pan). Today she is still a successful businesswoman, member of the House of Lords, ambassador for young women a mother and wife. where does she find the time?

What advice would you give to women starting out in their career?

Be resolute and believe in your own ability. Gravitate toward people who you admire, can learn from, and want the best for you. They are the people when you look back at your career, will be responsible in some part for what you are today. I can remember every single person that played a pivotal part in my journey (PS they were all men!!).

Never let anyone make you feel small, aim high and plan how to get there.

What’s your International Women’s Day message?

I think it’s a celebration of our contribution to society, we should support each other, look at the strong intelligent woman standing next to you and be proud of her and want her to be the best she can be. If we can’t support each other who will?

Lucy Lockston – Commercial Manager

What progress have you seen in gender equality in your life and work? 

I got married about 18 months ago, and one of the things that play on a bride’s mind is who she’ll be afterwards. What surname will she have, and for me, I also was considering what title I would prefer – Mrs or keep Ms? I’d never thought I would change my surname when I got married, but my husband and I decided to both change our names via deedpoll and have a family name that meant something to both of us. We took our maternal grandparents’ names and mushed them together to make Lockston. I also decided against being a Mrs, as the patriarchal route of that isn’t something I identify with. Both of those things aren’t something people would have necessarily considered a few years ago, and I’m not sure even many husbands now would consider changing their identity in the way it’s often expected when you become a wife.

Why do we need more women in leadership? 

I agree with Karen, representation is incredibly important. Also, the difference it makes to have a level of diversity in leadership and the workforce, in general, is proven time and time again to create better innovation, support talent and just provide more than one point of view.

Share someone that inspires you as a strong female role model?

I don’t necessarily have one person, I’m lucky to know an awful lot of incredible women from various parts of my life. I think the person who changed my perspective on equality and feminist issues was my A-Level English lecturer. She was great at bringing issues represented in literature to a discussion, and definitely inspired me to question more and to see feminism as an accessible ideal, rather than a bunch of hippies burning bras!

What’s your International Women’s Day message?

Empowering people is so rewarding, if you’re in a position to do that and be an ally, I believe you have a responsibility to do that.

Caroline Thomas – Senior CX Service Designer

Why do we need more women in leadership?

When women are in leadership positions, they can serve as role models for other women and girls, inspiring them to pursue leadership roles and take on positions of influence and power or in industries that were previously predominantly male-dominated. Look at the influence of the women’s football and hockey teams on girls in sports. This girl can!

Share someone that inspires you as a strong female role model?

Without a doubt my friend and neighbour Audrey. She`s 89, and has dealt with so much but has such a great outlook on life. She was a strong independent woman in a heavily male-dominated world working for the National Coal Board at 16, before it was even a thing!

What advice would you give to women starting out in their career?

Work out where it is you want to be and do it. Ask for help. Find a mentor. Don’t be afraid of obstacles, they may turn out to be an opportunity you might not have had otherwise. Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerable side. You don’t need to be the “iron lady” (for the young ones google Margaret thatcher! 😊).

What’s your International Women’s Day message?

Be true to yourself.