Celebrating International Women’s Day 2023 with Friends and Colleagues of HookedOnMedia
March 8th marks International Women’s Day–a time to recognise women from all corners of the globe, pay homage to those who fought for women’s rights, and reflect on how we can continue to battle for gender equality. Each year, the UN appoints a theme that highlights current challenges; last year was “Break the Bias,” and this year, they have chosen ‘DigitALL‘ to shed light on the underrepresentation of women in digital, computing and AI fields, and celebrate the trailblazers who have shattered barriers and made notable contributions in these traditionally unwelcoming sectors.
At HookedOnMedia, we’re equipped with a team of remarkable women who drive our digital marketing agency across all departments: from the marketing team, who excel at promoting our clients’ businesses with the latest tech, to the finance and accounts departments, who keep us running like a well-oiled machine, and our content writers and graphic designers, who are constantly churning out creative, eye-catching content to support our SEO, Social & PPC campaigns.
To mark this special occasion, not only did we speak to our incredible team about their experiences working in the digital sector, but also other women from diverse professional backgrounds. The women you’re about to meet have shared tremendous stories, from Cornish OBE heroines to our very own employee representing GB at the European Championships. Explore their stories and advice, all touching upon a similar motif–be yourself and don’t worry about taking time to figure out your path; just keep at it.
Enjoy!
Xavia Smith
Role: Marketing Manager at HookedOnMedia
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
My very good friend Niki introduced me to the world of marketing, and her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have truly inspired me in the last four years since meeting her. In terms of confidence and getting over the ‘imposter syndrome’, she’s been a solid inspiration!
My mum is the second because she’s a force! Her charming personality but fierce determination and entrepreneurial spirit have inspired me in many ways.
2) What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
Listen to advice but also yourself! I’d spent too much effort doing as others expected of me and probably wasted time indecisively between different working roles. I’d like to have taken more time to explore what route to take independently at an earlier age.
3) What is something you’re particularly proud of accomplishing in your career/life?
I moved down to Cornwall to help a business break into the market down here. It was amazing to be given that opportunity, and I learnt a lot quickly. It took a lot of courage!
4) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
After having two children, I didn’t appreciate that I’d have quite a long period where my career would sort of plateau, especially at a time when I had just begun to take a new career path. So my advice to companies would be to have those conversations with any female employees who may be thinking about starting a family. Ensure they will not be discriminated against and give them the confidence that their position in the company is secure. HookedOnMedia have been incredibly supportive and even developed my role within the company during my maternity absences!
5) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I can’t decide between Sharon Horgan, Phoebe Waller-Bridge or Daisy Haggard. Just love these actresses and am so onboard with the don’t-take-yourself-so-seriously humour!
Vicky Wren
Role: Visual Merchandiser
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
My Mum; she raised us three children extremely well alongside my Dad, and her strong work ethic inspired me to work hard. In terms of visual merchandising, my influence has always been Mary Portas; I grew up watching her shows and reading her books. She was so confident and knowledgeable, and I loved learning about her past as a visual merchandiser and watching her transform shops for the better.
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
The advice I would give would be don’t worry if you’re not where you want to be in terms of your career. Every job you have will hone some skill, and all skills are important and transferable.
3) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
Equal pay! Plus, the difference between men and women in the workplace is that men generally seem to have more confidence, so confidence training for women, particularly in public speaking, would be great to level the playing field.
5) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to have dinner with my Nana, who has passed, and learn more about her life and adventures when she was younger.
Rachel Baker
Role: Dietician at NHS
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
All the strong women/mums/grannies I exercise with regularly – they inspire me to be fit and healthy, which generally fixes everything.
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
- You don’t have to get your career right the first time; live a little and give it time to find out what floats your boat. Life is long, and freedom is so precious!
- The advice I would have given myself is to be yourself in every situation and not waste time in relationships that don’t work! You’ll lose sight of who you are and what you’re really capable of.
3) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
Lots of free training and opportunities! Support in exploring your potential and how to make the most of it, even if it means working somewhere else.
4) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
A carbon copy of myself!
Amy Milton
Role: Equipment Coordinator at Waterhaul
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
My relatives, Patience and Ella Trout (OBE), had the hardest work ethic of all. They were fisherwomen at Hallsands; they built a hotel from scratch – even the bricks – and saved nine men from a sinking naval ship and were awarded an OBE.
They were inspiring innovators and succeeded in what was seen as a man’s industry. They never gave up, and it taught me that if you want to do something, keep going and put enough energy into it, it will happen. Don’t listen to those who say it can’t be done. My gran wrote ‘Sisters against the sea’!
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
- Don’t be afraid to stand out; these are your unique qualities that employers will be most interested in.
- Don’t put too much pressure on yourself; there’s no harm in trying a few different things to work out what you like/don’t like!
- If you do have an idea, go for it!
- You can work in any role; all you need is the confidence to apply.
3) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
- Helping their staff develop a five-year career plan, whether that includes the company they are currently employed with or not.
- Understanding that needs change due to home responsibilities and being able to adapt to these changes & develop their role (part-time/WFH). I’ve learnt that I’m incredibly proactive when working from home and get much more development work completed.
4) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Beyonce, my love! She’s stuck with me since my teenage years; she’s ambitious, tenacious, a groundbreaker and QUEEN. We also share a love for hot sauce.
Andi Oliver. I could talk about food all day, and so can she. She’s hilarious, vivacious, a straight talker and fabulous. Loves life!
Carmen Burrell
Role: Finance Administrator at HookedOnMedia
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
My grandmother – she was always happy even when times were tough during motherhood responsibilities; she made clothing & sewed until all hours for her four girls.
Sandra Bullock – I love her sense of humour, and she’s so down to earth.
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
- Embrace every moment of being young (in a positive manner) & keep striving forward toward your goals.
- Study as much as possible while you can so you can reap the rewards of success.
- Focus on learning something new every day; you’re never too old to learn.
3) What is something you’re particularly proud of accomplishing in your career/life?
The ability to adjust from work life in South Africa to work life in the U.K. Absolutely love the U.K.
4) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
Support and encouragement to complete courses which can benefit the company and the individual. I am so blessed to have this support from HookedOnMedia.
5) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Corrie Ten Boom & Alison Botha. These are just some of the many women who endured such horrific experiences but still focused on how to help others.
Tia Woolcock
Role: Content Executive at HookedOnMedia
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
While studying for my MA in Professional Writing, I met many inspiring and driven women, scribbling down their words in the early morning hours before their young kids woke up—also, my mum, who always encouraged me to take every opportunity that came my way.
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
Say yes to all opportunities in your field, even if it scares you or is out of your comfort zone. If I never had, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today career-wise. Also, to make your ideas heard!
3) What is something you’re particularly proud of accomplishing in your career/life?
Only last week, a piece of my poetry and prose starred in an exhibition at the Poly in Falmouth and was published in a book. It was the first time I’d seen my creative writing in print and my words beside so many talented Cornish writers & creatives. Definitely a pinch-me moment!
4) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
Encourage training opportunities, especially in confidence-building and team leadership/management skills.
5) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Her writing in Fleabag is just *chef’s kiss!*
Victoria Malka
Role: Graphic & Social Ad Designer
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
I had an extraordinary teacher through secondary school & sixth form who was a designer herself and really went out of her way to support me, even once I’d left. Especially now, as an adult myself, I really appreciate the lengths she went to when she didn’t have to, and we still keep in touch. Also, every working mum I’ve come across. Life is such a juggling act as a mum on its own; adding work into the mix makes it another ball game, and so many women make it look so easy when it certainly isn’t!
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
Focus on YOU and YOUR goals! People come and go in life; never let anyone get in the way of your dreams and aspirations, and always push yourself out of your comfort zone, even if it’s scary!
3) What is something you’re particularly proud of accomplishing in your career/life?
It was always my dream to go to Falmouth University, but I was initially rejected. I found this tough and gave up on the idea of going to university, so I settled for a job in retail instead. Two years later, I decided I wouldn’t let the rejection stop me from achieving my dreams, so I got stuck back into design, put together a portfolio and tried again, and I GOT INTO FALMOUTH! Having completed my degree and now working in design, I am so proud of myself for chasing that dream and not giving up despite many struggles along the way.
4) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
As a working mum, it’s so tough trying to establish a work-life balance and juggle all the responsibilities and unexpected moments that come with it. I am so lucky and grateful to work for such a supportive company. Flexible working options are so important in giving mums the opportunity to thrive in the workplace and feel they have a purpose without it feeling like a dreaded extra weight.
Chloe O’Brien
Role: Owner of MeAndEast
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
Sarah James from the Craft Festival – Sarah set up one of the UK’s best craft festivals which has played a massive part in my career so far. I exhibited there for the first time during my jewellery degree and was there last year, showcasing MeAndEast.
Lou Rainbow of the Craft Revolution, who has become a great friend; together, we formed a hugely successful Winter Wonderland festival in Dartington, Devon.
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
Be strong. Be resilient. Connect and network, but also support your peers. I’d tell my younger self to be more confident in what I’ve done, be proud, and know that it takes time to get things going. As a business owner, I always want to speak to new makers and designers to offer my support at the start of their careers.
3) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
Offering as many opportunities to network as possible is key. In my industry, it’s also clear that supporting each other, whether it’s your competition or your colleagues, is so important. Leave competitiveness at home; working together will offer many more benefits!
4) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d say, Hollie Tucker, the UK Ambassador for Creative Small Businesses. She would be a fantastic dinner date, as she has greatly inspired me.
Louisa Shaw
Role: Account Manager at HookedOnMedia
1) Who are some of the women who have inspired you throughout your career/life, and why?
The Queen, after being on the throne for over 70 years (the longest of any British monarch), she’s pretty inspirational and a difficult one to top!
2) What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? / What advice would you give to your younger self if you could go back in time?
- Stay positive, and whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability and make time for your family and health.
- Don’t stress over the small things; life is too short.
- Above all else, be kind!
3) What is something you’re particularly proud of accomplishing in your career/life?
I’m proud to have represented GB at the Age Group Aquathlon (swimming/running) European Championships four years ago. I narrowly missed out on representing my country when I competed in diving when I was younger, and I was determined to wear a GB kit at least once in my life.
4) What are some ways that companies can support women’s career development and advancement?
Definitely working from home/flexible/hybrid working, especially after having children. Having this option increases the chances of keeping good staff members. Also offering training courses to develop staff knowledge.
5) If you could have dinner with any woman, living or dead, who would it be and why?
100% I would choose my Mum. She passed away four years ago, and I would do anything to have dinner with her to let her know how her grandchildren were doing.
