Celebrating International Women’s Day

The 8th March is International Women's Day, and this year's theme is 'Embrace Equity'. This focuses on achieving a world free of stereotypes, bias, and discrimination, and making the world more inclusive.

To celebrate International Women's Day, we thought we would speak to some of our own women at Quint, look at their achievements, and ask what International Women's Day means to them.  

DAWN WOOD - MONEVO UK TERRITORY DIRECTOR

How did you get into your role at Quint?

Following taking my GCSEs I was unsure on what I wanted to do next so I went to college rather than staying on at school to do A Levels, I saw this as a path to university which I didn’t think was for me although many people told me that was the only way to succeed. At 16 I took a part-time job in the call centre of a Secured loan brokerage and the rest, as they say, is history! I worked my way through a variety of roles across that business until the financial crisis hit in 2008.   

I joined Quint when it was a start-up 14 years ago as employee #2, with experience in Secured Lending and armed with a limitless can-do attitude and a firm belief that you get out of things what you put into them to embark on a journey of improving consumers' access to credit. Applying hard work with a massive amount of drive and determination has led me to becoming Territory Director for Monevo where I am responsible for the performance of the business, a job I thoroughly enjoy and share with the job of being a mum. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day means a number of things for me. On a personal level it’s about reflecting on my past, what I have done well, what I could have done differently and what advice I wish I’d been given. I wish people would have told me to believe in myself and aim high, and you don’t need to go to university to achieve what you want.

On a global and professional level, it’s about looking at what value women bring to business and situations, and what can I do to encourage young women to reach their potential. 

At work I sit at boardroom level. It’s important to have International Women’s Day to remind ourselves that although more women are making it into the boardroom, the corporate world still has a way to go to achieve an equal balance. 

NIKKI ELLISON - SENIOR LEGAL COUNSEL

How did you get into your role at Quint?

I always wanted to work within the law growing up, a policewoman or a barrister. I blame TV shows like LA Law that glamourised the lifestyle! During my law degree, it became apparent that being a solicitor probably played more to my strengths, so I applied to do my Legal Practice Course. Since graduating, I have chosen to work in-house with companies because I love being able to add value and make a difference. 

I heard about the Quint role when I was looking for a new in-house role. I liked the people and the environment and knew the work would be interesting and challenging. I’ve been here for nearly 4 months and I’m responsible for meeting the legal needs of all the Quint Group businesses. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

The aim of International Women’s Day is to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness of discrimination and to take action to drive gender parity. What’s not to like? It’s really important to me that all people are treated equally regardless of sex, race, religion, and we’re all responsible to help make change happen and create those opportunities.

JULIA HOWE - OPERATIONS MANAGER 

How did you get into your role at Quint?

I left home at 15, passed my GCSEs, A levels and a foundation in art! I would have loved to have gone to University but I didn’t get my act together, sadly.  I started my career in retail and became a manager aged 19. I moved away from retail when I was 23 and started my career within the more corporate sector, taking on a variety of management roles. My ethos was and still is to work hard, listen to and learn from others, say yes to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to fail. 

I’ve been at Quint 6 years now and started off working for Dawn Wood in Monevo which I loved. Shortly after an Operations Manager role became available, a challenge I was excited to take. The part I enjoy the most is working with people; building a team and culture that drives great performance and behaviours.

I am a mum of two and my first was born 12 years ago. Throughout those early years I found most jobs at my level were full time and by going part time I missed out on promotion. Fortunately, as I now work for Quint who understand they need to support their female workforce, my experience has improved tenfold. 

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

The IWD 2023 campaign is #EmbraceEquity. For years people have talked about equality. Although this is important we should look towards equity as being a better principle to progress society. Equity can be defined as giving everyone what they need to be successful. In other words, it's not giving everyone the exact same thing. If we give everyone the exact same thing, expecting that will make people equal, it assumes that everyone started out in the same place, which is not true. 

I’m proud of my achievements but I do feel that I’ve had a steeper hill to climb because I’m a woman. Next, the menopause….thank goodness I now work for a modern and inclusive thinking business.

ANNA BEECROFT - HR DIRECTOR

How did you get into your role at Quint?

After studying History at university, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I enjoyed university life, so I looked into various careers in business that would allow me to extend my “studying!". Human Resources really appealed to me as I am a sociable person and the variety of work and options within HR was also appealing. I signed up and studied a master's in Human Resource Management and then got my first role in HR at Astrazeneca on this same site at Alderley Park over 20 years ago!

Following this I have worked in various HR roles in the legal sector and for an employment law consultancy before joining Quint over 10 years ago.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

I think it is important to reflect and think about the contribution of women to both society and business, and to celebrate their successes.

The business world still is very much male-dominated, however, here at Quint 45% of employees are female which is fantastic to see, and we are very lucky to work in a business that has this dynamic and that is supportive of women in work.

I’m a working mum which has its challenges. I want to work and perform to the best of my ability but juggling growing, moaning and demanding kids is tough. 

Our hybrid and flexible way of working really helps with this and I think it’s important to discuss this topic, raise awareness and look at more ways to offer women support - IWD gives us a day to do this on a global scale.