Be more, do more, pay it forward – great advice at our Women in Business lunch
Positive role models play an enormous role in encouraging young women and girls to think they can contribute to tech, and get a great job in tech. That was one of the inspiring messages shared at the Women in Business lunch yesterday (27 April), sponsored by JMW Solicitors.
Tech Advocate Naomi Timperley and TalkTalk’s Helen McHugh, head of North West engagement and CSR, had the audience at Manchester Hall gripped with their generous and life affirming, honest advice and pleas to just be better and kinder.
Naomi urged everyone not to hide their whole parts of their lives on the CVs, and to push back against age discrimination.
Helen gave examples of the supportive communities within her work environment at TalkTalk.
She also said, quoting advice from a friend in a senior job in politics, her old world: “You deserve to be in an environment that can bring out the softness in you, not the survivor in you. We all need workplaces that bring out the softness in you.”
Naomi commented on the women in the room, the different kind of atmosphere an all female event created. “Felt it when I came in the room. Networking in a safe environment is so important,” she said.
They both spoke about mentorship, being authentic, to give before you get, but don’t expect to get. Champion people, be their wings, say other people’s names in a room full of people who will open up new possibilities.
Naomi brought up the importance of allyship. Helen recounted the TalkTalk sponsored Women in Tech Awards and how the audience was 30 per cent men, which she said is absolutely fine. “Men need to be part of the conversation about how we become better,” she said.
“People need to believe in themselves. Confidence is the most important thing. How do we include men in these conversation. Allyship shouldn’t take an effort. Next time you get invited to an event, take someone with you. You shouldn’t be an echo chamber. Identify an ally at work and take them with you,” said Naomi.
On the subject of helping young people Naomi and Helen both gave examples of working with schools, colleges and universities, but both urged the women in the room to get involved in their local educators.
The next event will be on the 1 June 2023 at Manchester Hall and will feature Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy, founder, Inspiring Women Awards, and Head of Global Development, BQSL and Dr Shikha Pitalia, co-founder SSP Health and Pall Mall Medical.
