International Women’s Day at Priavo
The focus for International Women’s Day 2019 is #BalanceforBetter, driving gender balance across the world. We have experienced a great mix of both male and females working across the security industry and with our global security partners. In celebration of the hard-working women in our office, we thought that we would highlight their roles and thank them for the significant contribution they make.
I am directly responsible for Priavo’s Strategic Direction as Managing Director. Prior to co-founding Priavo, in 2011, I worked on the board of a Plc within a male dominated industry and always found more opportunities than challenges. The key to success is to embrace female qualities and integrate these across your business practises. For me, this entails investing heavily in your team, partnering closely with your clients and suppliers: really listening and engaging with your stakeholders. Open, honest and regular communication takes time and dedication. Having clear and cohesive objectives, mutual goals and regular reviews are key to success. I am very proud to be celebrating International Women’s Day as a female boss and the very long hours this entails – alongside being a good mom, aunt, sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, wife, friend and soon to be grandmother 🙂
I’m lucky enough to have three jobs I enjoy. I work for Priavo Security as Logistics and Procurement Manager coordinating movements of our operatives, arranging contracts, ensuring compliance for GDPR and maintaining high levels of quality management for IS09001. No two days are ever the same and I really enjoy contributing to people safety on a regular basis. My second role is founder and head coach of Foxy Ladies Running Club which is now in its 5th year and has over 140 members. We welcome all women from complete beginners to ultra-marathon runners, women wanting to get fit, stay healthy or run for the social interaction and positive mental well-being. My last role is mum of three sporty children (15 year old daughter and 13 old twin boys) which combines the skills of my two jobs – logistical coordination and a lot of running around!
Women bring balance to the work place and for me working gives balance to my life. In my busy role as Finance Manager at Priavo Security, I work across many different time zones, currencies and languages which is a daily challenge that I really enjoy. I previously worked as a Senior Midwife in a very busy hospital so I am used to high pressure – I survived working for the NHS for 20 years. I am a mum to two young children; my eight year old daughter is severely disabled and requires around the clock care so life is a constant juggling act. On this International Women’s Day, I want to give a big shout out to working women everywhere just doing their thing and not realising ‘how amazing they are’.
Like my amazing female colleagues, I too, work at Priavo Security as Senior Events Co-ordinator and PA to my very busy bosses – this often requires extra hours and working from home in the evening. It’s a role that I love but, like many, is a juggling act as I am also mum to my two children, 10 and 13. I previously worked for Children’s Social Services which was hugely rewarding although very emotionally challenging. Prior to that I was employed by the Goodwood Estate where I coordinated multiple weddings and projects, I really love being back in the events sector now at Priavo. I have always worked and believe it sets a good example to my children – that you can be a mum but also go to work and make a difference in the world. Today on International Women’s Day, I am proud to be a working mum, wife, daughter and sister.
I am a Close Protection and Surveillance Operative and have worked for Priavo Security on many occasions. I believe that females can bring many strengths to this field – particularly in certain security situations where a lower profile and ‘soft skills’ are required. We train as hard as our male counterparts and in my eyes compliment the roles when working together, with different skill sets. I combine this role with my job as a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach and have successfully competed in many sporting competitions including Ultra Marathons, triathlons and body building. I’m proud to be part of both the security and fitness industry, and especially to be celebrating this International Women’s Day.