Hi Abby. It’s great to have the chance to talk through some key areas for this year’s International Women’s Day. Perhaps you can start by introducing yourself and telling us more about your role?
Thank you, I’m delighted to be taking part. I am originally from London and have lived in the Midlands for the past four years. I absolutely love my career in recruitment! Having recruited across the retail, care and hospitality sector, I can’t express how much I love working for Pineapple Recruitment and making a difference to so many people’s lives. Seeing their careers thrive is just amazing.
This year’s International Women’s Day is all about accelerating action in gender equality, but what does it mean to you as a professional recruiter?
I think it’s a great theme this year and rightly has captured lots of attention in the media. I believe everyone is equal and as a professional I think the most important thing is that individuals of all genders feel valued and respected.
What more do you think can be done to improve and accelerate gender equality in the workplace?
We need to make sure that companies offer the same opportunities regardless of gender, this includes equal pay and parental leave. I think there’s been progress over the past decade, but there’s still much more to do.
And what do you think is done here at Pineapple Recruitment to ensure balance between gender equality?
Everyone is treated fairly and equally in our team here at Pineapple. There is a 50/50 split of men and women, and everyone always gets equal opportunities to be heard. I know that’s not the same in every workplace, so it’s great to be part of an inclusive business.
What will you be doing to play your part this year in promoting female achievement?
I always try to do my best in everything that I do and always look to champion the females (and males) in my life. It’s great that today highlights female achievements that little bit more. But it’s more than just a day, it should be a constant theme.
And finally, which female has inspired you in the past 12 months?
There are two ladies that inspire me most in my life – my line manager and my mum.
My line manager, Kasia. She is such a fantastic person and inspires me to be the sort of manager I would like to be one day. She is the best communicator and amazing support, not just to myself but the whole team. I know I can talk to her, no matter what questions or problems I may have and she makes me feel like I am important and my opinions count. My passion grows every day for my career and I feel like we are at the heart of it all in recruitment by helping candidates make decision which can alter their direction in life and allow them to grow.
And finally, my mum. She truly is the biggest inspiration in my life. She as always inspired me to work hard and give 100% in all that I do. Mum has worked for the NHS in the HIV clinic for almost 50 years and at the age of 63 she still works for the NHS and has always been very passionate in making a difference in people’s lives, showing kindness and compassion.
She has also given me a true gift of having three sisters all of which I count as my best friends. Yes I hear you say, one of four girls, all each one of them are hard-working and successful in their own right. My mum also inspired one of my sisters to become a nurse. She has always taught me ‘it’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.’
