In a new monthly blog, I take a look at some of the stories about women, female issues and the world of work. This October, we find out what it's like to manage £6 billion, sexism in the workplace, coding and fem-vertising...
What's it like to manage £6 billion?
Sue Noffke is an Equity Manager at Schroders - where she heads up the UK Equity Team. Together with three colleagues she manages £6 billion of equities for both business and charities. She also runs an investment trust.
A regular speaker at Bright Network events, in this exclusive video she shares her insights into her role and what it's like to work at Schroders. She also offers her top tips for those thinking about following in her footsteps. Watch the video just here.
Sexism in the workplace
A recent study of 2,000 women by the magazine 'Stylist' revealed that 87% of those surveyed believe that they and their female contemporaries are being passed-over for promotions because they are a woman. When asked about the types of 'sexism' they have encounted, 'being expected to make tea' topped the list, with 43% feeling that this was what was expected of them. 33% of those surveyed said that they regularly received comments about their appearance.
In my career, I have experienced both of these types of sexism - but I'm pleased to say that at Bright Network we're working with a range of leading organisations committed to nuturing female talent and creating more-balanced working environments and cultures. And at Bright Network HQ, whether you're male or female, we're all expected to make the tea. And in fact, I think it's our CEO & Founder James who makes the most.
Female Empowerment ‘Fem-vertising’
Yes, ‘fem-vertising’ is officially a ‘thing.’ Adverts aimed at ‘empowering’ women show no signs of slowing down. From Always #LikeaGirl to Dove’s ‘Real Women’ and now Barbie. The new advert already watched by over five million people on You Tube, shows little girls assuming the position of professional women – one is a vet, one a university professor - another coaches a male American football squad – with the strapline: ‘Imagine the possibilities’. What do you think? Watch the advert below.
The toy company says it has inspired imaginations and encouraged girls on their 'journey to self-discovery, and 'continues to celebrate the belief you can be anything'. However recently it was revealed that sales of Barbie dolls are falling as young girls increasingly prefer interactive electronic toys and tablets.
A final thought...
"If 90% of coders are men, developing and owning the language of the future, women won't be part of the conversation."
Last week, I attended a breakfast event focused on women at work and when one of the speakers put up a slide, with this quotation by Caitlan Moran, the Times columnist and author, it made me think. A lot. Yes, I do have very basic coding skills, but I have a long way to go... but potentially nuturing them even further could be one of the best things I could do.
What's more, it really can open up so many opportunities. Just check out this super role with the consulting firm, Alpha and this event with CHP Consulting, exclusively for Bright Network women interested in a career in Technology Consulting.
See you next month.
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Get in touch - if you ever have any career questions, do just drop me a line - rachel@brightnetwork.co.uk / @RachelCSpedding.