Laura Davis
Operations Director
This International Woman’s Day has presented a brilliant opportunity for us to speak to some of the inspirational women across altavia.hrg, and they have shared below some of their thoughts around their own values and career choices.
As Operations Director at altavia.hrg I am more than aware of gender stereotypes. Although I’ve faced this front-on through my career in Project Management and into Operations, I’m proud that in my 8 years at altavia.hrg my voice has been valued and opportunities un-restricted.
Whilst equality is the focus of this powerful day, it can only be achieved with a collective effort from all, so here at altavia.hrg we will continue to play our part in instilling confidence, authenticity and self-worth within the workplace to the entirety of our amazing team – regardless of their identity!
Emma Graham
Senior Creative Artworker
Why did you choose to become a Creative Artworker?
At school, I always enjoyed art, graphics and textiles, I’ve always been drawn to doing creative things, but it was my dad who inspired me. He used to work in a printers and bring home magazines and posters. That’s when I decided I’d like to be the person that creates all that ‘cool’ stuff. I studied Graphic design and Graphic Communication at Uni.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
For me, it’s about women’s voices being heard and seeing how far women have come in the workplace. I also believe it is to recognise ALL women for their achievements throughout life.
What piece of advice would you give to a woman thinking of starting a career:
in your role?
Don’t get put off by a male-orientated studio. Believe in yourself and always voice your opinion; as long as you have a good reason for your creative ideas, no idea is a bad one. As long as you are passionate about everything you create, you’ll get far.
at altavia.hrg?
Working at altavia.hrg you’ll be well looked after as a female, there are so many things in place to keep you safe, i.e. Get Home Safe initiatives and Mental Health First Aiders.
Kelseigh Zammit
Senior Digital Strategist
Why did you choose to become a Digital Strategist?
I started my career as a journalist, so I’ve never been afraid of asking questions, and strategy is all about the questions. I’m a word nerd and like learning more about what makes us tick as humans, and strategy is the perfect way of combining all those things.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Celebrating the achievements and contributions of all women, and what we bring to the table. Understanding, appreciating, and embracing our differences is the only way of creating true equality.
Being emotional can be seen as a negative trait, and something that is sometimes (unfairly) attributed only to women. But being emotional means you’re passionate and usually comes from a place of empathy. As humans, we’re all driven by emotion, so it’s nothing to shy away from.
What piece of advice would you give to a woman thinking of starting a career:
in your role?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking ‘why’? is your superpower. If the answer is ‘because we’ve always done it that way, that’s your permission to smash expectations and do something different. Strategists are often ex-journalists, writers, comms and content experts and your understanding of people and getting to the core of a problem is what makes you valuable.
at altavia.hrg?
Listen to those around you. I’m surrounded by insightful, intelligent women and men every day at work, and there’s so much to learn from our colleagues around the business.
Zoe Brooks
Resource Manager
Why did you choose to become a Resource Manager?
This was never my chosen role, although I have always loved drawing and creating things. I moved into reprographics and organising, time management and helping people progress stemmed from this. Since the mid-’90s, it’s been more of the role I have gravitated towards. At altavia.hrg I can keep the schedule up to the minute, arrange the freelancers and onboard anyone who might be new whilst supporting my team as needed, so all boxes ticked.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I sometimes find things like this make more of an issue out of something that isn’t really there, rather we all just got on whatever gender, role, colour, everything else that can be written here!!!, just help each other where you can and all work together for the better of the human race, rather than your own agenda.
What piece of advice would you give to a woman thinking of starting a career:
in your role?
Go for it; if you have the skill and the interest, there should be no reason why you cannot thrive, and nowadays, with so many things in place to ensure that everyone is given a fair chance, you’ve got this.
at altavia.hrg?
On the whole, it’s a great place to work; you will get a bit frazzled from time to time, I can’t lie. But I believe in being honest and to the point; you get a far better response from your team that way, in my view.
Nicole Phillips
Production Director
Why did you choose to become a Projects Director?
Becoming a Projects Director was a natural progression from my role as a Senior Project Manager. If you’re a Project Manager at heart, it’s the natural next step.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
To me, National Women’s Day is a celebration of the tremendous work Women do daily, whether that’s in the office or at home. It’s about recognising we are all on different paths, we all face different challenges, but collectively we are all striving to be our best selves in what we do.
What piece of advice would you give to a woman thinking of starting a career:
in your role?
My advice for someone thinking of a career as a Projects Director? Believe in yourself. If I can do it, so can you (coffee helps).
at altavia.hrg?
My advice for someone thinking about a career at altavia.hrg? Our company works tirelessly to ensure we have the best practices in place to enable all staff to bring their best selves to work. From flexible working hours and working from home to Get Home Safe and Mental Health First Aiders As a full-time working mother, I no longer feel vilified when work and life become a little blurred. So if you’re looking to start off your career or return to work after a break, altavia.hrg is a great place to join.
Mira Odedra
Account Manager
Why did you choose to become a Senior Account Manager?
I had come to a point in my life where I wasn’t being or achieving my best. I wasn’t where I wanted to be, and the only person that could change that was me.
I needed a new challenge that would push me out of my comfort zone, both career-wise and for me personally, make me feel productive and worthy! Not only did altavia.hrg feel I was a right fit for the role and company, but I felt altavia.hrg was the right fit for ME. It’s a two-way thing!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a celebration of Women! Not just the women who have fought to get us the rights we have today, but the everyday, average woman, regardless of age, background, race, religion, career and accomplishments. Celebrating our wins, big or small, and learning lessons that shape who we are, the community we make up and the future we create for the next generation of women!
As a Woman of Colour, International Women’s Day is also a day I use to reflect on the women before me who made sacrifices, learnt lessons, fought battles and ultimately won, which led me to the life I have here in the UK today.
What piece of advice would you give to a woman thinking of starting a career:
in your role?
Be honest. I came into this role having only worked client-side, but I was open and willing to learn in areas I lacked experience. My honestly of what I do and don’t know has been met with helpful, constructive advice, training and development, and I feel more confident every day.
at altavia.hrg?
altavia.hrg are honestly a great company to work for. Everyone is so approachable, including the MD, HR and Managers. During my time here, I have found that altavia.hrg are flexible, accommodating, great at listening to needs and wants, and totally transparent when addressing controversial subjects, such as gender equality, diversity & inclusion. I feel comfortable and assured that when I decide to start a family, I will be fully supported, from flexible working, maternity and returning to work. I’m really proud to work for altavia.hrg.
Natalie de Weerd
Senior Developer
Why did you choose to become a Developer?
Because I’m a nerd and love the challenge it brings. The thrill of that eureka moment when your code works never goes away.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s a day to remind everyone to check their unconscious bias.
As a woman in a male-dominated role, I’ve experienced a lot of this, most recently in the form of suppliers asking me to “check with my developers/the technical team” as they unconsciously assume I am not technical.
What piece of advice would you give to a woman thinking of starting a career:
in your role?
Call it out. Don’t let sexism slide. Don’t be silent about it. Be confident in what you know.
at altavia.hrg?
I have never felt undermined or experienced any sexism at altavia.hrg for being a woman; if anything, the company empowers me in my role.
