Over at Easy Digital we celebrate our women everyday; in fact, we're a very female dominated team! Led by Cathy Connolly as our CEO and Co-founder, our small but mighty team is empowered to learn from others, grow as young professionals and work in a positive environment.
I sat down with Cathy to understand her experience as a woman in business and a female entrepreneur in the Financial Technology industry. Here's what she had to say:
Can you share a bit about your journey to where you are today? What inspired you to pursue your career path?
I have always been around small businesses; my first job was working for my father’s small business, serving his customers, which is where I learnt how important customer service is. Since then, I have worked in different corporates in various roles from customer service, audit, HR and finally IT, where I have been ever since. Philip and I have tried several different start ups, Easy Digital being the most successful which is a cumulation of our many previous experiences.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry, and how have you overcome them?
I think the biggest challenge was when I started in IT in the nineties – it was very male dominated! However, most of them have been very supportive and realise the benefits of women in IT."
Who are some female role models or mentors who have influenced your career, and what lessons have you learned from them?
I think, love or hate her politics, it has to be Margaret Thatcher. She took on a previously male bastion, shook it up and changed politics in the UK forever!
How do you promote gender diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and why do you believe it's important?
I absolutely believe in appointing the best person for all our positions in Easy Digital, and work to ensure all our employees feel included and part of a successful team. We work together in-person 5 days a week, so it's really important to me that everybody feels safe and comfortable.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to leadership roles in your field?
Always be prepared! Have empathy but never be afraid to call out poor behaviour.
How do you maintain a work-life balance, and what strategies have you found helpful in managing your professional and personal life?
Hmm, I am not very good at this one and definitely still working to achieve a good balance. I think a lot of small business owners also struggle with this one, as there are so many hats to wear when you run your own company. This is definitely a work in progress! Let's check back in next year.
Can you share a proud moment or achievement in your career that stands out to you?
Obviously, my 3 amazing children. However, career wise, I think when we moved into our office in Eastcheap, Central London, as it really felt our aspirations for Easy Digital were actually happening.
How do you support and empower other women in your organisation or community?
I hope I support our employees to push themselves to learn and take on new challenges and never to be afraid of failure.
What initiatives or changes would you like to see in the workplace to further advance gender equality?
I think gender equality has come a very long way since I started working in the 80’s. However, sadly from my own daughters’ experience, I know sexism has not been completely eradicated. Therefore, I promote mutual respect, to ensure everyone is equally treated.
Finally, what does International Women's Day mean to you personally, and how do you think we can continue to promote gender equality and celebrate women's achievements year-round?
I think International Women’s Day is a celebration of how far women’s rights have changed in just over 100 years here in the UK, both in the work place and as mothers. A reminder that these rights should be enjoyed by us but ensure that these rights be respected and maintained for our daughters and their daughters.
To learn more about Cathy and other women in our business, visit our About page over on Easy Digital Company where we discuss our favourite foods, music and more.
