On Friday, we were celebrating International Women’s Day at Buffalo 7 HQ. Caterpillar cakes, a Lush gift card and some general joy spreading.
As well as that, we grabbed a couple of our Directors and asked them a few questions.
What is your position at Buffalo 7?
Account Director
Why did you choose to become an Account Director?
I’m very sociable – I’ve always really enjoyed working in client-focused roles because I enjoy speaking to people and building close relationships. I love understanding a problem someone is facing, and working with them to provide solutions to help them overcome it.
What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BalanceForBetter mean for you in your work life?
It’s important to me to always consider gender balance within working lives. In order to make well rounded and well thought-out decisions, we need to ensure that all viewpoints are heard and taken into consideration. We should utilise our different perspectives and experience to reach balanced conclusions.
As a board director, it’s also very important to me to encourage and support other women to achieve similar roles, which is a lot harder if they can’t see other women in those roles at the moment. As my good friend Megan says, you can’t be what you can’t see – so the more women in these roles, the more empowered women will be to achieve.
In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up project management in the near future?
It’s not important to have women in project management just because they’re women, but because the way our society works means that women have very different experiences to men throughout our lives. Society teaches us how to handle and overcome different situations than most men would face.
As a result of this, men and women can approach problem solving very differently. In project management, whether you’re trying to solve a problem or come up with new ideas – it’s important to have that balance. We need a mix in our organisation to be effective and provide equal opportunities.
Is enough being done to promote women at Buffalo 7?
Buffalo 7 is a very supportive working environment. We recognise that business growth requires constant analysis and review of policies to ensure they are working to the standard we require them to. We’re currently in the process of improving HR support systems in place with equality and diversity at the forefront of our minds.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
There’s so much pressure on young women to know what they want to do from an early age, but there are more careers out there than you think there are. Failing doesn’t mean you’re a failure, it’s about learning what you’re good at – and give yourself time for this and celebrate your achievements.
Find an organisation that genuinely values your contribution, recognises your skills and can support you to grow.
What is your position at Buffalo 7?
Creative Director
Why did you choose to become a designer?
I have wanted to be a designer since I was 16. I fell in love with the idea of making something creative every day as a career. With design, no two days are the same, and you get to meet a wide variety of people from all walks of life.
What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #BalanceForBetter mean for you in your work life?
If you are a great designer and create beautiful, hard-working, on-brand design solutions, gender should have no bearing on your career path or success. Let the quality of your work speak for itself, we should review the ideas and designs that have been brought to life, not the person that has created them.
In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up designing in the near future?
I think the design industry today is filled with talented women and I’m lucky to say I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside them.
What piece of advice would you give to a woman thinking of starting a career in design?
I think if you love design, have a talent for it and enjoy the challenge of creating, then you will be a designer. Work hard, don’t give up and always be willing to try new ideas.
Is enough being done to promote women at Buffalo 7?
Buffalo 7 is full of very talented people both male and female, we promote creativity, craft and dedication.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Do what you love, enjoy your career and celebrate your achievements. You only live once, so don’t waste a second and enjoy the adventure.
