Women in Leadership

Although we are well into the twenty-first century, sadly, women are still under-represented in leadership teams across the UK – even though evidence shows that a more balanced representation of women in top leadership positions produces better financial results.

We are, however, bucking that trend here at QuoLux™. Our board of three includes two leading women, with our head of operations also flying the female flag.

(clockwise top L-R: Jo Draper, Keeley Witts, Rachael Ramos, QuoLux™)

Reassuringly, it’s a similar theme that’s emerging through our leadership programs. Women make up over half of those undertaking our GAIN™ and MBA programs and 40% on our GOLD™ program.

LEAD™ is the first step in the series of our leadership programs and we know from bench-marking against recent research that we have over a third more ladies than those on typical national programs, which is great, but it’s a long way from being 50/50. So, why the discrepancy?

Confidence

We find that confidence and self belief is often key. The Women in Leadership Report (2019) revealed that 75% of women felt that they had experienced a “lack of confidence” that had held them back at some stage of their careers.

In fact, many of the women we first speak to about leadership often don’t have the self belief to see themselves in that role, even though they are, invariably, already leading and growing business. Unlocking this confidence comes through reflection, collaboration and support.

We see it first-hand on our LEAD™ program where, by bringing together peers from other companies to learn, share, reflect and support one another as they work on real life business issues, they feel better equipped, and more confident, to deal with whatever is thrown at them. They #InspireBelief in one another.

Kirsty Day, Head of Recovery Services, The Nelson Trust, shared:

“LEAD™ is the best piece of development work that I have ever done. My confidence in decision-making, how I interact with others and how I lead have all improved.” 

Nicola Bird, Safety and Business Development Director at KW Bell Group describes: 

“Since graduating from LEAD™ I am more focused, determined and confident than ever before and this is solely down to the excellent coaching, the sincere peer support and the practical tools delivered by every expert I met on the way.”

With access to tools, techniques and frameworks through the course and that powerful community of support, all of our delegates are able to explore and reflect on their leadership skills, building their confidence and ultimately supporting success.

Julia Russell, director at Bristol-based Bowland Stone observes: 

“My confidence as a leader has grown, developed and now exists at a level I never expected and was not expected by others within our company! I wasn’t expecting to come away with a completely different perspective and attitude towards leadership, and my belief in myself. LEAD™ has been life changing!”

We’re incredibly proud of all that they’ve achieved and to watch now as they ‘pay it forward’ developing their next generation of leaders in their businesses.

On our LEADlight program, aimed at developing middle leaders and managers, one-third of the delegates are women. By investing in these rising stars, they increase their confidence in leading, delegating and influencing change, and become more prepared for senior management responsibilities.

Our main photo shows some of our LEAD™ Alumni ladies

(top-to-bottom row, L-R:)

Abby Guilding, Director of Fundraising, WellChild; Sarah Bryars, CEO, Target PR; Kirsty Day, Head of Recovery Services, The Nelson Trust; Nicola Bird, Managing Director, AccXel; Julia Everard, Managing Director, Saracen Care

Antonia Shield, Managing Partner, BPE Solicitors; Jo Bewley, Partner & Head of Property, BPE Solicitors; Jessica Fairhurst, Managing Director, Premiere Healthcare; Louise Woodward, Director, Cotteswold Dairy; Linsey Temple, COO, Eastwood Park

Louise Williams, Business Development Manager, The Nelson Trust; Anna Herbert, Marketing Director, Hobbs House Bakery; Ellen Edwards, Head of Finance, Gloucestershire Counselling Services (GCS); Victoria Golesworthy, Director, Timberpride; Ruth Cook, Managing Director, GWP Group

Emma Griffiths, CEO, Gloucestershire Counselling Services (GCS); Hannah Robins, Commercial Manager, Printwaste Recycling & Shredding; Lisa Stone, Operations Manager, Jane Clayton; Stephanie Smith, Financial Director, Galebreaker; Hayley Coombs, Homes Sales & Operations Director, MF Freeman

Jenny Howard, Operations Manager, Printwaste Recycling & Shredding; Victoria Petkovic-Short, Director, APT Marketing & PR; Lindsay Babbage, Director, Datasource; Kirstin Hawkins, Finance Director, Creed Foodservice; Natalie Bell, Growth & Partnership Director, AccXel

Sam Kandiyali, Director, Target PR; Naomi Howells, Managing Director, Class People; Julia Russell, Director, Bowland Stone; Judi Bonham, Managing Director & Children Law lawyer, WSP Solicitors; Lynis Bassett, CEO, LB Education Group

Holly Cale, Curator, International Centre for Birds of Prey (ICBP); Claire Spender, Academic Team Leader, Gloucestershire Engineering Training (GET)

If you are interested in finding out more about how we help our delegates to improve their leadership skills in order to develop themselves, their teams and their organisations, please get in touch with Jo Draper or Stewart Barnes. 

Our next management development program for future leaders (LEADlight) starts in September and our next effective leadership program for senior leaders (LEAD™) starts in April.