Here at Ignition, we’re passionate about building a diverse workplace. Our success is bolstered by every individual employee, with each person bringing something different to the table regardless of their gender, race, disability, or background. This International Women’s Day, we’ve asked some of the incredible women who work for us a set of questions surrounding their experience as a woman working for Ignition, in a range of departments, from Sales and Development to Marketing and Customer Service.
Who has been the most inspirational woman in your life?
Every woman should be their own inspiration. If you inspire yourself, you can control your own happiness and your own success. You become your own hero when no matter what life throws at you, you’re ready and you’re capable of handling it.
Addie Sullivan, Customer Success Manager
My mum and my aunties. Coming from a very poor family, they struggled to get educated and succeed in life, so I’m really proud of them. My mum instilled in me the idea that we should always go after our dreams, no matter what others say or what obstacles are in our path.
Andrea Hurren, Web Developer
My mum was a very proud and resourceful woman. Growing up I was aware of her struggles, but it wasn’t until I became a parent that I truly appreciated and marvelled at her strength. It also hit home that the silent battles she faced and the sacrifices she made prevented her from realising her dreams and fulfilling her full potential. She inspires me every day. I admire her values and strive to uphold the same moral compass, by treating everyone, no matter where they hail from, with the same respect.
Rebecca Philpott, Brand Manager
My Grandmother. She was an incredible writer and the cleverest, wittiest person I’ve met. She encouraged me to think critically, read widely and never stop being curious about the world. I’ll forever be thankful to her for introducing me to literature at a young age. That early exposure significantly influenced the course of my life and shaped who I am today.
Louise Howland, SEO Content Writer
My Mum. I’ve watched her power through everything in her path! She’s always been really encouraging.
Heather Plimmer, Senior Magento Developer
I had a brilliant English teacher at school who was a beacon of inspiration to me growing up. She was whip-smart, endlessly kind and made every lesson fun – all the things you could want in a teacher! I still think about things she told me when I need a boost of confidence.
Natasha North, Content Writer
My Grandma – she served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service in WW2. No one could imagine the strength it took for women at that time to do something so incredibly brave.
Lauren Baird, Customer Support Advisor
My mum. She raised myself and my brother to be independent, happy, kind and loving people. I don’t think you can ask for much more of a role model than that.
Tasha Town, Assistant Purchasing Manager
What challenges have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?
Sometimes developing a career when you’re young can be difficult. I was only 18 when I joined Ignition – an age where you’re still learning about the professional environment and to work with employees who tend to be older. As a mature and career driven woman, I found it easy to build friendships with my colleagues, who are now some of my closest friends.
Tasha Webb, Logistics Coordinator
I’m one of the older women employed at Ignition, but in some ways I feel like I’m only just starting out on my career. This clearly isn’t the case – I have amassed a wealth of experience from previous roles and freelance work, but for a good 11 years of my adult life, I was committed to raising my 3 children. When I decided it was time to resume my personal goals, applying for jobs filled me with apprehension. For years I had been ‘Mummy’ – who am I now? Am I good enough, am I relevant? How will it affect the kids? I could go on and on with all the reasons why I thought I shouldn’t pursue my career. But the fear of ‘possibility’ outweighed the fear of not trying.
Rebecca Philpott, Brand Manager
Generally people think that men help with technical support, but I have had my fair share of surprising people with my knowledge.
Lauren Baird, Customer Support Advisor
At times I’ve been looked down on for being a woman. Own it and make them eat their words!
Heather Plimmer, Senior Magento Developer
EASY ANSWER! Being a full-time working mother of two beautiful little ladies is a huge challenge at times. I have always been of the mindset that you shouldn’t have to choose between a career or raising a family – it can be both! I think there’s too much pressure on women in all industries to make a choice. Hopefully, I’m showing my girls that even when it’s difficult to juggle, it can be done!
Tasha Town, Assistant Purchasing Manager
The biggest challenge that I face is the fear of not being good enough. I doubt myself and worry about letting other people down. I overcome these feelings by speaking with my colleagues and recognising the achievements I have already accomplished.
Addie Sullivan, Customer Success Manager
Where do you draw professional inspiration from?
It’s important to surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you. I’m thankful and lucky to have co-workers and friends who I respect and can learn from.
Louise Howland, SEO Content Writer
My sister. She has proven that even with a difficult educational experience, you can still achieve amazing things. From struggling with undiagnosed learning difficulties to being a manager of a male dominated industry, she is incredible.
Lauren Baird, Customer Support Advisor
There are a lot of women in my field that I admire and get inspired by. From the 1800s, there’s Ada Lovelace – an English mathematician, who happens to be one of the world’s first programmers! More recently, Susan Wojcicki, the CEO of YouTube (and a mother of five!). It goes to show what women can accomplish when given the right to education, respect and a fair shot at their careers!
Andrea Hurren, Web Developer
I would say my work ethic and inspiration has come from the senior management and my colleagues around me. Seeing them work hard to achieve their goals and develop in their careers only spurred me on to be better.
Tasha Webb, Logistics Coordinator
My dad has inspired me professionally from a young age. He runs his own business and taught me the importance of customer service. I have him to thank for my problem-solving skills, my determination, and my ability to never give up until I am satisfied.
Addie Sullivan, Customer Success Manager
How empowered do you feel at work?
Our workplace is really empowering and so equal! I’ve always felt incredibly supported.
Heather Plimmer, Senior Magento Developer
I feel that my experience and knowledge is recognised and that my input matters. This gives me the feeling of being part of an amazing team, with the confidence to go with my gut and make decisions for the greater good of the business.
Tasha Town, Assistant Purchasing Manager
I feel fairly empowered. I am lucky enough to be working in a company that is not only growing at an amazing scale, but also treating its employers with respect. I feel that I am valued and respected working here, regardless of background, gender, etc.
Andrea Hurren, Web Developer
My time with Ignition has been unexpected and exhilarating. From day one I have felt part of a collaborative team. I’m surrounded by talented people that are generous with their time and skills, that enrich my development and career journey. My voice and ideas are heard, my skills are appreciated and I’m positively pushed to overcome any obstacles I face.
Rebecca Philpott, Brand Manager
I feel very empowered at work – I have developed my career and worked in many departments until I found my love in Logistics. I have worked within Marketing, Purchasing, even Customer Support, but with the support and encouragement from the company, I have found my own passion in Logistics.
Tasha Webb, Logistics Coordinator
To get the best out of a writer, you have to be honest, but you also have to be encouraging and supportive. I’m proud to be a part of an inclusive team that makes everyone feel valued and respected. As a result, I feel empowered to share my ideas freely and bring something new to the table.
Louise Howland, SEO Content Writer
I noticed early on the natural position of trust and individual responsibility everyone takes on here – something I’d never experienced in a job before. I’m listened to, respected, and people around me want me to succeed – all of which is empowering.
Natasha North, Content Writer
I feel empowered everyday to bring my ideas and feel I have the trust from supportive, open-minded and progressive leadership to do things we have never done before.
Abi Aldred, People Manager
Has your experience as a woman in the workplace changed throughout your career?
Absolutely. Looking back at my early 20s self, I wish I could tell her that once you find the right place to work, with the right people behind you, you can most definitely flourish to be a strong working woman. Confidence is key!
Tasha Town, Assistant Purchasing Manager
It has changed quite a bit. Nowadays, a lot of companies are much more aware of issues concerning harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
Andrea Hurren, Web Developer
I haven’t experienced negativity for years! Looking back a lot of it was laughable. As you progress you just don’t take it.
Heather Plimmer, Senior Magento Developer
What advice would you give a woman embarking on a career in your area of work?
I truly believe women have innate superpowers. I don’t say that lightly and it isn’t dismissive of the vast and wonderful traits men bring to the table, but I believe this to be true. As young women, we are so often blindsided by comparison and aspiration to be like others, on measuring our worth on unrealistic expectations. My advice to any woman at any stage of their life is to own your superpowers – believe in you and what you have to offer, be true, authentic and open to opportunities.
Rebecca Philpott, Brand Manager
Be confident, speak your truth and know your worth. You will be respected for having your own values and ambitions.
Lauren Baird, Customer Support Advisor
Take free online courses, do your research and start networking on social media. You just have to go for it, so be bold and put yourself out there. Oh, and don’t for one second think that you’re not qualified or good enough to apply for a role – believe in yourself, you got this!
Louise Howland, SEO Content Writer
Find the right company who appreciates you and wants to help you progress within your career. Be open to opportunities, be resilient, build your team wisely but most of all be yourself.
Addie Sullivan, Customer Success Manager
If you love what you do, don’t give up. Know that ‘impostor syndrome’ is real – we all feel like we are not up to the task sometimes, or that we just don’t belong. It’s a normal feeling, but it’s not a failure to ask for help.
Andrea Hurren, Web Developer
Be confident and trust your instincts. Logistics and warehousing are quite male dominated, so it is important to ensure that you have the right team behind you to encourage and work with you to develop your career.
Tasha Webb, Logistics Coordinator
What structures are in place at Ignition that enable you to fulfil your role successfully?
The culture of collaboration at Ignition enables me to fulfil my role successfully. I’ve always felt supported in the immediate group I work with, and the wider company as a whole, and that enables me to produce my best work.
Natasha North, Content Writer
The flexibility, support and freedom given by the senior management team at Ignition is what makes this work for me. I have been encouraged to find the best way for me to manage to spin all the plates!
Tasha Town, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Ignition is massively supportive. They introduced flexible working hours, which help as a working mum! I have always experienced equal opportunities here, and know that the company would wholeheartedly have my back should sexism arise.
Heather Plimmer, Senior Magento Developer
My children will always be my priority, so having the flexibility to work from home, and an appreciation of my family commitments, helps to alleviate worries of balancing work and life.
Rebecca Philpott, Brand Manager
Ignition: powered by diversity
As a company, we are incredibly proud of the women that work for us. We want every Ignition employee to feel empowered, supported and well-represented – irrespective of their gender. It is because of our differences, and not in spite of them, that we are able to thrive.
If you think Ignition may be your next career move, don’t hesitate to take a look at our current vacancies and get in touch with us today.