To celebrate International Women's Day, we spoke to females from across the Xcede Group teams. We discussed their careers, challenges they have overcome to get to where they are today, and how they are working to #EmbraceEquality.
Here is our interview with Claire Hanness.
What is your previous experience / has your career path looked like?
I have always worked in an office and within the Administration Department. I started working when I was 17, and am still working at 49! I have worked for various sectors, but the longest is Recruitment. I have never wanted a career as such, just a job that allows me to live a happy life.
Name a woman that has inspired you?
The person who has inspired me most is a friend called Ruth. She is an amazing lady. She has a very strong faith and mentored me when I was younger. Over the years that I have known her, she has experienced a lot of tragedy in her family - losing her husband to a hijacked plane in Ethiopia in 1996, and 3 years ago she lost her beloved son in a car accident. Throughout this suffering her faith remains and I admire her so very much.
What challenges have you faced along the way and what did you do to overcome them?
With most of the challenges I have faced, I have made sure that as a result I have changed for the better and learnt from each experience no matter how easy or hard.
What is the best piece of advice you would give to a younger you?
Don’t overthink things
Relax more
Have fun
Be yourself not trying to please others
How will you #EmbraceEquity for women’s equality today and beyond?
Supporting each other to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.