International Women’s Day series: Q&A with Claire Normanton

Name: Claire Normanton
Position: Director Business Management Systems

1. Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
A lot has changed over the last couple of decades working in property. Traditionally being an operator that did not directly produce income for the company negated the ability to hold a senior position. However I am now proud to be a Director after taking many years of hard work.

2. Who do you look up to/ admire (personal life or public figure) and why?
Pink – she adapts to change and powers through whatever is needed for her and family.
My mother – for strength of character and fierce bravery to overcome obstacles

3. What are you most proud of doing or achieving in your personal or professional life?
Raising 2 children with part of the time being as a single mum whilst working full time and developing my career into what it is today.
Surviving three marriages and still work full time (may be that is the actual survival tip!)

4. What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?
Put everything in writing.
Integrity is everything.
 
5. Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
Diversity is in the meaning of the word – it provides different aspects, views, ideas to any task.

6. What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Be strong and diverse but not aggressive and never lose yourself – stay true but ensure you do everything with integrity and loyalty.

7. How can we encourage more women to pursue entrepreneurship or senior leadership roles in their career?
Promote paternity leave as well as maternity leave allowing women back into the workplace sooner. More flexible working option from home to office. Demonstrate to candidates the diversity of our team.

8. What did you dream of doing when you were a child?
Air Hostess
Kindergarten teacher

Just because you have a childhood dream that is not achieved does not always mean that would have truly been your goal in this life. All my working career I have always agreed to change – change is progress in one form or another which opens up new paths and creates new goals.