Tipping the balance: a lifetime’s work
Ahead of Relocate’s Think Women lunch, we caught up with business development consultant Susan Ginsberg to hear her view on how times have changed for women and today’s young professionals.
24 February 2020
From balance to inclusion
Susan started out in luxury retailing four decades ago. Several themes stand out when she reflects on the changes she has seen over the years and across industries. Two particular insights are: women have arrived at senior leadership roles in greater numbers and young people work differently than previous generations.“When I think back, working mothers or women re-entering the workplace faced real challenges,” says Susan. “I remember vividly how difficult it was. Most companies weren’t supportive and compassionate about the challenges we had in the workplace, especially if a successful, high-achieving female professional chose to take time off, work remotely or take a leave of absence for family reasons.“I think for women going back two decades, doing a good job at work was also about finding that balance of making it OK to go home and care for your family. It was more about work-life balance.”The superwoman myth and “having it all”
A well-documented challenge for women who work and who share family responsibilities is that of the “double-shift”. Working women still frequently take on primary responsibility for domestic chores, caregiving and family arrangements – including early-years caregiving in the UK because of current maternity and parental leave legislation. As a result, many women and men question whether it is possible to have it all.“I watched videos of the former CEO of Pepsi-Co, Indira Nooyi, who talked about the fact that all women want to be the superwoman,” says Susan. “It’s not always that realistic.”“Given the fabulous icons out there – and I count Michelle Obama as someone I have great admiration for – this is about recognising that you don’t have to be great at everything all the time.”Relocate’s Think Women workshop and lunch will be held on 6 March at the Institute of Directors, London as part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day. Join us to hear from, and network with, inspiring women and men. Support women and girls to progress in international careers.
This theme among others – including sustainability, wellbeing and inclusion – informs Susan’s perspective that today’s workforce is focused more on integrating work with life, rather than siloing or balancing it: technology has enabled women (and men) to succeed in new work practices. “What I’m finding with younger professionals is that it’s more about work-life integration,” says Susan. “More companies are accepting of working remotely, leveraging co-working space and taking work home with you.”The new generation questions the status quo more visibly, believes Susan. “I think about myself and other people who have their own consultancies. Though we may have self-doubt, we are breaking barriers in the choices we make in our careers. It has become more acceptable for women to ask questions and to push a bit. At the same time, I’d say that more mature women are looking back on their careers and saying ‘I wanted to be that superwoman’.”
Learning from experience: collaboration matters
There is more to be done, with mentoring relationships, networks and collaboration – including Relocate Global’s Think Women community – key tools alongside legislation and culture change to achieving this.“Whether you are CEO, a young professional or a new mother, it’s important to recognise the importance of collaboration,” says Susan about what it will take to enable women and men to participate fully and achieve personal and business success in a client-focused way.“It’s been my experience in life that you have to break down siloes. It’s about seeing that respected businesses are recognising there are opportunities from to transcend barriers, and aligning ourselves with others who support the customer, the end-user, of our services and our organisation as a whole.”Learn more about the inspirational speakers at our Think Women workshop and lunch on 6 March
Collaboration is a key message of International Women’s Day, itself an organic community moving towards enabling women globally to achieve parity in all areas of life. Collaboration is also something very close to Susan’s heart as she sees real benefits for individuals, as well as businesses and their clients.“Operating effectively in an ecosystem is a passion of mine,” she explains. “It’s a strength to ask for help. Three or four decades ago, my peers did not ask for help. We were so keen on our own individual success, demonstrating our independence and gaining recognition was the hallmark of a smart professional.“I have since found a positive transformation in women’s expectations today; they want to help other women, whether in a supervisory role, as a mentor and role model. More women are keen to help other women and find joy in it. Even if it doesn’t result in new business and new opportunities, it’s the joy of helping; walking away from conversations and feeling good about doing good.”“I see some of that today with young professionals and I encourage those with whom I interact to collaborate with or mentor others; to recognise that asking for help, being honest about what you know and knowing what you don’t know are strengths, not weaknesses.”“Seeing one’s failures, one’s missteps, embracing them as a gift helps us to recognise that grit and resilience keep us going. Some of those failures make us stronger.”
Relocate’s Think Women lunch will be held on 6 March at the Institute of Directors, London as part of the celebrations for International Women’s Day. Hear from, and network with, inspiring women and men. Support women and girls to progress in international careers. Tickets cost £80 (+VAT) to include workshop and lunch with keynote speaker.
Similar Think Women events will be held in EMEA, APAC and the Americas later in the year and virtually. Contact us at events@relocatemagazine.com to find out how you can be involved in your area.
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