Female Leaders - IWD2022 - Cheryl Hadland

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, Krishnan interviews Cheryl Hadland, Managing Director - Tops Day Nurseries

What does IWD mean to you? 

This is an opportunity to reflect on women’s place in the world.

Why haven't we achieved equality, despite legislation in place regarding pay? 

Women’s work is still massively disrespected, for example women working with children in their early years earn on average around £12,000, whereas car mechanics earn nearly £29,000.  97% of the early years’ workforce is female, 99% of the car mechanics are male.  Yet which is the more responsible job?   I think women doing the same job as men are increasingly achieving more parity, but gender dominated jobs are a very long way from being fair.

How would you advise young women leaders on how to build confidence in their ability as a manager and leader? 

Just do it, be brave, and if you don’t feel brave pretend that you are, that works well!

What initiatives should companies invest in to promote women in leadership and an inclusive workplace? 

Childcare should be a priority, because if quality childcare is not provided the future of all businesses is impacted negatively. Companies should also push the government to support parents, we are a laughingstock compared to the Scandinavians and most other countries in the world with our lack of support for young children and their parents, despite a 7:1 ROI.

Is there a particular leader / figure you look up to? 

Ellen McCarthy of the McCarthy Foundation, Kate Raworth of Doughnut Economics for showing economists and businesspeople that there are things that are more important than just making money.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Allow yourself to spend more time with your family and friends rather than working around the clock.