Questions to Abbe Pickthall, Managing Director – ISS Barclays

To celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Krishnan asked a few questions to Abbe Pickthall, Managing Director – ISS Barclays

What does IWD mean to you? 

IWD for me is a time to stop, recognise and be proud of the journey of other women. I think about women like my nana widowed at 31 with 5 children and raised them alone on a factory wage but always had a smile and wicked sense of humour despite such challenges.  Or my grandma who set up her own decorating business to make ends meet in the 1950s whilst my grandad was away in the navy meeting a huge amount of resistance from the local community but forging her way through to make it a success. We are all surrounding by stories that demonstrate women’s strength, resilience, and positivity and it’s important to celebrate that.  That it’s not just the women at the top of business, influencers or celebrities that change the game, its every woman, every day who fights the good fight in one way or another. 

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

Equality is an interesting word and means different things to different people, pay addresses only one element and it’s a much wider, cultural conversation. 

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

Surround yourself with people who are talented and Listen to what they have to say.  Rather than suppressing your emotion and intuition learn to trust it and use it to connect to those around you.  Being a good leader is about connection, respect and creating an environment that other people can flourish in. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders? 

Stop asking for permission. Take your seat at the table … 

What initiatives should companies invest in to promote women in leadership? 

I believe organisations should take a holistic approach to leadership, wellbeing and work life balance is essential for people to be creative, deliver results and thrive so any investment in that would always have an impact on how a women can lead. Also, anything that supports doing your job and juggling a family!

Do women in our sector have a hard time getting promoted?

I’ve been in this industry for 20 years and I’ve seen many women rise into leadership roles so in that aspect I’d say no, however, I would say that in order to achieve those promotions some women have had to compromise their values, like the importance of their family or their health, or act in a more aggressive way to be taken seriously so that’s something that needs to change. The key is that women rise to leadership roles being themselves, confident, empowered and able to have whatever personal life they want. 

If you could choose one recommendation for HR leaders to help promote women in the workplace, what would it be? 

I think women are doing an amazing job to promote themselves in the workplace, personally I’ve never felt that I am not equal though I recognise that’s not everyone’s journey or experience and we still have a way to go.  It is important women promote each other, be supportive, have integrity and try not to be judgemental, if we all did that, I imagine it would naturally create more parity.  Championing inclusivity and diversity so we get a broader spectrum of talent into the business also opens up the conversation. 

How are you paying it forward?

In every way I can     

Is there a particular leader you look up to? 

I’ve been fortunate to have been led by many extraordinary women and men who have inspired me in different ways.   My father played a huge role in my life, shaping how I wanted to lead, I think watching him play sport as a youngster & captain teams showed me many positive aspects of leadership and teamwork.  I was also lucky that the first female boss I ever had was an incredible women who always had a nugget of wisdom like:  ‘Never let anyone tell you how to dress, especially not men!’ and ‘if you’re doing it right then you will probably upset a few people, accept it, that’s what change looks like’ 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Listen more, stop seeking approval and own exactly who you are!