Questions to Dominique Sidley, Global Trade Strategy Director - Merlin Entertainments

To celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Krishnan asked a few questions to Dominique Sidley, Global Trade Strategy Director - Merlin Entertainments 

What does IWD mean to you? 

With its roots planted over 100 years ago, this is an event to celebrate the accomplishments and acknowledge the challenges and hardships faced by women over history.  It is a movement with an active pulse designed to put a lens over some of the gender related challenges still faced today as back then. It is an occasion to bask in the incredible achievements by woman, for women and through women.

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

I think this about acceptance and fear by all genders.  Accepting that things don’t change overnight, fear of stepping up or standing out for raising this issue, accepting that “the budget won’t stretch to accommodate a levelling up”. This goes on and on... The only thing to do is keep raising this, talking about it, examining the data and not accepting it.

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

Remember that the best, most impactful, most thoughtful leaders don’t know everything or claim to, but they do put energy behind trying to understand others.  They consider the whole and don’t micro-manage the small parts, they champion the cause of others without concern for the impact on them personally. 

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

My advice is to get up each day and bring the best of yourself to every situation and evaluate your performance before you consider anyone else’s.

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

Companies need to advocate for equality with a loud voice, this would attract the best candidates naturally. 

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

I would encourage them to look at the data that shows how much more effective, productive and profitable organisations are that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace at every level and be sure to share this at every opportunity.  We need to educate to get the change we need at the pace it is needed.

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

I think there is greater inequality of gender than the male, female divide but I think there is still challenge for women to be promoted into certain roles otherwise we would have a balance across all C-Suite’s in every business.   

Is there a particular leader you look up to?

Jacinda Ardern has really stepped up as a female, as a leader, as a decision maker throughout Covid-19 and as a working mother.  She speaks to a generation of women who want it all but don't want to sacrifice compassion and care of others to get there. 

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don't listen to the voice inside you, second guessing outcomes before you have even started.  I would say Dominique, you are nice, you are funny, and you have got this!