Questions to Emma Lynch, Curated Experience Lead, Barclays Glasgow Campus - ISS Facility Management

To celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Krishnan asked a few questions to Emma Lynch, Curated Experience Lead, Barclays Glasgow Campus - ISS Facility Management 

What does IWD mean to you?  

For me it is a time to celebrate women, but to also to reflect on massive improvements to equality that has happened in the last few years, but not to rest on our laurels as there is still a long way to go. The day shows unity, strength, and determination and that change is happening, but we need to keep pushing forward. 

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

I think we are a generation or two away from this, there has been loads of impactful changes that has happened, real tangible moments, but I still hear comments, see people’s reactions, hear peoples tainted views. The press is a prime example there are still moments when they are portraying women in a slightly more derogatory light, prime example recently is the case of poor Sarah Everard, there was a newspaper article which I saw, showed an image of Sarah out obviously having fun, and the image of her killer in full military uniform receiving an award……to me that says it all.  

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

For me it was about finding out who I was, not trying to mould myself into anyone else – which is hard when we are all influenced by are surroundings it’s only natural. What kind of leader do you want to be, for me it has always been about passion, compassion, and a positive outlook? All simple attributes but that is who I want to be, it’s how I want to lead a team. A Democratic Leader lead from within and not in front. I want to take everyone with me on the journey. So, my advice is just be yourself and believe in yourself. 

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

I say to my teenage daughter ‘there is nothing you can’t do!’ It’s as simple as that. Making sure they know that it is their choice, and they can do anything. 

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

Flexibility, for me it has always been Mum guilt. I think we have seen in lockdown a high percentage of women had to carry allot of the working and schooling from home load. Managing the schooling, the housekeeping, and their careers at once it is a big and stressful ask – so power to them for that. We should not have to choose between a career and being a Mum. Organisations need to make that a guilt free decisions and support with flexibility. 

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

I am not sure, I am relatively new to the facility management sector, but from my years of a company director and now with ISS. I see allot of women in powerful positions around me, so it seems like positive changes are happening. 

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

Actively promote a Women in Leadership Programme. 

Is there a particular leader you look up to? 

I don’t think I could choose one. If you just look back at history, there are some extraordinary women who have helped pave the way for equality. Cathy Newman’s book Bloody Brilliant Women – it is just fantastic. Talk about inspiring! She writes about the most amazing often unsung heroes in fields such as the arts, medicine, politics, education, law, engineering, and the military. It really makes you proud to be a woman.  

What advice would you give your younger self?

To be confident, I suffered as a teenager from not feeling good enough but that comes from being dyslexic and going to a very academic school. Over the years I have stived to be the best in my field and it has led me to manage a handful of international award-winning events. So, it would be to not think you need to be like everyone else, and understand individuality in the key, there is only one of you, and that is your biggest USP!