Questions to Mirela Kington, Transition Architect – ISS

To celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Krishnan asked a few questions to Mirela Kington MBA, Transition Architect – ISS

What does IWD mean to you?

It means many different things and is very important to me. I remember celebrating this day from when I was a little girl and looking up at my wonderful mum and thinking how inspirational she is to me. I also think about all the women across the globe who don’t have a voice, can’t dress the way they may wish to, those who don’t receive education or are able to behave in the way that we take for granted here in the UK. The women who don’t get the same opportunities in life, just because they are women. Women who suffer domestic abuse. All the little girls who can’t do the same things as boys, just because they are girls and soon to be women. I also think about all the mothers who work tirelessly to keep their children and families alive, trying to build a better future for them.

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

It is getting better and we must keep on top of this issue or it will easily slip back where it was. We must stand up for ourselves and not put up with being treated differently and that takes courage and strength of character. We must continue pushing for positive changes. We don’t have to conform to old systems or ways of working. The future belongs to our daughters, and sons, and everything I do at home or in my workplace, I do for my young daughter to make things better for her and her generation of boys and girls.

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

This is so hard for many young women…. Be yourself. Get the best education you can afford and even when you can’t quite afford it, keep trying. Work hard and work smart. You don’t have to copy your male colleagues. And finally, don’t forget the lessons you learnt along the way and please don’t repeat the same mistakes. 

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

Women's Week focuses on five pillars: building relationships, self-knowledge, sexual assault & interpersonal violence, healthy self-image, and leadership development. This is all really important so always be you. Stay confident, amazing, beautiful and intelligent you. Get to know yourself and do what you love, and it will show and then do your absolute best. Never give up on educating yourself and broadening your horizons. Learn from the best, women and men. Help others without expecting anything in return.

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

Companies should champion new and more flexible ways of working to support women, and men, who want to structure their lives around work and home. They should provide women with the same opportunities (promotions, training, salary) as men and not to look at jobs as male or female. Support women in the exact same way as they support men. Don’t just talk about changes and equality but actually do what you say.

Is there a particular leader you look up to? 

My mum. A successful business owner and an amazing mother.

What advice will you give to your younger self? 

Ignore jealousy, be confident in your abilities and move on as quickly as you can from places and people that make you unhappy. Forget bad people fast. Laugh a lot. Look after your health.

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

Yes and no. Things are a little better but there are still pockets of those who can’t get over the fact that women are just as good as men. Sometimes it is their background, sometimes it is jealousy and sometimes it is pure ignorance. I have experienced this not so long ago. Gender inequality is still on-going, and I talk to women all the time who are still suffering or have suffered in the workplace because they are either perceived differently to their male colleagues or treated differently because of their gender.

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

A large majority of HR professional that I have worked with are women. My message to them is: Remember, every day, that some of you are also women. They will now what I mean.

How are you paying it forward? 

It is important for women to support anyone who needs it, men and women, and that is what I try to do every day. Not just in words but also actions and real support when it is needed the most. I do this not just in my place of work but with my friends, my family, and strangers. Kindness is free to receive and give.