Questions to Kim Gieske, Executive Coach and Strategic HR Consultant – Human Advantage Ltd

To celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Krishnan asked a few questions to Kim Gieske, Executive Coach and Strategic HR Consultant – Human Advantage Ltd

What does IWD mean to you?

As is so eloquently put on the UN Women website “Women of the world want and deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotypes, and violence; a future that’s sustainable, peaceful with equal rights and opportunities for all. To get us there, the world needs women at every table where decisions are made.”

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

Despite the fact that women earn degrees at a higher rate than men, research show that more women, especially when there is an intersection with ethnicity are still in low paying jobs. (As well as experiencing a glass ceiling, women are also subject to the “sticky floor”).

To make change there needs to be significant commitment at the very highest level of leadership and these leaders need to be aware of the power they wield and have awareness of workplace bias. Some detailed self- examination about unconscious bias is an important starting point.

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

In Karren Brady’s excellent book ‘Strong Woman’ she talks about the secrets of her success. As a young person working at Saatchi, she put her hand up for everything, read all the available company information and made an effort to network with senior managers at corporate parties. Raising your profile is important! Also focus on self-development e.g. go on management development courses, if there’s a leadership apprenticeship available - do it, we used Corndel, read management books and watch TED talks. If you have the funds, find yourself a coach, over the years I’ve coached many women and it’s been wonderful to see the transformation they’ve gone through.

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

It’s about taking a holistic approach to changing the company’s culture. I’ve developed a 7 step model about how to build an inclusive culture which comprises of getting the data, embedding a more inclusive culture, rethinking talent acquisition, aligning training, strengthening employee relations, increasing motivation and morale and refining compensation and benefits.

Is there a particular leader you look up to?

Strong female leadership has been evident throughout my career, I’d like to shout out to some of the inspirational women I’ve worked with who have influenced me e.g. Jan Anthony, Fiona Campbell, Louisa McCarty, Heather Short, Beverley Devonish, Kat Hartigan, Caroline Ottoy, Ewa Socha and Stella Morse.

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

I don’t have the stats to answer this correctly but from where I’ve worked in retail and hospitality e.g. Harvey Nichols, Soho House and Planet Organic there was a strong representation of female leadership but perhaps that’s down to the culture of the company. Sometimes it can be due to the limiting beliefs that women hold about their capability to do a more senior role that prevents them from putting themselves forward. Coaching, mentoring and confidence building can all help with this.

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

When I arrived at Planet Organic in 2010, I noticed that there weren’t any women working in store management or in senior head office roles despite the fact that there seemed to be lots of capable women in junior roles. We implemented the Talent Toolbox from Purple Cubed  which was a game changer for us as it helped identify our high potential people and with supporting management development by the time I left 50% of all these roles were held by women.

A plug

If you’d to find out more about how I can help your business with promoting female leadership through strategic HR initiatives or coaching please drop me a line on kim@human-advantage.com