Questions to Cheryl Hadland, Founder & Managing Director - Hadland Care Group / Tops Day Nurseries / Aspire Training Team.

To celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Krishnan asked a few questions to 

Cheryl Hadland, Founder and Managing Director, Hadland Care Group, Tops Day Nurseries, Aspire Training Team.

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

Whole sectors of jobs that have been traditionally dominated by women are massively underpaid and under-respected, such as working with children in their early years.  The government needs to sit up and listen to the sector instead of trampling all over us as usual.

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

Do the work – study and then practice.  And if you are still under confident, just pretend you are confident, and you will be fine.

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

Find a good mentor or coach.

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

Flexible working, childcare and elders care because women still take the key responsibility for both children and parents.  Allocate coaches – don’t have to be women.

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

Not in my sector no, but there isn’t enough funding to pay them what they are worth.

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

Work to your strengths, recruit around your weaknesses so you don’t waste time on them.  Be brave and don’t hesitate to employ people to support your vision as you cannot do it alone, and you will be surprised how helpful having a team around you is, it’s worth the risk.

Is there a particular leader you look up to? 

Richard Branson

What advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t work quite so hard, spend more time with people you love.