Questions to Julie Crump, Chief Operations Officer – Caviar & Chips Hospitality Group

To celebrate International Women’s Day & Women’s History Month, Krishnan asked a few questions to Julie Crump, Chief Operations Officer – Caviar & Chips Hospitality Group

What does IWD mean to you? 

It's a celebration of great women, both in our lives and all over the world. Celebrating success is so important to motivate people, and success comes in all shapes and sizes, it's not about power and job titles. For me I'm inspired by stories that show women leading their lives through passion for what they believe in and things that matter to them.  Gender gets pushed aside and their experience shows a way that gives hope and demonstrates things are possible.

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

It's an issue deeply rooted in civilisation's history. Typically, woman kept the house, looked after the children and worked hard at home with no pay. We've come a long way in just a few generations, it's going to take time to fully equalise the gap and it's important that companies are open and honest in reviewing how fair and equitable pay is. Woman will naturally still be the child bearer, and this does mean time out of work, which can lead to missing pay reviews and job opportunities - that's the piece we need to ensure we're fair on moving forward. 

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

Really listen to people, and hear what they're saying, not what you think or want them to be saying! People will value this and will naturally want to follow you. Understand your strengths and the values you bring to a team so you can demonstrate these with confidence. 

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

Learn from those around you both male and female - look and understand great qualities. Spend your time with people who give you energy, who will support and challenge you to bring the best out in you. If you're being challenged to be someone different than who you are, question if this is the right course of action or place to continue - don't feel you have to change. 

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

For me, companies should always look for equality - if the person is the right person with the right experience, skills and values, then they deserve the promotion. I think having quotas to fill is the wrong way as it doesn't promote based on talent, as long as opportunities are being given fairly to everyone. 

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

Hospitality is a tough industry to work in for many reasons. Long days, working evenings and weekends doesn't make for a balanced lifestyle and many leave the industry - it doesn't support having a family within these hours. I'm proud to work at Caviar & Chips where we're trying to buck some of those trends, by looking at work patterns, reducing the working day and encouraging flexible working. The industry needs to become more flexible and encourage a balanced lifestyle to allow progression and retention of great people. 

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

Support and help women to develop confidence in themselves. There can be a lot of pressures to do the right thing, say the right thing, look the part. We should be supporting people to have the confidence to be themselves so they can perform at their best and give the best of themselves

Is there a particular leader or female you look up to?

Everything starts with family - my mum is, and my grandmas were, all in their own way incredible women who all taught me different things and inspire me in different ways. Very independent women, whose drive, bravery and determination helped them overcome incredibly challenging situations. Their passion, self-belief and positivity is truly inspiring.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Believe in yourself - I think deep down I always have, but alongside a lot of worry and cautiousness. Believe in yourself, give yourself time and you'll get there...wherever there is! 

Julie Crump

Caviar & Chips Hospitality Group