SWiFT hosts first Non-Executive Directors workshop
SWiFT (Senior Women in – or Formerly in – UK rail or Transport and their male allies) hosted its first Non-Executive Directors workshop last week (30 June) with a panel of senior female leaders.
Attendees listened to the experiences of the panel, which was made up of Elaine Holt, Deputy Chair for HS2 Ltd.; Sharon Flood, Non-Executive Director for GetLink; and Tracey Killen, non-Executive Director for Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure. They each shared their career stories, whilst highlighting the importance of building personal connections along the way and exploring their professional interests when seeking a Non-Executive Director role.
The panel discussed in depth around creating a stable work life balance through non-Executive positions, and how ensuring that their skills were transferable across different industries allowed them to be selective on their role. They encouraged the audience to do research when searching for non-executive roles, including meeting board members to understand the nature of the position, its demands and learn about the company itself.
After the event, Elaine said: “There are so many talented people in the rail industry, I think it is great to see such an interest in looking at becoming a non-executive. There are so many companies that could benefit from the expertise of the talented ladies in the audience.”
Sharon said: “I think the opportunity to transform the image of rail to make it a more diverse and welcoming place will ensure we can bring in the talented people of the future. I think the people in the audience are some of those that will make that happen.”
Tracey said: “It was fantastic to be in a room of strong, powerful interesting women who are making a huge contribution to an important part of our infrastructure, and it was great to be able to be part of their journey.”
Shamit Weinberger Gaiger, Managing Director for West Coast Partnership Development, who is the SWiFT lead and Women in Rail (WR) Trustee, said: “It was such an insightful evening to listen to the stories and expertise of Elaine, Sharon and Tracey. Our members were able to hear first-hand how Non-Executive roles can play a huge part in influencing any company, whilst also providing an excellent opportunity for career development and being able to make a difference.”
This event was sponsored by Newsom Consulting
Venue and catering supplied by Morgan Sindall Infrastructure