IWD 2017 interview with Kate Meyer, Linklaters

Frazer Jones is proud to be supporting International Women’s Day 2017. We have interviewed a series of our female clients asking them how they have been bold for change #BeBoldForChange

Frazer Jones interviewed Kate Meyer, HR Manager at Linklaters

What would your advice be to women who are trying to achieve their career ambitions?
I would say that they should have confidence in themselves and their abilities and even when faced with challenges, not to give up. Unfortunately everyone may not achieve exactly what they want, when they want it, but they should keep focused on the final goal. There can be more than one route to reach a goal. Many firms offer internal and external, formal or informal support that can be utilised, such as development programmes, a mentor, coach or sponsors. Working out what support is right for each individual and enabling them to learn and take advice from those they trust and respect is key to helping them achieve their ambitions. 
 
If senior management within your industry or sector is historically weighted towards males, have you noticed any changes in the last several years?
Yes, definitely. Over the last 10 years I have seen a huge shift in the focus on gender diversity, as well as other diversity streams. Although achieving a better balance of females within our senior leadership has always been something that we have focused on, over the last few years we have seen a real commitment in attaining this from all levels of the business, especially amongst the leadership themselves. This shared vision has become ingrained in the culture and processes of the firm and has led to improvements in our gender split at senior levels across the firm.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you in the workplace?
For the next generation I think the challenge of having a successful career and family life will remain. Huge steps have been made in legislation, firm policies/processes and culture over the years to try and ensure that this challenge is more easily overcome than in previous generations and is improving, but it will still take time.