Finance Monthly August 2019 Edition

39 www.finance-monthly.com WOMEN IN FINANCE - HOW CAN WOMEN STEP UP & STAND OUT Step One Find your team - don’t fight alone It is so important for women to come together, work together and respect each other’s talents and skills. The whole charade about the weakest link has to be abolished. We all have something to contribute. Each one of us has a part – trust your team to get on with it and pool your strengths. Step Two There is always another way My mother frequently told me that if you can’t get in the front door, try the back door. If that door is closed, try knocking on the window. Then, go for the chimney and if that is blocked, it’s time to dig a tunnel. In my book, The Rule Breaker’s Guide, I refer to the Four Fabulous Sisters: Consistent, Persistent, Resistant and Insistent! They are qualities you need in business. Recognise the traits in you that are not as strong as they could be and turn to your sisters for support. Don’t give up. There is always another way. Step Three Perfection kills confidence And if your high heels also kills your feet or your posture, you have to do something about it. Don’t suffer in silence. Speaking up about injustice or inequality in the workplace is not a question of whether it is ‘easy’ or ‘allowed’. When men want change, a pay rise or cooler temperatures in the office they ask, they don’t prepare or discuss it for hours over coffee and cake. They head straight for the head office and ask. Too much preparation is a killer. Too much over-thinking and labelling will dampen your spirit and fill you with doubt… and that will show. Step Four Risks are like challenges Risks can be opportunities and through risk comes change. I write a lot about questioning everything that doesn’t benefit or serve you. Positive change has come about through much rebellion and mutiny. I am not referring to strikes or violent protest, but without some risk, some Daring Bravely as Bréne Brown puts it - change can never come about. Step Five Channel that anger Anger is a natural reaction to injustice, but a woman to express anger in a professional setting can still be considered as a lack of control. When I feel anger rising from injustice, I slow down and gather my thoughts but I keep that energy, the fire and the firmness of my words (and of course, refrain from cursing.) If the ‘crowd’ does not let you finish your sentence or dismisses your view completely – and if you really have value, quality and care for yourself – take the action needed! From experience, I know you can learn to be more confident, courageous and therefore creative – even if you don’t think you can. But knowing when and how to step up & stand out – is still a precarious operation for many of us. ABOUT GEORGIA VARJAS Georgia Varjas was born in North London and now lives in Spain, with her partner, where she runs retreats for writers and writes her own books. Georgia spent decades travelling the world as a musician. She loves life, travel and Italian food, dances salsa and grows gigantic Agapanthus! She believes everyone needs to break the rules sometimes… Sources 1 According to the Female FTSE Index for 2019* https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/expertise/ changing-world-of-work/gender-and- leadership/female-ftse-index