International Women’s Day

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day today! At Hush, we are always striving to expand our diverse team to build a group of passionate professionals with a strong range of skills across all things digital. 

From developing to digital marketing, we pride ourselves on having a team that delivers the very best for our clients when it comes to their digital presence, regardless of gender.

This year we are celebrating the theme of International Women’s Day “a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive” and by doing so we have interviewed our incredible Business Development Director, Rosie Whelpton, on her views and personal experiences being a woman in the digital industry and what she thinks of International Women’s Day.

Rosie, why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

“We need to celebrate the achievements of women, how far we’ve come and how much has changed in gender equality over the last few years.”

Have you ever personally experienced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

“I have been quite fortunate in my career so far as none of my employers have discriminated against me or affected my progression due to my gender. However, when I was interviewing for a job, I was unsuccessful in getting the role because the other candidate ‘was a better fit for the industry’ because he was male. 

I guess I overcame this as I didn’t really let it deter me from finding the job I wanted, which then led me on to where I am today. I believe everything happens for a reason!”

Do you think diversity in the workplace is important?

“Absolutely! I think having a diverse team allows you to maximise creativity with different viewpoints and opinions, and provides a real mixture of skill sets. Ultimately, I think the best person for the job should be doing that job – regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation etc.”

What empowers you working in your industry? 

“Digital is still fairly male dominated, so I actually find it quite empowering when people don’t expect ‘someone like me’ in meetings or pitches. Sometimes I think it has made Hush more memorable or stood us out from the crowd if all the other sales pitches have been male.”

What did you dream of doing as a young girl? 

“I loved writing when I was younger, especially creative writing, and I wanted to work for a glamorous magazine in London or New York! 

Then I realised I was actually quite a home bird and didn’t want to move away from the north east, so I decided to explore PR and marketing. It was during my first internship that I discovered digital marketing through blog writing and social media management, which led me to where I am today.”

What are you most proud of in your life?

“My proudest moment is still being promoted to Director here at Hush, 18 months into the role when I was just 24. I’ve absolutely loved working alongside Jonny here to help create and build the business that we have today. I bought my first home all on my own when I was 25, which I have always felt really proud of too.”

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

“So important! So much more can be achieved if we support one another. There is nothing more destructive than women trying to tear each other down – especially in the workplace. Girls compete, women empower. We can all succeed at the end of the day.”

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, famous or not, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

“Karren Brady because of what she achieved in such a male dominated industry. Coco Chanel for building an incredible fashion empire (and creating the best handbags!). Kate Middleton because she manages her position so gracefully and does so much for others.”

We also asked our Digital Marketing Intern, Jen, to share her answers to the above questions.

Jen, why do you think it’s important to celebrate International Women’s Day?

“I believe it’s important to celebrate this meaningful day to remind ourselves how far women really have come over the years in society, culture, and politics. 

It is also imperative to continue to recognise our achievements and acknowledge the challenges we’ve faced along the way at times.”

Have you ever personally experienced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

“Fortunately, I have never experienced any hurdles or issues being a woman in my career so far. 

However, I have witnessed a past colleague experience issues being a woman who wanted to progress within her role and make suggestions to better the business. She was shunned tirelessly and this was difficult to watch.”

Do you think diversity in the workplace is important?

“Definitely. Diversity in the workplace I feel is an important asset because it allows for the acknowledgement of every employee and what they each bring to the table. 

Bringing everyone together, I think, is critical for a successful workplace that thrives and is also fair.”

What empowers you working in your industry?

“I feel empowered in my industry when people listen to my ideas and recognise my strengths and abilities. Because of this, I am able to feel a sense of self-worth.”

What did you dream of doing as a young girl?

“When I was little, I used to read all the popular girly magazines, including Mizz, Bliss, and Sugar. I’d have every issue that came out and my collection was huge! 

I was an avid reader and because of that I always had the dream that one day I wanted to become the Editor of a magazine. Therefore, I went on to study Magazine Journalism at university and worked hard to acquire the skills and qualifications to get me on track.

Since then, I have discovered other things along the way that I enjoy within the digital world, such as blog writing, social media, and email marketing.”

What are you most proud of in your life?

“I am most proud of how my confidence has grown over the course of my career so far. When I was younger, my confidence was low and this definitely used to affect my ability to go and get something if I wanted it because I didn’t fully believe in my abilities.

Over the past couple of years, my confidence has significantly improved which has allowed me to give myself the push I needed to in order to do what I enjoy today.”

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

“I think it’s critical that women lift each other up and recognise one another because if we don’t, how can we expect others to?

It upsets me that some women will go online and ‘troll’ others for the way they look or the decisions they’ve made in their lives when what we should all be doing is cheering each other on and recognising our achievements and greatness.”

If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, famous or not, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

“I’d definitely say Lady Gaga because of her positive attitude towards life in general, she has instilled the idea that ‘things will always get better’. 

Secondly it would be Jennifer Lawrence because, like her Hunger Games character, she is fearless and brave and not afraid to speak out.

Finally, I’d choose Michelle Obama because she is a rule-breaker and sticking to the rules is sometimes boring!”

Thanks Rosie & Jen – it’s always great to get women’s opinion on things! We’d like to wish all local businesses the best of luck with any events being held today in support and recognition of International Women’s Day.

Don’t forget, if you need help developing a digital marketing strategy or new website, get in touch with the HushBots.