On 8 March, we celebrated International Women's Day, which this year promoting the theme of equity. On the day, our editor covered in detail how we can embrace equity, as she heard from a multitude of female thought-leaders on the matter, including those who worked directly in the sector and those who dedicated their time to coaching and promoting women.
To understand more about this concept and dive further into the differences between equality and equity, as well as to hear of some of their personal experiences, Food Manufacture brought together three food and beverage female leaders.
In the first part of this podcast, we hear from business owner Ramona Hazan, who founded Ramona’s Kitchen. Hazan speaks of her route into food and calls for more drive and ambition from the younger female generation. "There's nothing standing in front of you," she said, offering reassurance to those who may be cautious of potential barriers.
Cheryl Allen, Head of Confectionery Sustainability & Health for Nestlé UK & Ireland, is our second guest. Allen discusses the importance of decoupling flexibility from progression and how gender balance can be achieved via careful planning.
"Nestle, at a global level, has achieved its initial target of 30% of our top 200 roles in the business now being undertaking by women. Clearly 30% is not enough and there is a way to go, but this is the first step and that transition is happening. More broadly in the business, we’re at a point where 45% of manager roles are taken by women. We’re getting there! It's within every organisation’s gift to make that [change] happen."
Finally, our editorial team hear from Eimear Robertson, Chief Technology Officer at Kerry, North America. Robertson offers her personal experiences of imposter syndrome and self-doubt in her interview, as she explains how she built up confidence as a female leader.
Each guest also provides insight into how to develop and thrive as a leader, as well as what companies should be focusing on to help nurture their employees - whatever their identity.
