INFLUENTIAL WOMEN AT THE MINISTRY
To celebrate International Women's Day, we met with 6 incredible Ministry members to shine a spotlight on their success & stories so far
Philippa Smith
Managing Director
Silver Swan Recruitment
Tell us about you and your company
At Silver Swan Recruitment, we recruit hospitality professionals for luxury residences, yachts and private jets worldwide. We are 10 years old, with our Head Office in London, an office in Dubai and an office in Miami. Before Silver Swan, I managed the HR for a luxury chalet company based in the French Alps and saw a gap in the market for a specialised chalet recruitment company. I set Silver Swan up catering initially to the luxury chalet market, however it wasn’t long before we expanded to service our clients’ entire portfolio of properties
Silver Swan has evolved considerably over the last 10 years with lots of exciting things in the pipeline and I have even managed to fit in having a couple of kids along the way!
In your experience, how have you seen gender equality change in your industry?
In our industry, gender has never really been an issue. It’s typical that most Private Chefs are male whereas most Housekeepers are female – but that’s not to say we don’t have many female chefs and male housekeepers. Some clients have a preference on gender when they hire, mainly for cultural reasons. When looking at the recruitment industry however, it is nice to see so many competing agencies owned and ran by women – in fact I think I know more women agency owners than men!
If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Learn French in school! I have spent a fortune on private French lessons over the last 8 years!
What is your favourite thing about The Ministry?
The lovely family culture that has been built here. Literally every human (and dog!) in this building is really friendly and willing to help out if you need
Find out more about Philippa & Silver Swan Recruitment:
silverswanrecruitment.com
Philippa Smith - LinkedIn
Silver Swan Recruitment - LinkedIn
@silverswanrecruitment
Daisy Domenghini
Managing Director, EMEA
Vayner Media
Tell us about you and your company
Vayner media is around 6 years old in the UK. We’re a full service creative and media business who are experts in all things platforms and culture. Creating relevant work people actually want to consume
In your experience, how have you seen gender equality change in your industry?
When I first entered the industry, especially at a senior level, it was very male dominated. I remember my first boss used to refer to the young girls as ‘flossy’ as he felt we didn’t need names as we wouldn’t be there long enough as we’d go off an have children. I’m pleased to say since then I’ve worked in companies that really believe in equality of all things. There is always more that can be done, but genuinely we are seeing more females in senior positions, though in creative departments in the UK there is still some way to go
If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could give myself one piece of advice it would be to don’t let the voices in your head hold you back from fulfilling your potential
What is your favourite thing about the Ministry?
I love the atmosphere when you walk into the ministry. There is a buzz of creativity and kindness that a lot of places lack nowadays
Find out more about Daisy & Vayner Media:
Vaynermedia.com
Daisy Domenghini - LinkedIn
Vayner Media - LinkedIn
@vaynermediaeme
Kerry Adams
Founder / Managing Director
Velvet Badger
Tell us about you and your company
Velvet Badger is a creative agency that’s leading the evolution of brand value beyond the brand, through prescient applications of technology, storytelling and community. We offer innovative solutions that elevate your brand and create new opportunities for an ever evolving world
In your experience, how have you seen gender equality change in your industry?
It's important to note that I co-founded VB because of the lack of women within leadership roles and I wanted to take ownership of my future career. Also I am still very much aware of a divide between creative and production. Creative being male dominated and production being female dominant. The notion that females are more organised and creatives (especially within the 3D animation real) being a more male playing field is still prominent
If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
If it scares you it means it's the right step or direction. Don't fear the fear
What is your favourite thing about the Ministry?
The quality and finish of the environment and services compared to all other coworking spaces. The great opportunities to try things within the events that I wouldn't necessarily sign up to
Find out more about Kerry & Velvet Badger:
velvetbadger.com
Kerry Adams - LinkedIn
Velvet Badger - LinkedIn
@velvet__badger
Claire Turvey & Lynne Best
Managing Partners
Fourth Pillar
Tell us about you and your company
Fourth Pillar is a first-of-its-kind corporate and financial communications agency that specialises in the music business. We are set apart by the combination of our dedicated sector specialism - including a deep understanding of the nuances and key stakeholders in the global music industry - with our extensive strategic PR experience
Claire’s background is in financial communications, working with both private and public companies to manage complex transactions and engage with stakeholders including media and investors; while Lynne is the one with the cool creds and an incredible network borne out of 15+ years working in music industry corporate communications. Together, we have a highly complementary skillset (as well as music tastes) and, having been friends for over a decade, we know how to have fun together too!
In your experience, how have you seen gender equality change in your industry?
Within the PR industry it varies, frankly. Traditionally - and this is a giant sweeping statement - consumer PR is gender balanced towards females; while the word of financial communications has experienced much more of a diversity problem, particularly at senior level, not least because it is generally run out of the City and has historically been driven by that male dominated culture. There are some green shoots, but unfortunately quite a way to go before balance is achieved
In the music industry we have seen some progress, but we wouldn't classify it as change just yet. More women are being promoted to senior roles or taking top jobs in organisations; we are working with companies that are introducing menopause policies and other initiatives to support women in the workplace; and we are encouraged by the continuing conversations that are being held in open forums to create lasting change. We're on the right track to greater gender equality and equity but we're a long way from the finish line here too
If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Lynne: Be more curious, ask questions and embrace every opportunity to lead - it's how you learn
Claire: Your network is one of your biggest assets, nurture and grow it; and don’t be afraid to ask people for help. If they can’t, they will probably know someone who can
What is your favourite thing about the Ministry?
It fosters a genuine sense of community – the staff play a huge part in that, by ensuring a culture of friendliness pervades. Members throughout the building couldn’t be more willing to support or connect. The top class DJs and Happy Hours also help!
Find out more about Claire, Lynne & Fourth Pillar:
Fourthpillar.co.uk
Claire Turvey - LinkedIn
Lynne Best - LinkedIn
Fourth Pillar - LinkedIn
@fourthpillarco
Pippa Smith
In-House Legal Counsel
Vayner Media
Tell us about you and your company
I've wanted to work in law since I was at school. I only ever knew about law firms or Barristers as a career choice, as "in-house" was not very common. Now, the opportunities are so varied! Vayner is a great example of a company that was just unheard of when I started out in law, certainly a female heavy legal team was!
In your experience, how have you seen gender equality change in your industry?
It's been huge. When I got my first job in a law firm in the city, it was very male dominated, particularly from the top. There were much fewer female lawyers, and even less in positions of management. Female lawyers often worked in a Support Lawyer function, as it offered more flexibility for child care etc - which just shows how much less real flexibility there was if you were a woman wanting a career. Now, I've found that the legal industry as a whole is much more balanced, particularly in-house roles
If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Have confidence! I have learned during my career that women will often look at a job role and not apply because they are missing one or two skills from a list of 10. Men, on the other hand, will apply if they tick less than 5 things on the same list - and be confident that they can learn the rest! Those numbers are't exact but you get the point - I certainly looked for reasons NOT to do something and convinced myself I likely wasn't qualified or experienced enough. But you won't move forwards if you don't apply, don't assert yourself, and only see the skills you are lacking instead of the many attributes that you can contribute
What is your favourite thing about the Ministry?
The Ministry has a very friendly, very open, very welcoming atmosphere and approach. I appreciate working here and feel very fortunate to do so
Find out more about Pippa & Vayner Media:
Vaynermedia.com
Pippa Smith - LinkedIn
Vayner Media - LinkedIn
@vaynermedia