RSA Brighton: How Women Lead

Since I started my social enterprise, many people have commented that I am a leader. It just so happens I am also a woman. Is it strange that, until recently, I did not put those two things together?!

Since I started my social enterprise, many people have commented that I am a leader. It just so happens I am also a woman. Is it strange that, until recently, I did not put those two things together?!

Gender was not something I considered too much. I had my fair share of female line managers in the past, but on reflection I had worked closely with boards of directors from several large media companies and they were always exclusively male. Maybe that should have rung alarm bells. The tragic truth is, I was just used to it. It was only recently when a mentor gave me a copy of Lean In (book by Sheryl Sandberg’s, Facebook’s COO) combined with being asked to talk at She Says (a women in digital and creative sector event) and being invited to this RSA event, that I started to think maybe this was something I might have an opinion on!

At the event I noted that all three speakers were more mature women. Is it that we only gain the confidence to be leaders through our time in the workplace? Certainly so in my case, and more out of frustration than anything else. I think our education system has a lot to answer for. When my career’s advisor told me the results of my career’s guidance test (teacher, midwife or nurse), I was less than inspired. I was a very good painter, but that was never offered as a career option, neither was the concept of setting up my own business. I hope today that has changed. I fear not.

Penny Thompson talked about the challenge of balancing family and career. She has made it work, but the public sector in my experience is a bit more considerate in this area. Apparently doing what I’m doing and the fact I’m a woman is fairly unique. I’m not so shocked as I trawl through the Facebook baby photos posted by my peers. It takes a lot of energy. Adding a baby into that mix is quite a thought! I certainly think that is a huge factor in women holding themselves back. The companies I worked for really lacked the understanding needed to make the family/career balance work ....for both genders.

Penny also hit another nail on the head for me: “I wanted to be the sort of manager I craved”. This is certainly something that pushes me on. I have had alcoholic bosses, lazy bosses, egomaniac bosses and some really weird bosses. Never have I had an inspiring boss that took the time to get to know and nurture their team. I loved her attitude of just creating what she craved, and when it comes to having a team, Anne Boddington’s advice of “delegate any task but not responsibility” were wise words indeed. Support is everything.

It was so great to hear all three members of the panel speak from the heart. It was Caroline Lucas that brought it all home for me. She defined leadership as bringing people together. Finally I got it. I had always said that to truly create a difference in my area, dementia care, it is going to take many sectors working together – and not just health and social care. Sure, they are key, but dementia does not discriminate, so everyone has to take responsibility and get involved. I am passionate about inviting many different people to help me increase quality of life for people with dementia and their carers. So to all those people that have told me I am a leader, thank you for pointing it out! There was lots of inspiration at this event but not many men. In order to spread the word of How Women Lead (very well thank you!) we need to make sure everyone is included in the conversation.

Rachel Mortimer, founder of Engage & Create