TGT MEETS...Amy Grant from House of St John’s - IWD

Wednesday 8th March is International Women’s Day - and the theme this year is #embracequity. Amy Grant, Head of House at House of St John's answers some interesting IWD questions...

If you have a team – do you have a gender mix? Are there challenges in achieving this? What are they?

I manage one employee who is also female

What does #embracequity mean to you? 

The conversation around equality and equity is evolving – in the past we use to focus on levelling the playing field and giving everyone an equal starting point. This isn’t always enough – to me equity is more important the equality as it’s about giving people what they need to succeed. This doesn’t mean we’re taking away anything form other people but is more around supporting each other to thrive.   

In which of these areas do you support women? As a woman or as an ally?

• Women & Wealth/Money - YES
• Women & Work/Business – YES
• Women and Health – YES

Or do you feel strongly about any of the above themes? 

I am so passionate about supporting women in business. In fact, I felt so strongly about it that I even established a ‘Girls in Bath Business Club.’ The first of its kind in Bath, the events are for anybody who identifies as female, from any role and industry. Since launching last year, we’ve had such fantastic turnout for our monthly events. It’s wonderful to see our members create a network of like-minded businesswomen.

Which local women have inspired you in the last year? 

I’d have to pick Jade Nash – Jade runs a successful business called Choose Leads, while also working, and running, other companies at the same time. She is always looking for new investments to further her career.  She’s amazing - I don’t know how she manages it all, it’s so impressive. She’s also such a nice person who always open to giving me advice and mentoring me when I have businesses questions, I need guidance on. I feel lucky to have her as a member at the House.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing women this year and beyond? 

It’s the same old story – women are still trying to break through glass ceiling and reach leadership positions. Women add so much value to senior positions and bring a critical perspective and mindset. Having diversity in leadership enhances businesses and drives them forward – I would love to see more women in leadership roles moving forward.

Why do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?

We need to celebrate each other. We need to take the time out of our busy schedules and look around at the other women in our lives and say ‘well done – you’re doing amazingly. Look what you’ve achieved’ – I am so proud of my amazing female colleague and members who are pushing themselves forward and achieving so much. I’m glad we get the opportunity to celebrate them.

To find out more about House of St John's please visit their website here.