Five women founders who inspire us to succeed at work

AS the saying goes – not only a saying but a book, a movie and a TED talk – “you can’t be what you can’t see”, never has this been more true than when it comes to female leadership.

Without seeing women at the top of all industries, young girls naturally find it hard to visualise themselves there, too.

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But it’s not just about aspiration and ambition, either.

According to the Rockefeller Foundation, “Having female leaders in positions of influence to serve as role models is not only critical to the career advancement of women, but stands to generate broader societal impacts on pay equity, changing workplace policies in ways that benefit both men and women, and attracting a more diverse workforce.”

Say what? It turns out that having women at the helm not only encourages other women to aim high in their careers, but it also results in more positive feedback from their direct reports.

A 2021 McKinsey study on Women in the Workplace asked 65,000 people about their experience working during the pandemic.

Of all the participants, those with women bosses were more likely to say they felt supported throughout 2020.

And having feminine energy trickle down the reporting structure isn’t just good for morale; it’s also good for business.

A 2019 S&P Global study shows that firms with female CEOs and CFOs have higher than average profits and better stock performance to boot.

It just so happens that there is a plethora of female founders who have a lot to say about business: how to succeed; why you need to exorcise your fears (and exercise your fearlessness); and why perfectionism might genuinely be your worst trait, and not just a platitude you roll out during job interviews.

Here are five inspirational women sharing their secrets to success.

Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder of Cloudflare

“People don’t take opportunities because the timing is bad, the financial side unsecure.

Too many people are over analysing. Sometimes you just have to go for it”.

Arianna Huffington, former president and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post Media Group

“Fearlessness is like a muscle. I know from my own life that the more I exercise it the more natural it becomes to not let my fears run me”.

Coco Chanel

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud”.

Jessica Alba, actress and founder, The Honest Company

“You have to be brutally honest with yourself and understand your strengths and weaknesses”.

Anne Wojcicki, founder, 23 & Me

“If you want to change this world, this community that we all live in, then get up and do it. And just start something”.

Feeling inspired to make a change and start something great?

Here are three roles worth looking into – and there are more added to the Job Board every day too.

Sales Advisor, Sky

The Job: The Sales Advisor in Sky’s Newcastle Contact Centre will take calls from existing and prospective Sky customers.

What You’ll Do: You’ll be the first point of call for customers seeking to change or add to their existing Sky packages, as well as new customers wishing to sign up to Sky’s TV, broadband or mobile services.

This Newcastle-based role offers hybrid remote and in-office working, as well as an excellent benefits package – yes, including Sky TV and broadband – for the right candidate.

You’ll Need: Great communication skills and an understanding of customers’ needs and how to fulfill them, as well as a passion for selling and a creative approach to problem-solving.

Apply Now: See more details on the Sales Advisor role as well as other opportunities at Sky here.

F&B Assistant, Diageo

The Job: This Food and Beverage Assistant will work in Johnnie Walker on Princes Street, Glasgow, to bring visitors on an immersive, multi-sensory journey through the flavours of Scotland, sharing Diageo’s love of Scotch with a new generation of whiskey drinkers.

What You’ll Do: You’ll serve food and drinks to customers, with full brand training to help you serve an essential role in the overall running of the bar and floor operations and supporting the bartenders.

You’ll Need: Experience in the hospitality industry is preferred, but more important are your excellent customer service skills, calm head under pressure and passion for the food and drinks culture of Scotland.

Apply Now: Put your name in the hat for the F&B Assistant role and browse more jobs at Diageo here.

Bar & Restaurant Supervisor, The Bear of Rodborough Hotel

The Job: The Bar & Restaurant Supervisor serves a dual role: working the bar and serving customers while also supervising the team and keeping guest satisfaction front of mind always.

What You’ll Do: You’ll serve a front-line customer service role in this magnificent country house hotel in the Cotswolds, as well as managing a team and training newcomers in achieving the high standards expected by customers and management alike.

You’ll Need: While previous bar and/or hotel experience would be excellent, at the Bear of Rodborough Hotel the emphasis is on finding the right personality to truly harness the character and energy of the hotel.

Apply Now: See further details on this Bar & Restaurant Supervisor role and other opportunities at the Bear of Rodborough Hotel here.

Kick off an awesome career with a job search across thousands of open roles on The Sun Job Board