Beauty giant NIVEA have chosen Panoma Press author Jenny Garrett to work with them on their new #BringIton campaign.
Jenny GarrettThe award-winning author has been working alongside global brand NIVEA as they examine women’s attitudes across the UK.
The #BringItOn campaign has been designed to celebrate confident, young women who challenge the norm and embrace everything life can throw at them. It is a celebration of the perseverance of womankind.
Jenny has been involved in helping to analyse the research of the campaign and the attitudes of the women, who she has called ‘Happenistas’.
- You have teamed up with NIVEA and their #BringItOn campaign. Could you tell us a little more about this?
Nivea approached me with my experience as Women’s Coach of the Year, to help them analyse the data from their #BringItOn study. The second phase of the campaign involves Stylist Magazine leading the search for the #BringItOn 30; 30 women under 30 who make things happen. I am one of the judges and the final decision will be via public vote.
- What are your reasons for joining the campaign?
I am passionate about supporting women of all ages, but I’m very curious about the next generation of women. I am hoping the struggles and challenges of previous generations will make life easier for them, or at the very least provide more opportunities. I also have a 12 year old daughter and hope that changing attitudes will impact her positively.
- Most women of today call themselves ‘Happenistas’. What does this mean?
A 'Happenista' is a woman who makes things happen, but in her own unique style. She is not concerned with other assumptions, conformity, or belonging to anyone; instead she charts her own new path.
- You are an award winning Sage Business expert – Do you think it’s important for more women to be in business and why?
I definitely think that women who want to run businesses should do. We are creating different types of workplaces that are more flexible, feminine and collaborative. These are the businesses of the future. When women are successful they do a lot of good with that success, whether that's supporting the community or finding a way for the business to leave a lasting legacy. When I was at school, running a business wasn't a career option that was spoken about, but now with more women in business, girls have role models and know that business is an option they too can take.
- Have you ever struggled to get your ‘foot in the door’ because of your gender?
Race and gender have both played a role in me struggling to get my foot in the door. I think you have to prove your credibility incredibly fast so as not to be written off. At first I would dress and act differently to try and fit in and be accepted, but then one day I just decided not to. I decided to embrace standing out and embrace my difference. I found that the more comfortable you are in your own skin, the more people are attracted to you.
- Your book ‘Rocking Your Role: The ‘How to’ guide to success for female breadwinners’. What should readers expect from the book?
'Rocking Your Role' is a very personal exploration of what it is to be you and how to craft the life you want without limitation. It is from the perspective of women as main earners in the home, although men and women who are not main earners have told me that they also find it valuable. Here is what one reader says:
“Reading this book lifted the clouds of expectations, guilt, imaginary limitations …. it liberated me to pursue my own personal dreams while still providing for my family.”
Nadine Juignet, Business Development Advisor at Hewlett Packard
- Do you think it’s vital that women keep challenging the stereotypes of the working role?
I believe all stereotypes should be challenged; men should challenge the stereotype that they should be breadwinners and never show emotion. Women should challenge the stereotypes that they don't take their career seriously and are just waiting to get married or have children. This is the only way we will all have real choice in our lives.
- What advice can you give to women who find it hard to go further in their career because they are fema
1. There is a glass ceiling but don't let it get in the way
2. Be persistent.
3. Let your organization know how seriously you take your career.
4. Network, Network, Network.
5. If it doesn't work where you are, try elsewhere, not every organization is the same.
6. Get people on your side, such as a sponsor or internal women’s network.
7. Consider starting your own business.
8. Engage in personal and professional development.
Jenny Garrett’s latest book Rocking Your Role: The ‘How to’ guide to success for female breadwinners, available now (£12.99. Panoma Press)
Jenny Garrett is the Executive Coach and founder of Refelxion Associates a leadership and coaching consultancy.
Tagged in Women's Issues