Join us as we sit down with Mickaella Glynn, Chief People Officer at CWSI, to discuss the dynamic landscape of gender equality. With a wealth of experience and passion for fostering inclusivity, she reflects on her experiences, challenges, and aspirations.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself.
Absolutely. My name is Mickaella Glynn, and I currently hold the position of Chief People Officer at the CWSI Group. I grew up in a small village in Ireland with my three brothers, so I’ve always been surrounded by male figures from a young age.
Which woman inspires you the most?
There are many remarkable women who serve as sources of inspiration, both within CWSI and beyond. One individual I greatly admire is Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland and founder of the Council of Women World Leaders. Her tireless advocacy for gender equality within the UN community is truly commendable.
Additionally, I find Taylor Swift incredibly inspiring. She has become a role model for countless young women, demonstrating remarkable self-confidence and determination in pursuing her goals. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has achieved immense success through sheer hard work and unwavering self-belief.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion. What does this theme mean to you?
For me, the theme of Inspire Inclusion resonates particularly with the challenges women face when it comes to balancing work and parenthood. Parenthood often leads to difficult choices, such as sacrificing career opportunities due to increased demands or feeling excluded from certain roles. True inclusion means breaking down these barriers and ensuring that women have the same opportunities as men in their professional careers.
Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman?
No, I consider myself incredibly fortunate in that regard. When I reflect on my career, I tend to break it down into two distinct phases: my time at Vodafone Ireland and my tenure here at CWSI. During my stint at Vodafone Ireland, the company was in a phase of rapid growth, presenting numerous opportunities for advancement. I actively pursued these opportunities by putting myself forward and embracing challenges.
Transitioning to CWSI marked another chapter in my career, where once again, I found myself amidst abundant opportunities within a thriving company. I made a conscious effort to step out of my comfort zone and explore various roles within the organisation.
While I haven’t personally encountered significant barriers, I’ve witnessed friends and family members who’ve grappled with invisible ceilings in their career progression. Often, this stems from a hesitancy to step forward and seize opportunities.
Additionally, achieving a balance between work and family became pivotal, particularly as my children approach the end of primary school. Juggling these responsibilities requires thoughtful prioritisation but being close to my parents and brothers provides invaluable support, allowing me to excel both professionally and as a parent during this crucial phase.
Do you believe that having a support system and being willing to take risks contribute to breaking through barriers?
It’s often tempting to remain within our comfort zones, but growth only occurs when we venture beyond them. I firmly believe in continuous learning, whether it’s navigating challenges within our current roles or embracing entirely new opportunities. At CWSI, I’ve been fortunate to be pushed outside my comfort zone, and while it can be daunting, putting yourself forward is essential for growth.
Are there any external factors that can aid in breaking through that barrier?
For a significant period, I believed that not attending university was my limitation. Is lack of higher education a barrier to success? At times, I still wonder. However, as I engage with individuals, both within and beyond CWSI, I’ve come to realise that many have succeeded through hard work, regardless of their educational background. Some of the most remarkable individuals I’ve encountered are not university-educated. Thus, I believe it’s about self-confidence, taking risks, and venturing beyond our comfort zones.
Stay tuned for the second part of our International Women’s Day Interview Series where CWSI’s Chief People, Mickaella Glynn, will share invaluable insights on how organisations can foster inclusivity and empower women in leadership roles.
