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TGT Meets... Nicola Kinnard-Comedie, Founder of NKC Equestrian Training - IWD Special
By Nicola Kinnard-Comedie, Owner and Founder of NKC Equestrian Training. NKC provides equine training courses for horse owners and business coaching for equine professionals.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #choosetochallenge – what would you choose to challenge when it comes to gender equality or inequality this year? This could be in business or life in general.
That you can’t have a successful business and be a mother.
Thinking of your own experience in the world of business – which inequalities, if any, have you experienced personally or witnessed around gender?
The equestrian world is very female dominated, but I have experienced subtle inequalities like arranging large Conferences at hotels and finding that the events manager speaks directly to my husband.
What do you think women offer in particular to the world of business?
So much but I think compassion and productivity are two stand outs. Women are often excellent at problem solving and I think are much more productive particularly when working reduced or compressed hours.
Is gender important when it comes to success in business?
No not at all - business comes done to vision, hard work and motivation.
Can you name up to three women in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire? Why?
Kate Granshaw at Lingfield Equine Vets
Kate is an experienced vet, a partner at a large practice, and also a very fun hands on mother to two young boys. She has been very supportive of my business and she inspires me to do more.
Do you think women who start their own business experience more challenges than men? Can you explain why you think this?
Sadly I think when women start their own businesses this can be seen as a ‘hobby job’, like a child playing shops. If your business is based online it can also be hard for others to appreciate that you are ‘really working’ when you just appear to be sitting at a computer.
What do you think about the gender pay gap? Why do you think this?
I think it is disgusting that a gender pay gap exists. Pay should reward performance not gender. I think awkwardness at discussing money has a lot to do with this, and I urge women to challenge what they are paid, and put the case forward for a payrise where appropriate. Self worth has so much to do with our ‘money story’, but women shouldn't feel embarrassed to discuss money and ask for more.
What do you think about the International Women’s Day movement? Is it necessary? Why do you think that?
I think it is wonderful to celebrate the achievements of women, both past present and future. I have two young daughters who I wish to inspire, and I will using the day to help them become women of the future.
For more information about NKC Equestrian Training, visit www.nkcequestrian.com
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