TGt Meets...Rachael Booth, Sales & Marketing Director at Total Guide to - IWD Special

Rachael Booth, Sales & Marketing Director at Total Guide to. Read below as we spoke to Rachael to get her thoughts on International Women's Day 2021.

Thinking of your own experience in the world of business – which inequalities, if any, have you experienced personally or witnessed around gender?

In my early career in finance and sales, confident women who strived for success were often labelled as being “bossy”, “pushy”, “fiesty” and only recognised those with the loudest voices. It was very much a male dominated environment. I am pleased to say that I have seen a vast change over the last 20+ years and feel that women are rightly recognised for their talents, skills and expertise. It's now not about confidence but competence.

What do you think women offer in particular to the world of business?

For me it's collectively. Women offer a collective mindset and create equality through positive actions and support of each others journey. In my experience, women are natural nurturers and offer a real support network to each other without competition or jealousy. This year more than ever we have seen the struggles of juggling motherhood and a career and predominantly in my networks it appears to be the women who have undertaken most of the home-schooling and balancing. More than ever this year I've lent on my female network for support and in turn have been there for support. Women are wonderful at lifting each other up, empathising and helping each other grow.

Can you name up to three women in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire?

Alexandra Brunner - Chief Operating Officer of Clockwise, which is a leading flexible office provider in the UK. I have watched Alexandra rise from a GM position in hospitality in Swindon to COO of a growing global company. Alex is not only personally dynamic but throughout her carer she has always put development of new talent at the forefront. She recognised the importance of supporting, inspiring, passing on her expertise in order to develop success in others.

Liz Hutchings - Managing Director of Total Guide To. Liz is a very modern-day MD. As a mother of two girls and MD of a growing brand Liz recognises the struggles and balancing of a good working/life balance. Adapting the workplace in order to allow for this putting her employees need first. Having this flexibility is imperative in achieving outcomes all round both for business, personal and clients' needs. Always positive, forward thinking and striving to grow the business but personally for me my confidant, sounding board and support a real inspiration.

What do you think about the International Women’s Day movement and do you think it's necessary? 

I feel that it is important as the themes allow us to assess, reflect and gather perspective looking to our future generations of growing women. This year's theme of #choosetochallenge for me is about choosing to challenge yourself. Establishing your own credibility, after this year I have learnt that it's not selfish to spend time on yourself, to challenge your future, challenge your aspirations, develop new skills. To lead by example. It's never to late to be the best version of yourself.