Swindon Lives - International Women's Day Special - Charlotte Mannion

In this edition of our Swindon Lives - International Women's Day Special, we spoke with Charlotte Mannion; local business coach and writer, trainer and avid local networker.

What would you say is your most valuable skill?

Always seeing the best of a situation.  Actually I not sure that’s a skill so how about  facilitating others learning.

Do you have family (and/or children)?

I am married to a retired airline captain. In the course of his work he spent 20 days a month out of the UK.I had to learn to be very resourceful and supportive and at the same time make all the decisions for the family.I have two sons and one daughter, all have amazing partners whom I adore and so far I have two granddaughters who have changed my life completely.I now want to live forever to see them grow up.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

It’s difficult to answer this since much of the work I do is also pleasurable and relaxing.I love writing and do it whenever the mood takes me even in the middle of the night!I am a Rotarian and love working with others to make life better for those less fortunate.

My reall life activities include walking and cycling, looking after the granddaughters whenever I am allowed and travelling with my husband so I guess it’s very well balanced.As I work for myself and I can give myself days off when I like.

Are there any strong female figures who you would cite as your idols?

So many where can I start? Mary Wolstonecraft, who started the debate, to the suffragettes, Germaine Greer and Barbara Castle.

When I was young I longed to have the same advantages as Queen Elizabeth the first.What a role model for women trying to make a mark in the 20/21 centuries.Sadly of course so little opportunity to have someone’s head chopped off if you didn’t like his approach or views.

Have you ever had to give up or miss out on anything in order to pursue your career?

No but I have experienced some very untalented bosses of both genders who try to make your life more complicated than it needs to be.  Wanting to work flexibly for example is not a demonstration of one’s lack of loyalty!

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to fellow females looking to get into your profession?

I am lucky to have been in the business of Learning and Development and there are more women than men.   If you want to be a learning specialist don’t allow your employer to pigeon hole into HR and leave you on the side lines when the time comes to make change.

Do you ever experience any discrimination in the workplace because of your gender?

In the past I guess so but it’s up to you to put that right or move on. Now I work for myself so no.  However outside the workplace yes I see a lot of discrimination in the charities and organisations I volunteer for.  Most people in the UK, for example, don’t realise that women can join Rotary.  It is still thought of as an old men’s club.

Do men ever feel intimidated by your success?

If they have they never dared tell me!

As a successful female, where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Still banging on about the need for equality in the work place, I suspect, and making sure my granddaughters grow up knowing there is still much to do to improve women’s emancipation.