TGt Meets... Claire Hunt (International Women's Day Special)

With International Women's Day coming, we've been speaking with the Accountants and Freelance Event Manager at Banks BHG to discuss what it's like to be a woman in business...

Name: Claire Hunt
Age: 41
Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
Occupation: Events & Marketing at Banks BHG Accountants and Freelance Event Manager

Which woman would you compare yourself to?
I don’t tend to compare myself to others, as I think it’s important to feel comfortable in your own skin - making comparisons can often lead to feelings of second-best. 

What would you say is your most valuable skill and why?
My attention to detail and organisational skills – both are crucial to my role. It’s always the little things that can make or break an event.

Why do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?
I think it’s important to recognize the contribution women make in our society whether social, economic, cultural or political and to celebrate these achievements. 

Do you have family (and/or children)? How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I don’t have children and, as an only child I have a small close knit family which makes things easier. I have a great group of friends who I make the time to socialise with on a regular basis, even if it’s just catching up over a coffee.

Banks BHG are also great employers, as they allow me to work flexible hours and I can work remotely when needed. This flexibility allows me to take on other freelance event contracts and helps with the work/life balance.

Have you ever had to give up or miss out on anything in order to pursue your career?
No. My career has provided me with so many opportunities that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise, and I have travelled to some amazing destinations around the world to organise events.

Do you ever experience any discrimination in the work place because of your gender?
Definitely not, in my role at Banks BHG as the males in the office are greatly outnumbered!

I think the events industry in general is one where there is an equal gender split, so discrimination of this nature rarely happens. 

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to fellow females looking to get into your profession?
I would say hard work and gaining as much experience as possible is key.  Being highly organised, dedicated and willing to go that extra mile will always count in your favour – Over delivering is never a bad thing!

Do men ever feel intimidated by your success?
If they have, I haven’t been aware of it.

If you could have dinner with 5 inspirational women dead or alive, who would they be?

• Oprah Winfrey
• Karen Brady
• Princess Diana
• Coco Chanel
• Rosa Parks

As a successful female, where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Drinking mojito’s on a beach somewhere warm, where the sun shines at least 360 days a year!