TGtS Meets...Kath Curr - International Women's Day Special

In honour of International Women's Day on March 8th we've been catching up with some of Swindon's most successful and powerful women. C&D Recruitment's Kath Curr spoke to us about striking the perfect work life balance, why it's important to celebrate women in business and which women inspire her...

Which woman would you compare yourself to?

My Mother. She is one of the strongest and bravest woman I know. I have her dry and northern sense of humour. I'm proud to call her my Mum.

What would you say is your most valuable skill and why?

Communication. I was brought into this world by Royal Navy parents. They taught me to be honest, speak my mind positively, and not judge and to think before I speak. The last one I'm still working on.

Why do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?

To empower all woman to break the glass ceiling. It’s out there you just have to go and get it.

Do you have family (and/or children)? How do you maintain a work/life balance?

Yes, I have an amazing, hardworking Husband whom I have been with for 15 years, a very inspirational, 24 year old step son who reminds me daily, that anything is possible and a beautiful, strong Mother who lives her life to the full and keeps me on my toes.

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

No, in fact, I gained a Husband to miss an opportunity and am now in the most awesome position working with the best team in Swindon.  

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

No, this is helped a lot by working for strong, well respected female managing directors who have taught me to always be myself, to pick my battles and to communicate equally no matter what gender.

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

Don’t let anything stop you. Keep going every time you are knocked back or receive negative feedback.  Remember those that love you are the ones that matter the most. Have respect for yourself and never allow anyone to lower your standards.

Do men ever feel intimidated by your success?

Yes, I still come across this.  I take it very much in my stride and stay true to myself.  I treat men equally to me and remember they are the less fortunate; they do not have the awesome powers and strength of a woman.

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

• My Grandmother, who has passed away, but to whom I still have so many questions.  She too was a very strong woman.
• JK Rowling, she never let rejection and negative criticism stop her making her millions.
• Julie Andrews, amazing actress, amazing voice.
• Agatha Christie, the most translated and bestselling female author in the world.
• Marie Curie – the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.  She was a physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity.

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

I often get asked this question and always find it difficult to answer. I want to be the best I can be, to make my family proud of me, to have made a change to at least one person and to be respected as someone who is passionate, hard working and driven to be successful.