Women’s strength, determination and ability to overcome is something that should be celebrated every day. However, International Women’s Day gives us the perfect opportunity to highlight the incredible women that are instrumental in the operation of Wilson Vale. It is a time for us to reflect on and acknowledge the progress we’ve made in the hospitality and catering industry, yet also recognise there is still much more to do.

We had the pleasure of shining a light on Lynsey, our HR Manager, getting an insight into her role, her journey with Wilson Vale so far and some pearls of wisdom in recognition of International Women’s Day.

Lynsey has worked at Wilson Vale for nearly 11 years and has progressed from Business/HR Administrator to our HR Manager. We asked Lynsey what she loves most about her role.

She said: “I absolutely love the variety. No two days are the same! My role as a generalist HR Manager is multifaceted, dealing with anything from recruiting, advising and training to employee relations. I work with people from all walks of life making my role very diverse, interesting and engaging.

“The impact my role has on our employees is the most rewarding part, from improving employee satisfaction, implementing new employee benefits, and developing talent. Watching employees flourish is the real winner for me.

“I’m currently undergoing my CIPD level 7 qualification whilst working and being the best mother I can be to my three-year-old daughter, Bella. She is my proudest achievement by far. Given that we suffered with fertility issues at one point, I didn’t think she was even achievable. To show her – not just tell her – what an independent female with career aspirations and also a mother can accomplish is my ultimate goal.

“My biggest achievement most recently at Wilson Vale is our well-being strategy and collaborating with my colleagues to introduce various benefits to our employees. To name a few – implementing our Employee Assistance Programme, our Birthday day off policy and Perkbox, a scheme which provides discounts at hundreds of top online and high street stores and supermarkets. Another recent highlight for me is recognising our amazing employees at our all-new company awards this year.”

Over three quarters (77%) of the HQ central support managers and 43% of the board at Wilson Vale are female, of which Lynsey and the team are really proud.

We asked Lynsey what International Women’s Day means to her; she said: “It’s a celebration of what all the amazing women can equally achieve in comparison to men.  As an independent woman with career aspirations myself, I believe in showing my daughter that she can be and do anything that she wants.

“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made towards gender equality, and it inspires me to continue striving for a future where all women have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By pursuing my own career goals and being a role model for my daughter, I hope to empower her to believe in herself and her abilities. To encourage her to follow her own passions and dreams and to make sure she knows that she has the power to shape her own future.

“This year’s official theme for IWD is #EmbraceEquity, and to me that means recognising and valuing the worth and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, ability or any other characteristic.

“I grew up on a council estate with very little money, but with traditional values. One thing that was always instilled in me was to have a pure heart of togetherness, to think about inclusion and to always help the ‘underdog’ in a way that is relevant to them. Luckily, my family pushed me to believe in myself and I’ve had tailored career support. Unfortunately, not everyone has that support or opportunity, so to me #EmbraceEquity means a better quality of life and an improved sense of community and belonging through considered thought in-line with individuals’ needs.”

Finally, Lynsey shared her thoughts on women making a difference in the catering and hospitality industry.

She said: “Women in the hospitality industry have the power to change the game. With our creativity, empathy, passion, and drive, we can break down barriers, challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive and diverse future for everyone. There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

Here’s to Lynsey and all the incredible women who inspire us every day.