Empowering Voices: Celebrating Women in Tech - Susanne Timmins

In this series, we delve into crucial conversations surrounding gender diversity and inequality within the tech industry. Our colleagues share their personal journeys, shedding light on the challenges they've encountered and the successes they've achieved along the way.

We explore how we can collectively create a more inclusive environment where women can thrive professionally and personally. We also highlight the invaluable contributions of our male allies who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and actively support their female counterparts.

Susanne Timmins, Accounts and Payroll Assistant

What does your job involve?

I work within the Shared Services Finance department of Jumar.

On an average day, I work on both Purchase & Receivable ledgers, Payroll & matters relating to financial wellbeing, such as pension and private healthcare administration. 

What strategies do you use to advocate for yourself and your ideas in male-dominated environments or meetings?

The Finance team is all-female and led by a male CFO. In the past, I think there has always been a stigma where women, in typically book-keeping and secretarial/admin office-based roles, report to a man in a higher position. I am pleased to say that this gender stereotype dynamic is not demonstrated within our team even though the layout would suggest that.

I often take the lead in meetings and tend to be the more vocal member of our Finance team (whether by my own initiative or encouraged from above). My line manager actively empowers and promotes us on a daily basis, creating an inclusive environment.  

I think sometimes women can be perturbed by male leadership but that shouldn’t be seen as an obstacle or barrier. With the right support, it can be a great opportunity to thrive and succeed.

I am a big believer that if you want something enough you go and get it.

What steps do you think organisations can take to create more inclusive and supportive environments for women?

I think it's great that organisations such as IIG (Invest in Girls) and of course educational institutes are empowering young women to pursue careers in finance from an early age.

Following on from that, workplaces should regularly offer opportunities for women to progress along a structured career path, regardless of gender.

Successful women should be celebrated and brought to everyone’s attention to inspire others.

Have you had any mentors or role models who have inspired or guided you in your career, and if so, what impact did they have?

Jumar is the first company I have worked for that is led by a female CEO. Before Jumar, I never realised how much of a struggle it is for women to progress and succeed within certain industries. However, witnessing the confidence and resilience of women in our predominantly male-dominated industry has been truly inspiring.

To name but a few of the women who have inspired me within my workplace - Wendy Morgan (CEO), Lisa Nicholson (Head of Pre-sales), Firdows Ravat (Scrum Master) & Becky Goodfellow (Principal Customer Success Manager).  For me, these women inspire inclusion daily without giving it a second thought. They jump in and swim through a male-dominated industry fearlessly and successfully.

What advice would you give young women today at the start of their careers?

Decide on your goal and reach it.

Don’t be put off by gender bias situations. Men can be allies and not obstacles, be vocal, consistent, and passionate.

Women can have it all these days they just need to take it.