In celebration of International Women’s Day and to celebrate the achievements and successes of our female team we took some time to interview them about their careers.
This is Lesley’s story..
Lesley Wakefield joined Packaging Automation in 2011 and is a Sales Engineer.
Q. Please can you tell us a little about your experience/career history in the manufacturing sector?
I joined Packaging Automation ten years ago prior to that I had worked in the management team at B&Q.
Q. What is it like working in a male-dominated environment?
I have always worked in male-dominated environments so I guess for me it is second nature, it is what I know and what I am accustomed to – I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Q. What are the benefits/ advantages?
It might be because it is all I know but I like working in this environment. Believe that neither I, nor my colleagues see gender as a barrier, I truly believe that I have never been treated any differently to my male colleagues.
I manage a team of men and find them easy to work with and easy to manage. They are direct and to the point.
Q. Have you had to overcome any difficulties throughout your career? Have you developed any specific skills?
I would not say there have been any specific difficulties relating to my gender, but I have learnt to listen to my husband more when he talks about sport! I find that this gives me a common ground with men and is a great conversation opener.
I believe that we as women need to challenge ourselves more and have confidence in our abilities. I often think that we hold ourselves back.
We hope you enjoy Lesley’s story as much as we have enjoyed interviewing her.
Thank you, Lesley, for sharing you journey, we are proud to have you on our team #TeamPA