At StartUp Terminal, we believe our diversity is our strength. Today, on the occasion of International Woman’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women around the world
To kick-off our celebration, we’ve asked Dubai-based entrepreneur Katie Savage, few questions on her experience achieving success in the field of entrepreneurship, and what advice she has for women entering the workforce today.
Katie dreams of being a superhero. In reality she enjoys being around people who smile a lot and enjoy what they do. Resilience, positivity and a high energy attitude coupled with hard work are Katie’s key characteristics. Katie is a co-founder and proud team member of The Urban Nest. Property is her passion.
Excerpts:
ST: Who is a woman that inspires you the most and why?
Katie: Grace is my absolute heroine, she allows me the freedom to work inconsistent, long hours and looks after my 3 most precious humans – Grace is my helper and I am completely in love with her because she is always singing, laughing, cooks great food and she is far stricter with my team than I am.
ST: How are you celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day?
Katie: Celebrating with an all lady, key team within the company this morning at a local restaurant. We had a great meeting and a good giggle. They are working so hard and providing a prolific level of service to our clients.
ST: What is the most important message you want to send out to all the women around the world on this occasion?
Katie: Everyone deserves to be told they can achieve their goals. Anyone can be whatever and whoever they want, there are no limits. Life is a rollercoaster; we must all enjoy the ride as much as possible.
ST: What according to you is ‘women empowerment’?
Katie: Women empowerment is doing a mini-Mexican wave whenever possible for our fellow females, I learn so much every day from every member of the team, everyone has a voice that is heard and I am proud that we have created such a comfortable environment.
ST: What would you say are the main challenges facing women at present globally?
Katie: I think we are all facing huge challenges due the effect of the global pandemic, managing businesses, families, education and health concerns.
As an individual, growing up, my parents always encouraged us to experience and play every sport (football and golf, ballet and tap included) and reach as high a career and success level as my brother. There was no gender differentiation. Whether we are women or men, we must empower our children to not feel undermined when they are assertive (bossy) or head strong (opinionated).
There is an argument to push the 21 CEO’s out of 346 of the fortune 500 companies to become more gender balanced but actually, the best person for the job should be in that position rather than fulfilling a gender quota.
Being a parent to 2 boys and having had limited maternity leave myself, a real challenge that I see in the workplace is the work/life balance, all parents have the right to spend time with their children, this should not be gender biased or include leave only when the child is young but rather when the child/adult require the connection the most.
A major issue is the ‘limiting belief’ system we as females hold. If we break this cycle, the barriers will begin to crumble.
(Email us: editorial@startupterminal.com)
