Dow Schofield Watts Celebrates Women in the Professional Services Industry
In celebration of Businesswomen’s Week, we have asked our team members at Dow Schofield Watts to share their passions, achievements, and any nuggets of wisdom with women who are considering or already have a career in the professional services industry.
To best explain to you how working at DSW enables you to be successful in both your commitments to work and your personal life, we spoke to Hazel, Jo, and Bridget from across our service lines.
Jo – Business Manager at DSW Business Planning
What has been your proudest work achievement?
I love being part of the DSW Business Planning team. I’m very proud to be part of an ever-growing team and just recently successfully managed to move us all in one day to our new shiny office, which was hard work but lots of fun. I look forward to what the future has in store.
What challenges have you faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
The past couple of years have been challenging for everyone. For me, working from home was a challenge as I’ve always been someone who likes to be in an office environment, so it’s great to be finally back. It’s not easy at times juggling work and family life but being part of a supportive and flexible team is great and why I love my job.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Outside of work, I’m kept very busy with my two children and enjoy keeping fit by doing lots of walking. I also do a regular tap class which I love and have danced in various Tapathons for Children in Need. I also took part in a dance show this year, my first time back on stage in 30 years, but it was great fun. I also love being in the kitchen and cooking!
Hazel – Founding Partner of DSW ABL Risk Management
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy being outdoors with my two little dogs, embracing the fresh air and getting some much-needed exercise! I also enjoy spending time with my daughter, whether it be shopping, getting our nails done together or just simply watching a movie. She will be off to university in two years, so I am relishing our precious moments! Additionally, holidays, fine dining, and hanging out with friends and family is high up on my list of great things to do. Oh, and sleeping!
What advice would you give to other women thinking of working in the professional services industry?
Absolutely go for it! It is a great place to be. I believe that having female leaders in positions of influence to serve as role models is critical to the career advancement of women and inspires a more diverse workforce. Many incredible women have inspired me during my 30+ year career to date. There are great rewards for working hard in this industry, and you can carve a flourishing career for yourself.
What challenges have you faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
Having started my career in the late ’80s, the main challenge that I had to overcome was literally being a woman in an industry that was perceived to be a ‘Man’s World’. Slap-stick humour was the chosen communication of some of my male colleagues! Not taking things too seriously and having the courage to ‘give as good as I got’ seemed to win me the respect of fitting in, although, thankfully, things like sexual harassment would not be tolerated in the workplace now.
I have always been ambitious and have worked hard to smash down barriers, such as the glass ceiling created by being a single parent and having to manage my time effectively to juggle my work and my beloved daughter.
Bridget – Assistant Manager Corporate Finance
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
My absolute favourite thing to do is travel. My partner and I have a goal of visiting 80 countries by 40, so we pretty much travel every chance we get. On a more day-to-day basis, I love exploring new foods/restaurants.
What advice would you give to other women thinking of working in the professional services industry?
I believe a key to success is being passionate about whatever it is you do. So, if you love it, do it! They may be challenges along the way, but challenges are a good opportunity to learn and grow.
What challenges have you faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
I do struggle from time to time with Imposter Syndrome, and sometimes don’t give myself enough credit for what I’ve done and achieved professionally. I find that spending some time to reflect on how far I’ve come and documenting milestones and achievements is a good way of dealing with that.
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Thank you to all who participated. It is lovely to hear such insightful comments about your chosen careers and what you do for fun!
We hope these stories inspire and encourage anyone thinking about joining the industry to take the leap. If you’re looking for a new opportunity, visit our careers website to see our vacancies.