To mark International Women's Day we are celebrating and recognising the contribution that women make to Mitie.
Sarah Smith, QHSE Director, Mitie Security
How long have you been with Mitie?
27 Years
Tell us a bit about what your job involves
Managing a high performing team of QHSE professionals which influences and leads the Group QHSE strategy in our business unit.
What do you love most about your job?
I work with such great people in the business.
What's been the best moment of your career so far?
There's been a few highlights in my career, however in recent months I was nominated by the business for the Women in Security awards, which is an annual award held by the Professional Security Magazine, in which I reached the finals. This is such a privilege and make me feel very proud to be nominated.
What's the most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
Every action has a consequence, be prepared to accept the consequence from your decisions, you may not like them but you did make a choice.
If you could turn back time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Be confident and trust your decisions.
What do you think the secret is to delivering the exceptional, every day as a woman in Mitie?
You must have faith in your own ability, but also have trust in your team. Treat people with respect, be confident, and take any feedback as a gift.
Preeti Zyna, Head of Business Improvement, Mitie Waste
How long have you been with Mitie?
7 Years
Tell us a bit about what your job involves
My role is all about finding out what can be made better in the business - and then to get on and do it! There's always something that can be improved upon in any area and can range vastly from the detail of how we process information to the softer side of how we support each other as colleagues.
What do you love most about your job?
Knowing that when some positive change has been implemented, it will be removing a headache for a few or a lot of people. In short, it allows me to do good!
What's been the best moment of your career so far?
Bringing the small business community of a town together in a common cause, and using that economy of scale to leverage a solution to their recycling issues.
What's the most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
"Don't succumb to imposter syndrome. Have more faith in your abilities, you do better than you think you do."
If you could turn back time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Stop putting things off - Relax, be yourself and let people see the real you - everything will be great - oh any maybe eat less chocolate :)
What do you think the secret is to delivering the exceptional, every day as a woman in Mitie?
Carrying out all words and deeds with integrity, and treating everyone with respect no matter where they are in the business hierarchy.
Kirsty Cobb, Winter Services Manager, Mitie Landscapes
How long have you been with Mitie?
13 years last week!!
Tell us a bit about what your job involves
My job helps the division in delivering the winter gritting and snow clearances across a wide range of customers sites, so as you can imagine it's been very busy over the last few months. I get involved in a variety of things from strategic planning and development in the summer, client tenders and proposals through to Account Management and client interaction during the operational season.
What do you love most about your job?
The variety of people I work with and who I get to talk to - this ranges from all levels and departments within Landscapes, multiple divisions across Mitie and direct with clients and suppliers - its extremely varied and to be honest - I love to talk so its great :)
What's been the best moment of your career so far?
Too many to pick from - but most recently I was honoured in being asked to stand in for the Head of Department during the snowiest January and February in over a decade and am happy to say that this was truly enjoyable. I have been not only recognised internally from senior management but from one of our leading clients too for my efforts - this is great to hear and fantastic to know that the team around me have faith in what I can do.
What's the most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
Acknowledge that mistakes you make (because we all make them - big and small) don’t define you - they are all part of learning, embrace them and grow from them - no bad day lasts forever :)
If you could turn back time, what advice would you give your younger self?
Stop putting things off - Relax, be yourself and let people see the real you - everything will be great - oh any maybe eat less chocolate :)
What do you think the secret is to delivering the exceptional, every day as a woman in Mitie?
Believing in yourself and sharing your knowledge and experience with others - everyone here has a voice and it is valid regardless of who you are and what you do, people will listen, you just need to talk and share.
Karen Alexander, Contract Manager, Mitie Waste and Environmental Services
How long have you been with Mitie?
Almost 8 years.
Tell us a bit about what your job involves
I currently manage the Waste Contract for two acute hospitals and four satellite sites in Hull.
What do you love most about your job?
The daily challenges keep me very busy and I enjoy how no two days are the same.
What's been the best moment of your career so far?
Myself and my team were nominated by the client for an NHS Golden Heart Award for 'Outstanding Team of the Year' - very proud moment.
What's the most important lesson you’ve ever learned?
Managing a team isn't simply ensuring correct procedures are followed, it has been vital to get to know the characteristics and the needs of each individual employee and that of the client. This meaning I could then tailor my approach to suit that particular individual.
If you could turn back time, what advice would you give your younger self?
To have the confidence to progress and seek promotion at a much younger age.
What do you think the secret is to delivering the exceptional, every day as a woman in Mitie?
I consider myself to be understanding, approachable, willing and able to see things from other's perspectives. The business will continue to grow, only if we all work as a team with trust and respect for one another.