Education charity and awarding body NCFE has a wealth of female talent in leadership roles. We spoke with six female leaders (Katie Hume, Head of People Services, Isha Sachdeva, Head of Research and Insight, Julie Hyde, Director of External and Regulatory Affairs, Allison Jones, Head of PMO, Helen Ketteringham, Chief People Officer and Kelly Miller, Head of Audit, Risk and Assurance) from across the organisation to hear their unique advice and experiences.
What does it mean to you to be a female leader?
Katie: “Being a female leader means being a role model to the young people around you. Role modelling not only that females can be successful leaders, but also role modelling what that leadership can look like – it can be diverse in terms of gender, but also in terms of leadership style and approach.”
Julie: “It means demonstrating competence, resilience, and the ability to inspire and guide others towards common goals. Female leaders often contribute diverse perspectives to decision-making processes and can serve as role models for breaking down gender barriers.”
Isha: “The challenges a female encounters through her leadership journey are unique to her gender. It could be about navigating through a bias in the workplace, breaking stereotypes, or even answering societal questions about whether it’s ‘time to take a break and start a family’. My leadership journey has been no different – but what I have found is strength and empowerment from the women which surround me.”
Are there any female role models or mentors who’ve inspired you during your career journey?
Helen: “I’ve been inspired by women all of my life. I’m grateful to my parents and grandparents for a solid foundation of morals and values. My sisters and I have grown up close, embracing life’s possibilities, and coming back together to support one another. I’m also full of adoration for my two young daughters who share three mantras for what they call the wonky moments in life, which are: try your best, don’t give up, and ask for help.”
Kelly: “One of our trustees has been an amazing mentor for me. She’s inspired me to be better, braver, and to also become a Governor in a local college. There are also male role models who have really supported me. I felt safe and comfortable enough to talk to my male boss about early menopause, making him aware of the challenges that I might face.”
Julie: “I’ve had some significant role models in my life from a family perspective. Both my grandmothers were independent, resilient women and my mother who balanced a successful career and family, having moved away from her extended family with my father and a very young family of their own.”
What top tips would you offer young women who are taking their first steps onto the career ladder?
Helen: “Number one, use your intuition. Tune into your energy and lead the pace as you navigate the highs, the lows, the twists and turns of both work and life. Two is around self-awareness; know your strengths and your areas of difference and label them as your superpowers. Thirdly, believe in yourself. Back yourself and give self-doubt a volume button that only you can control.”
Isha: “Don’t underestimate the power of guidance. Seek out mentors at an early stage and tap into their wealth and knowledge. It’s going to be incredibly useful throughout the journey to have a mentor, to have people who you can look to for support during the toughest times.
Allison: “Three things I would say are: believe in yourself, build your network, and be bold and brave.”
Learn more about life at NCFE and the career opportunities by visiting
www.ncfe.org.uk/careers