Vanessa

What is it really like for a young woman in a British business?

Posted on by Vanessa

Our Founder Vanessa Sanyauke was asked to contribute to the Confederation of British Industry’s recent great business debate campaign. Vanessa wrote about the experiences of young women in British businesses. Take a read of her article below and click here to read other contributions from Ruby McGregor-Smith, CEO of  Mitie Group, Alistair Cox, CEO of Hays PLC and many others

If you are a young woman working for a British business in 2015 you definitely have a better experience than women did 45 years ago. Progress has been made to support the development of women on the same grounds as men with internal women’s networks and the option to request flexible working hours. Recently the UK government announced that couples can now share up to 50 weeks parental leave. It seems that the government is trying to make it easier for women to advance in business, but is this working?

I work with FTSE 100 businesses advising them on gender diversity and developing programmes and events to help them engage and support their female talent pipe line. Most of my clients want to help young women within their organisation to stay and progress onto senior roles but find this a challenging and slow task. Senior women are just not visible in many businesses with only a quarter of Non-Executive Directorships belonging to women and even less on executive level where all the key decisions are actually made. This raises the question of who do the young women have to look up to within their organisations? In addition women still earn, on average 20 per cent less than men. The UN has warned it could take close to 70 years to achieve gender equality at this rate.

Men could simply be hiring more men and not enough women are being invited to interview for board level roles. Young women may not be put forward for leadership programmes as much as their male colleagues or sponsored by an executive. The young women themselves on occasions do also fail to negotiate. A study from Harvard Business School showed that in a class of graduating MBA students half of the men had negotiated their job offers as compared to only one eighth of the women.

I decided to go into business because I want to control how much I get paid for the work I do and it gives me the flexibility to arrange my schedule around other commitments. I have seen an increasing number of professional women I know start their own businesses for that very same reason. Running my own business gives me a good work life balance which will enable me to determine my future career path.

If businesses want to retain young female talent they need to create a business case for supporting and championing women within the business. Businesses will also need to set targets for the number of women they have at board and management level and treating it the same as they would a financial target. Companies who have more women in senior positions do better than those that don’t. The government could perhaps take a leaf out of Norway’s book and threaten to shut down companies who do not have 40% of women at board level.

Managers within business should invest in female talent by putting them forward for MBA’s or encourage them to attend training. Retaining female talent is an area that businesses need to focus on as more women are leaving competitive careers like Law and Finance to start their own business or family. The only way is to show young women very early on in their careers that there is a strong possibility that they could one day secure a senior position with their employer. You have to see it from their point of view: Why would you bother to invest your time and skills in a business where you cannot see a future for yourself in the boardroom? Young women are more ambitious than ever especially millennials so businesses need to adapt and keep hold of this talent before they become competition!

Vanessa Sanyauke

Founder of Girls Talk London

We celebrate her: Baby Isako, Writer & Creator of Venus vs Mars on Sky Living

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Baby (pronounced as Babi) Isako is an emerging screenwriter best known for her Love is a Losing Game plays and Venus Vs Mars series.

Isako’s first play, Love is a Losing Game, was released in 2010. It told the stories of a young group of university friends who were trying to discover love. The play received great reviews, selling out 6 shows.

Her next sold out play, Bag Ladies( 2012), follows the lives of four women who deal with a different personal conflict such as: Abuse, religion, identity and abortion. It received great reactions from her audience. In 2014, she released the Bag Ladies short film, which was screened at Festival de Cannes 2014 film corner and an official selection for the International Black Women festival.
Venus
Venus Vs Mars (2011) became the first web series by Isako . Venus vs. Mars is a romantic comedy-drama series about one young woman’s quest to find true love. Isako received a number of accolades for this work. Winning best web series at the Screen Nation awards and having over half a million views online. The hit web drama was commissioned by BSKYB and released on April 9th 2015 (10X30) episodes on Sky Living.

What kind of woman are you?

A fearless woman

How did you become a business woman?

I decided to follow my dreams

How do you get clarity when challenges and stormy periods arise?

I Pray

How did you gain the confidence to make your dreams a reality?

I refused to let anything stop me until I accomplished my vision

baby at work

Which person do you admire the most and why?

Shonda Rhimes (Creator of Greys Anatomy & Scandal) because she has broken a lot of barriers and changed the face of TV

What kind of teenager were you?

A bit of a rebellious one

What has been the lowest point in your career?

There have been too many to mention!

What has been the highlight of your career?

Getting my show picked up on Sky Living this year

What is your biggest regret?

I wish I learnt my craft earlier

Can you complete this sentence ‘What I know is that…..

I can do all things because it is Christ who strengthens me

Fire round questions:
Favourite book: I know why the Caged Bird Sings –Maya Angelo
Favourite quote: Imaginations should be the centre of your life –Ray Bradbury
Last time you laughed: yesterday

To find out more about Baby visit her website: http://www.babyisako.co.uk/

 

What is wrong with Kay Burley?

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During the weekend a Facebook friend of mine posted a video of an awkward and quite frankly cringe worthy interview between controversial Sky News Anchor Kay Burley and Labour MP Dawn Butler. Kay seemed to be on the offensive as if she was trying to prove something and it ended with Dawn laughing and asking Burley “What’s wrong with you Kay?!”

When you watch the interview it almost makes you feel a bit sorry for Kay because it comes across as if she is desperately trying to prove that she is a serious journalist who cannot be manipulated by a politician; when in fact this behaviour made her misunderstand Dawn Butler who had to repeat herself three times when answering a particular question. I find it quite surprising that an experienced journalist like Kay who has over 27 years’ experience as a presenter and has hosted more hours of live television than any other news presenter would behave like this. As a senior woman in a predominantly male led industry (media) Kay is a role model for many young girls who want to one day fill her shoes. I feel she sets a bad example by showing herself to be overly aggressive, over compensating and very insecure.

Sadly there are many professional women like Kay who feel pressure to behave in an aggressive way to ‘keep up with their male colleagues’ or to protect their position especially when they are surrounded by lots of men in powerful positions. But does it have to be this way? In my opinion, no. Here is what I think any woman who holds an influential position at work should remember.

Confidence

You need to believe in your ability to do your job and that you deserve to be in your position-which is a privilege. I am baffled when I see so many women like Kay who have 20+ years’ experience in their sector who deep down lack confidence. Why do you feel that you still have to prove yourself? Let your back catalogue and work speak for itself. When you speak to people whether it’s an employee, client or interviewee-speak to them with grace.

Focus

During this particular interview Kay ended up looking silly because she wasn’t focused on interviewing her guest but more concerned with trying to trip her up or make a point. If she had listened to what Dawn was saying she would not have had to repeat herself three times. Focus on the task at hand and what your role is within your organisation. Don’t worry about impressing others or trying to prove you are just as tough as the men!

Not everyone is the enemy

Take the chip off your shoulder and relax-not everyone is the ‘enemy’ or here to trick or deceive you. Try and see the best in people and give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise.

Responsibility

If you are blessed enough to hold a position of great power and responsibility then whether you like it or not you are a role model to many people who one day want to do what you do for a living. Remember the saying ‘With great power, comes great responsibility’. Try and do better every day, set the tone and lead by example

Embrace your femininity

Sometimes I hear so many of the women I work with say that they are embarrassed by their charm, grace or feminine traits at work. See this as a positive ladies, this is what makes us so special and damn good at our jobs! You don’t have to wear a turtle neck to work every day or not show any emotion or passion-these are all great qualities to have and the right employer will value this.

To watch the interview with Kay Burley and Dawn Butler click here

Vanessa Sanyauke

Founder, Girls Talk London

Follow Vanessa on @vanessasanyauke 

Photo Credit Southbanksteve 2009

5 ways to get over a break up

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We have or will at some point in our life go through a break-up. You think you have met the man of your dreams, everything is going great, you have met his friends and your friends love him and then all of a sudden things turn into a disaster and it’s over! You go from floating on clouds to never wanting to leave your bed at all. However, break-ups are not the end of the world and your life doesn’t have to come to a halt. In fact, it can be a fresh new start for you. We share some of the ways girls can get over a break up.

Self Reflection

You now have more time on your hands and your only priority is you. Use this time to learn more about yourself and look at ways to improve physically and mentally. This is a chance for you to reevaluate your goals and begin a brand new self love journey to make yourself happy.

Get rid of any triggers
Try to get rid of anything which may remind you of your ex. How do you expect to move on when you are constantly wearing the necklace he got you or if you spend your days staring at old photos? This is the time for a fresh start and your main focus should be you. If you find it too hard to throw away any gifts or pictures then you can put them in a box and store it somewhere safe and hard to access.

Look Good
It’s no surprise that when you look good you feel good. Go and get your hair & nails done or book yourself a spa treatment. Sometimes your self esteem can be pretty low after a break up, so a day of pampering can help give you a confidence boost and remind you of just how fabulous you are!

Exercise
Think about joining the gym, going for a walk or even take a bike ride -try anything to get you active. Exercise has been known to be a cure for nearly everything in life, from depression, to memory loss. You don’t have to spend hours exercising-even just 20 minutes a day can give you a happiness boost . When you exercise your body releases endorphins which can act as a pain killer and can get you one step closer to getting rid of this heartbreak!

Socialise
Get out of the house and re connect with old friends and make some new ones by taking up a new hobby or attending an industry networking event. The more you lock yourself away the worse you will feel. Our brains sometimes talk us out of doing things which we need to do so ignore this feeling and try something new.

 

Photo credit: Albert Mewbonr Jr 2012

 

 

Five perfumes you need this summer

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Summer is in full swing so it’s the perfect opportunity to update your perfume collection. It’s time to ditch the warm, rich scents for a lighter and more airy fragrance. Here are 5 perfumes you need this summer.

1. Paul Smith Rose Eau de Parfum (30ml) – £29

paul smith rose

Launched in 2007 this fragrance is still a summertime favourite, compromising the smells of violet, rose and green tea. At the heart of the perfume are the sweet scents of Turkish Rose and Magnolia with the undertone of cedar and musk accords preventing the floral smell from being too over powering. This beautiful perfume is light and soft, perfect for day to day wear.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_117788930099_-1

2. Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette (30ml) – £38.50

marc jacobs daisy dreams eau de toilette review
This is a new variation of Marc Jacob’s ‘Daisy’ fragrance, originally launched in 2007. Still using the iconic interpretation of the classic daisy motif, this fragrance embodies youth, femininity and dreams. The scent is both floral and fruity. Jasmine, Lychee and Blue Wisteria are at the heart harmonising with blackberries, pear and coconut water.

http://www.johnlewis.com/marc-jacobs-daisy-dream-eau-de-toilette/p1519578

3. Victor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum (30ml) – £50

viktor-rolf-flowerbomb
Introduced in 2005, Flower Bomb is an explosive burst of full-bodied floral scents. With middle notes of Jasminium Sambac, Catleya Orchid, Freesia and Centifolia Rose this perfume really is a bouquet of aromas. These opulent fragrances are topped with mandarin and orange while a woody base note of Patchouli runs underneath. This perfume is a perfect transition from day to night and will make a lasting impression.

http://www.boots.com/en/Viktor-Rolf-Flowerbomb-Eau-de-Parfum-30ml_862127/

4. Thierry Mugler Alien Eau de Toilette (30ml)-£39.00

alien

This is a lighter more floral version of the popular Alien fragrance by Thierry Mugler which contains elements of  jasmine sambac, cashmeran wood and white amber. This will definitely turn heads on a night out after work.

http://www.boots.com/en/Thierry-Mugler-Alien-Eau-de-Toilette-30ml

5. Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Spray (35ml)-£49.00 

chanel

You can’t have a recommended perfume list without a classic and Chanel Chance delivers a magical scent created by Jacques Polge. A mixture of  Vanilla,  Exotic Jasmine and Iris and a White Musk note will leave a sweet impression after an important meeting or date!

http://www.boots.com/en/CHANEL-CHANCE-Eau-de-Parfum-Spray-35ml_3

 

Transform your make-up from day to night

Posted on by Vanessa

We all should have our go to beauty regime and makeup look for the day time. But what if your day flows into night? The makeup you wear for a meeting or the looming 1-2-1 with your line manager isn’t going to have the same effect once the sun goes down and your ready to let loose and paaar-tay!

Your nighttime look is generally a more over emphasised version of the daytime you, but not too much. You need to know what you can do quickly and easily to refresh your make-up. Firstly always carry out improvements in good lighting, or you could look like a ‘hot-mess’.

Never start piling on more layers of makeup, this is a recipe for disaster – a cake recipe! You’ll find that your base will begin to ‘cake’ or crack – not a good look.

day to night3
Start by using blotting papers to readdress your base/ face which will remove any excess oils that have built up during the day. Also address any smears or smudges around the eyes that may have appeared throughout the day. I like to refresh what I already have on with a facial spritz like MAC Mineralise Charged Water mist available in a cute travel size container which is always in my bag. There’s also Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water that works just as well.

macsombras
To enhance your eye for that nighttime look use a darker shade of your daytime shadow to your outer ‘V’ and lower lash line, and smudge the lower with a soft brush or your fingertip. You could also extend to your crease above your eyes to give a more intense look. You could also try applying a black Kohl pencil in the waterline of your eye and topping up your mascara. If you wear a cat eye liner during the day to transition just extend the the cat eye just a little. This will add drama to the eye instantly. Remember, always apply colour lightly as it’s often easier to apply more, than to remove excess.

day to night2
Often creating a statement lip is the easiest way to transition. Switching to a bolder lip colour usually does the trick but you can also easily apply a lip colour a few shades darker and finish off with a lip gloss to add that glam factor.

I would leave any blusher renewal alone at this point, as the idea with this is to warm up the face. After a full days work I’d say you can’t get any warmer, so I’d rule this out.

I have one rule of thumb and it’s served me well over the years. If you intend to go heavy on the eyes, go light on the lips and a statement lip always packs a bigger punch when served with a understated eye.

day to night lips

Denise Campbell

Follow Denise on Twitter @Beautyanbeats