A coffee with... Annabelle Harrison for International Women's Day
Article posted on: 8 March 2021
This International Women's Day, and to kick off Women in Construction Week, we're shining a spotlight on the fantastic women in our business that make us the company we are. We're getting to know more about the talented, hardworking and inspiring women we're proud to work alongside each and every day.
We caught up with HR Assistant, Annabelle Harrison to find out her aspirations for the future and much more!
Take it away Annabelle...
Tell us briefly about your role as HR Assistant
I work in the HR team at Clancy as HR Assistant, working alongside Jane Milligan, HR Director and Jayne Sutton, HR Advisor. I’ve been with the company for one and a half years and I’m also currently completing a Masters in Human Resource Management.
Finish this sentence ‘The most satisfying part of my job is…’
I am still new to the industry so the most satisfying thing about my job is learning and absorbing knowledge from experienced team members. I say it time and time again, but every day is a school day. As a member of the HR team, we are involved in so many aspects of the business for example, training and development, recruitment, that no day is the same and that is why I enjoy the role so much. If I had to pick one aspect of the role that is the most satisfying, I would say observing the development and progression of new employees.
Is there anyone who inspires you? If so who and why?
A key inspiration/role model is Whitney Wolfe Heard (CEO of Bumble). She recently made history and became the youngest female CEO to take a company public in the United States. More importantly she did this just after having a child – completely smashing the stereotype. Although this is not a totally relatable image, I think this is a great inspiration for young women. It illustrates being a woman should not impact your career goals.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I think a main aspiration is to overcome any limitations associated with progression and being a woman. Many senior positions, especially in HR, tend to be dominated by males, and although this is not the case for Clancy it is still a huge problem. Therefore, I aim to educate managers who are overlooking employees because of their gender and continue to encourage women to smash their career goals.
I think it is important that we continue to recognise and address the impact being a woman has on career opportunities.
Lastly, any hidden talents you want to share?
I’m not sure it’s a talent but I am a keen crafter. During lockdown I’ve tried my hand at making dream catchers, pottery, candles, painting and knitting.