September 2021
HELPING WOMEN DISCOVER THEIR WINGS Zoe Upson Director, Oceanblu Commodities Recruitment
If any, what challenges have you experienced as a woman in business during your overall career? I have always had to work twice as hard and twice as smart as compared to my male counterparts. More often than not, on my career path, the feeling has been of trudging uphill to get the same results. When I have had moments of success, I have experienced some associates seeing that as a threat and acting unfairly. I should say, however, most my colleagues have been wonderful and supportive. But there have always been a few along the way who tried to throw obstacles in front of me. I genuinely feel if I was not a female, those antagonists would instead have been pulling any hindrances out of my pathway. I am so grateful to those who have supported me. From those who didn't, well, I gained strength and a thick skin that I believe has worked as fuel for success and that will always continue. I have almost developed a drive now for every door closed. I will come back later to buy the building. Hammering through glass ceilings can be hard graft, but I want to lead the way for other women. Issue 3
Another challenge being a female broker is finding balance, being respected as a broker but also drawing the line and stepping forward when things are not serving you. You have to be one of the boys but not so much so that you are too friendly with a client, it’s an incredibly thin line that I imagine men don’t experience or even need to think about. You need to have a wonderful close relationship with your clients with it being respected and perceived professionally.
What are the most important things to progress as the Owner/Director of a business? These could be characteristics, values, skills, etc. To be tenacious and to never give up. A client of mine, Will Leslie from Trafigura once told me to never lose my tenacity and I never did or will, that was a poignant part of my career that will always stick with me. You also have to be courageous and fight the doubt in your mind and back yourself to know that you can do this. You must always respect and take care of your people -(employees/candidates
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