It’s International Women’s Day and to show our support, we are featuring some fantastic women across the Sugarman Group business every day this week.
Our colleagues are sharing their experiences of work, their inspirations and talking about their career journey.
Today we feature Sophie Taylor at Sugarman Group.
What is your current role & what does it entail?
I’m Marketing Manager for Sugarman Group, handling all marketing activity and communications for our brands in the UK and Australia – a really varied role where no day is the same!
Where did your career begin?
I decided in my teens I wanted to work in PR and communications (I love talking!) and planned my studies around that, choosing English, Art and design for my A Levels. I then went on to University to study Communications Studies with Public Relations which was a great experience. I worked part time during my studies doing PR roles until I graduated and progressed through various businesses, from interiors, utilities and construction, to health care, training and now at Sugarman in marketing for the recruitment industry!
How have you found being a woman, working in your sector?
I’ve been very fortunate to work within businesses that pioneer all colleagues, whether male or female, which has been enlightening. I’m a working mother which has its challenges when you have deadlines to meet but also nursery drop off, lunch boxes to pack and trying to balance giving my son and husband quality time and not glued to my phone! I think being in my 30’s, my experience is that women are demonstrating we can have it all (albeit with the help of coffee!)
What are the current challenges for women in your sector?
In this sector, it really has a nice balance and I believe the challenges are equal for both men and women – not enough hours in the day but the opportunities are endless.
Which women in the media inspire you?
I absolutely love Jo Malone and Karren Brady – two very strong business women who rock having a family and running successful brands and public images. Both have battled ill health and they have not let it hold them back – amazing!
Who has inspired you growing up/throughout your life?
My parents have always been very career minded which has been a big inspiration to me. My mum worked as a teacher in Business which had great challenges and was very demanding, but yet she never missed a sports day or parents evening, I always knew my parents were there.
In my 30’s, my sister is now a great inspiration to me. She’s 4 years younger than me and although she was a bit of a wildchild (which I remind her of constantly!) she has made a career for herself and has become a tenacious young woman working in an marketing and events role, travelling across the UK and working with some fantastic brands! I’m exceptionally proud of her.