Hi Jennifer, thanks for your time. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your Seaway7 story?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in HR. I graduated from university with an undergraduate Degree in Management with HR and my Post Graduate Diploma.
I started out my career in Oil and Gas 11 years ago, but when I was in my last role I knew that for me, my next move had to be renewables! I believe that the work we do contributes to achieving a more sustainable future and I’m delighted to be a part of it.

The last year has been one of continuous change and improvement, it’s been a very exciting time. We have had the opportunity to influence and contribute to what Seaway7 can become and my role has evolved quite considerably.

Every day is different – the variety is why I truly love my job! I get to work on day-to-day operational matters through to strategic HR initiatives. Being part of  such a large organisation also means I get to work with colleagues based in different countries with different nationalities and cultures. I really thrive on the diversity and the fast-paced nature of what we do.

What is the greatest challenge you have faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

Having always been career driven, the potential impact of starting a family could have on my professional life has been a long-held worry. With that in mind, I was anxious to share news of my pregnancy last year, however, I have had a resoundingly positive experience, and I couldn’t feel happier and more supported.

There is a real culture of support in Seaway7, it’s possible to have both a family and a career here, and I have seen first-hand how this attitude is shared down the levels of the company.

Why would you say that it’s important to mark International Women’s Day?

Equity in a workplace means everyone receives respectful and dignified treatment. When equity exists, people have equal access to opportunities, which is of the utmost importance.

Whilst we do what we can to address the issues, it is so important to have an annual platform like IWD to highlight and celebrate women and raise awareness of the challenges we face and the solutions that are out there.

In Seaway7 we support one another and build each other up. What makes someone a good ally for women’s progression in the workplace?

I think men and women can support each other by getting to know each other better – building personal rapport and trust gives employees the opportunity to feel seen and heard, and ultimately expand their networks and working relationships.

What are the biggest challenges that we face as an industry to attract more females into our sector?

When it comes to recruitment, there are not as many female candidates for many roles out there in the talent pool. More work needs to be done at a primary and secondary school level to get young women thinking about pursuing a career as an engineer, for example.

Changes to working norms were accelerated during Covid. If a company wants to maintain a position as an employer of choice, flexibility is imperative in attracting and retaining the best talent.

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