How did you get connected with Simonds Farsons Cisk?

When I was nineteen, I left Malta to pursue a career in London, but returned a few months into the adventure because things did not work out as planned. I was somewhat disillusioned and confused about any career prospects locally, but when the opportunity to apply for a job at Farsons came along, I jumped at the chance and the rest, as they say, is history!

 

Describe your average day at work.

I lead a dedicated and passionate team of young executives who are responsible for the marketing of all the brands within the SFC portfolio, ranging from beers to soft drinks to waters. My area of responsibility also extends to Public Relations and Communications. There is no such thing as an average day at the office, and this is one thing that has kept me totally switched on and almost addicted (in a very positive sense) to my job.

 

How do you think the corporate workforce has changed for women?

As an employee of Farsons for over 30 years, I have witnessed some significant shifts in workplace culture. In my early days, I was often the only woman working alongside a much larger number of men. When I was promoted to Brand Manager in the early 90s, I was the first female member of the Farsons's management team.  Today, thankfully, there are much more women in management and leadership roles.

 

What is the single biggest issue facing women in the local workplace today?

I think there is a collection of life-choices and decisions that women make along the way that affects their career. I do not believe that being a female has made a difference, either positive or negative, on my career. I have got to where I am today through sheer hard work, dedication and a passion for the job that I do. Of course, it has not been easy, and when I got married and the kids came along, I had to make some tough decisions.

It has been my experience, that my two roles of wife/mother and executive are the influences of both have made me a better person. When you are dedicating many hours to your career and still running a household and raising a family, you have to stretch your skill-sets far and wide, and in doing so one becomes more efficient, more rational, more organised and more dedicated to the job at hand, whether it is doing the school-run every morning or giving a high-level presentation.

 

What are your thoughts on work-family balance?

My husband played an equally important role in the early days when our children were young, and wherever necessary, he stepped in to do what was required at the time. I do believe that women are better multi-taskers, and can successfully juggle different responsibilities and scenarios simultaneously with good results. For me, it has never been a question of being "equal" to my husband or male colleagues - I am me, an individual, with my own personality, ambitions and challenges, and my attitude has always been to jump in the deep end and learn how to swim.

 

What advice do you have for young women hoping to climb the corporate ladder?

My advice to anyone would be to find a profession that he or she is passionate about. My passion for my job has been the motivating force throughout my career.  If you love what you are doing, then let this passion shine through, and back this up with hard work and dedication. You will surely be noticed.