5 International Women’s Day Questions – Chloe Gallacher

1. Tell us a bit about yourself…

“Hi, I’m Chloe Gallacher, the Social Media Manager, here at Add People.

I’ve been in the marketing industry for just over 7 years, now, and moved into the agency side of things, around a year ago.”

2. What is your proudest achievement whilst working at Add People?

“I’d probably say my proudest achievement since working at Add People, is being invited to shadow the Operations board meeting.

That was a great achievement for me, being only 27 years old and also a female, getting invited into that environment and being made to feel really comfortable, is something I’m really proud of.

As we talked about various ideas, I was able to get an understanding of what is discussed at the Director level and the decisions taken to help the business grow.

This was a really big opportunity, which I really enjoyed, and I’m looking forward to further shadowing opportunities in the future.”

3. Which women inspire you the most?

Sara Davies

“I think, from a marketing perspective, I would pick Sara Davies (you may be familiar with her as one of the ‘Dragons’ on BBC’s Dragons’ Den).

I follow her on Instagram, she’s just been on Strictly Come Dancing, and she’s got a really successful crafting business.

I love her because she’s not only a mother, but at the same time, she’s very career-driven.

She’s up at 5 am training on her Peloton bike, she’s taking the kids to school, and then she’s doing a full day of work – and then on top of this, she might even be filming on QVC at 8 pm to the US market.

She really is a great example to women, of how you can be career-driven and also have a family – she works really hard and demonstrates how women can be very successful.”

My Mum

“I would also say, in terms of life in general, my Mum.

She’s been very influential in my life – she’s very strong, very driven and she’s always been there for me and my older brother.

She’s also had her own career, so she’s a great example of you can definitely do both!”

4. How do you influence your colleagues around you and the wider business?

“I try to have really positive energy in and around the office.

I encourage others to speak up in team meetings and really try to create an open platform for colleagues to have their voices heard.

I try to create an inclusive environment and make sure everyone is working towards one goal.

It doesn’t matter what level you are on the team – everyone is on the same vision and pathway together.

If we achieve things together, it’s a celebration for all of us, not just for Managers, Heads-of, Directors, etc.

Furthermore, we do have a real ‘open-door’ policy here at Add People.

So, if I do want to pop in and see one of the Directors, I’m always welcome to do so.”

5.  This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #BreakTheBias, what does this mean to you?

“For me, #BreakTheBias is all about breaking stereotypes.

Hopefully, in society, we’ll get to a place where we have a really open culture, where everyone feels included.

Historically, a woman has been seen as the one who stays at home and looks after the family – but now they can be career-driven and have successful growth in their career, whilst still being a family person.

It’s important to stress, that it’s ‘OK’ if a woman doesn’t want to do both. It’s their choice.

This has definitely improved over the years and it’s something I would like to see more of.”