Women of Steel

S4 E5: You see what you can be: Meet Dr Becky Waldram

For the first time in the podcast’s history, we speak to an external Woman of Steel.SUSTAIN’s Dr Becky Waldram didn’t plan for a career in the steel industry but finds herself deeply embedded in projects aiming to create carbon neutral, resource-efficient UK steel supply chains.Growing up with a passion for discovering how things work, Becky always wanted to wander down the STEM career path. Influenced by a D&T teacher at school, Becky pursued engineering rather than computer science, and now works in a predominantly female team!Find out how this industry anomaly has changed the dynamic of Becky’s working day, and how she’s dedicates time to inspire the next generation of STEM minds.Find out more about SUSTAIN: https://www.sustainsteel.ac.uk/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLETTLU0iK3hM_w-P5avxs0578pQex85T8
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We also have another podcast, SteelCast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TsfLY5UzDTHs2kHykOJYl?si=aa4f9ed4d5f44687

S4 E4: ’I’m an ally. You’re an ally’: Meet Tuesday Ibbotson

In this episode, Abi chats to Area HR Manager, Tuesday Ibbotson.After just two years spent in the steel industry, Tuesday is already making a name for herself – from her involvement in the Steel Women’s Network to becoming a major player in the development of Tata Steel’s Diversity and Inclusion Programme.But for Tuesday, her life and career trajectory hasn’t always been on the up.From teenager years spent in hospital beds to the struggles of finding a full-time job and postponed plans to travel the world – how did she become the well-rounded and inspiring person she is today?Listen in to hear Tuesday talk about the freedom of not knowing what you what to do ‘when you grow up’, her big ambitions to make Tata Steel one of the most progressive and inclusive businesses in the world – and not forgetting – some interesting takes on the recent #Barbie movie!Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/EeIv1XTAif4Connect with Tuesday on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuesday-ibbotson-mcipd-790832147/Follow us:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tatasteelukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatasteelukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatasteeluk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-steel-uk-irelandWe also have another podcast, SteelCast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TsfLY5UzDTHs2kHykOJYl?si=aa4f9ed4d5f44687

S4 E3: ‘Leaving uni was the best decision I ever made’: Meet Georgia Cox

In this episode, Abi chats to Lead Technician for Raw Materials, Georgia Cox.Woman in STEM, powerlifter, feminist campaigner and the official Miss Port Talbot – is there anything Georgia can’t do?At age of 20, Georgia has already secured herself a permanent job in Port Talbot steelworks, just six months after joining the company as a Higher Laboratories Apprentice.But it wasn’t an easy path for Georgia. Academically gifted, Georgia secured a place in one of the world’s top universities, but she felt something just wasn’t right...Tune in to hear Georgia talk about making big decisions in your formative years, growing your confidence and giving yourself room to grow, change your mind and ultimately, to do what you love.Don’t miss this honest and uplifting chat with one of our rising Women of Steel.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLETTLU0iK3hM_w-P5avxs0578pQex85T8 Follow us:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tatasteelukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatasteelukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatasteeluk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-steel-uk-irelandWe also have another podcast, SteelCast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TsfLY5UzDTHs2kHykOJYl?si=aa4f9ed4d5f44687

S4 E2: How I grew my confidence and got my dream career: Meet Eleanor Shorland

In Episode 2, Abi speaks to Packaging and Recycling Education Officer, Eleanor Shorland. Married at the tender age of 21, Eleanor spent much of her early twenties settled into a comfortable, domestic lifestyle. But it while getting her kids through school and working a retail job for extra cash that she decided to make a return to the world of academia and hunt for a career that finally fulfilled her.Then came a unique and unmissable opportunity – a paid internship at a local steel company.Listen in as Eleanor talks about growing her confidence and climbing the corporate ladder as a busy mum and Business Undergraduate in her thirties.Don’t forget to subscribe!Follow us:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tatasteelukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatasteelukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatasteeluk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-steel-uk-irelandFollow Eleanor:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RecycleWithElFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RecycleWithEleanorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/recycle_with_eleanor/We also have another podcast, SteelCast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TsfLY5UzDTHs2kHykOJYl?si=aa4f9ed4d5f44687Tune in to hear the latest about our journey towards net zero.

S4 E1: From Summer Placement to Senior Manager: Meet April Wilkinson

In this brand-new series of Women of Steel, Tata Steel’s host, Abi Thomas kicks things off by chatting to April Wilkinson, Head of Technical at Shotton Works.This year, April will be celebrating two decades spent in steel. But it was while studying for her A-Levels one day, that a lecturer planted the seed in her brain . . .‘Study Materials Science, and you’ll be guaranteed to get a job by the end of it, particularly as a woman’, he said.Since joining what was then Corus as a Summer Placement in the early 2000’s, April has risen through the ranks to become one of three female senior managers at Shotton Works – and has broken many more records since.Join Abi and April for a conversation about April’s climb to the top – were there any bumps along the way?  How did she manage the inevitable feelings of self-doubt? What advice can she give to twenty-somethings, like Abi, at the start of their careers? Tune in to find out.Follow us:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tatasteelukFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tatasteelukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatasteeluk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tata-steel-uk-ireland

Women of Steel S3 E4 - Karen Bowman

After completing her degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of Warwick, Karen joined what was then British Steel, as a Logistics Graduate in 1992.Working across a number of different departments over the last 29 years, Karen is currently working as an Integration Manager for Supply Chain. It has been quite a career for Karen, who has been able to successfully navigate being in a senior management position while raising her family – but it hasn’t always been easy.Karen opens up about how it's vital to take time for yourself, the importance of prioritising your mental health, and how her own journey has made her a better leader. 

Women of Steel S3 E3 - Barbara Evans

After joining the industry as an apprentice, Barbara has enjoyed a varied career specialising in the Energy department. With a thirst for learning that has carried her across the last twenty years, join us for a conversation on how Barbara is now navigating the next phase of her career, as it collides with an important issue for many women in the workplace – menopause.With insights on how the support of female colleagues, alongside a robust workplace policy can make this transition period smoother for lots of women plus some brilliant book recommendations from Barbara that she has found to be essential over the last few years this podcast isn’t just for women experiencing menopause, but partners, colleagues and workplace policy makers.Links to resources as mentioned in the episode:https://www.gen-m.com/https://www.themenopausecharity.org/https://henpicked.net/https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_mosconi_how_menopause_affects_the_brain?language=enhttps://www.themenopausecharity.org/2021/06/09/the-menopause-explained-webinar/ https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause

Women of Steel S3 E2 - Dr. Aimee Goodall

Aimee is a Process Technology specialist at Tata Steel’s Llanwern site, having studied forensic science at De Montfort University it was by chance that Aimee discovered that there could be a field of study and work around metallurgy. Completing her PHD in 2019 Aimee is also vice-chair of the IOM3 Student and Early careers committee. 
Growing up in the steel town of Corby, Aimee was always aware of the steel industry, but never once imaged herself working in it herself. 
Join us for a conversation on finding your passions, working hard to achieve your goals and the benefits of allowing yourself time to relax. 

Women of Steel S3 E1 - Natalie Phillips

After joining the Royal Navy following a bet with her dad, Natalie successfully enjoyed a career as a Weapons Engineering Officer for over a decade, having 2 of her 3 children whilst in service; gaining operational campaign medals for service in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Libya.Following the Navy, she began her career in steel working as an operations planner for Harsco and an advanced refractories technician for Vesuvius. Now, as a specialist in refractory maintenance on Port Talbot’s iconic Blast Furnaces, Natalie is open about the struggle of being the absent parent, the lessons she’s learned along the way and why she would encourage any girl to follow a path like hers.Listen in for an honest, entertaining and informative chat with a formidable Women of Steel.  

Women of Steel S2 E6 - Heather Rowland

Despite hailing from the north east of England – a region rich in heavy industry history – Heather Rowland never dreamt she’d be at the coalface of a south Wales steelworks.Now, more than a decade into her career, Heather has overcome imposter syndrome to cement herself as a key figure in Port Talbot’s steelmaking plant, playing a large part in projects and processes that keep the site operating safely and efficiently.As one of the 4% of women in operational roles across Tata Steel’s hub in Port Talbot and Llanwern, Heather is keen to see more female representation in the workforce, and while she has achieved so much already – she is not done yet. Heather is a true woman of steel.