Women of Steel

Women of Steel S2 E5 - Natalie Young

While carving out a successful career in a private law firm, Natalie Young wanted to pursue a career that would give her an opportunity to have a more active input in legal projects. One way to achieve that was to join an in-house team.Natalie joined Tata Steel back in 2009 as a solicitor in the property team. Since then, she has not only climbed the ladder to become Head of Legal for Property at Tata Steel Europe, but has made a conscious effort to extend her hand and assist others during their own climb.A passionate singer in her spare time, Natalie hits all the right notes when harmonising potential obstacles for women in a man’s world, and how to overcome them.

Women of Steel S2 E4 - Rouha Hussaina

Growing up in India, Rouha saw two obvious career choices - a doctor or an engineer. Having an aptitude for maths she decided that Mechanical engineering would be the best choice for her.
 
Being one of only a few women on her university course, and following a tough experience on a placement where she wasn't allowed onto a site due to her gender, Rouha joined Tata Steel's Blast Furnaces team in 2007 and never looked back.
 
There she found a supportive community of colleagues and mentors who challenged her and encouraged her to develop regardless of gender. Playing an integral role in some key construction projects, Rouha firmly cemented her name in the Tata Steel history books, but now after over a decade in steel she is working on sustainability projects. Full circle perhaps?
 
A tenacious spirit, can-do attitude and strong work ethic helped Rouha face career challenges head on.
 
A motivational conversation with one of Tata Steel's senior engineers, demonstrating that gender barriers are there to be smashed!

Women of Steel S2 E3 - Jo Evans

What started as a summer job to cover a hefty phone bill turned into a lifelong career for Jo Evans.
Starting at 17 in the sales office, within 10 years Jo was sales Director managing a large team of mostly men, twice her age.Was this intimidating?What lessons did she learn along the way?She is a woman forged from her experiences in steel. In this conversation, we learn about Jo's passion for helping others to learn on the job, she believes in giving people a chance, taking that risk and always learning from your mistakes.

Women of Steel S2 E2 - Amanda Brady

Starting her career as a Graduate in hospitality and working her way to the top of that industry in HR some people might wonder why Amanda chose to move to a career in Steel. But as we discuss in the podcast Amanda loves a challenge.
 
Thriving on learning about people and what drives them, she sees her gender as an opportunity, not a challenge. She understands what she brings to the table, and knows her own worth. An inspirational conversation with a powerful female leader. 

Women of Steel S2 E1 - Susan Jones

To kick off series two of Women of Steel, we speak the founder of Tata Steel’s Steel Women’s Network, and recent Institution of Engineering and Technology award winner, Susan Jones.
 
Following a first taste of the steel industry while studying for her Masters, Susan had stints in the aerospace and automotive sectors. Since her return to the steelworks, Susan has not only flown the flag for women in STEM, but planted it firmly in the middle of the traditionally male-dominated workplace.
 
There’s no getting away from it, Susan is a true woman of steel.

Women of Steel S1 E6 - Joanne Lane

Joanne Lane has seen 25 years in steel. Starting as a junior buyer in 1993 she is now Director of Procurement and Stores across Tata Steel's UK sites. But how did Joanne reach the leadership position she's in?
 
Taking the lessons learned from her family to her workplace; hard work, commitment and dedication.
 
Joanne's grounded viewpoint and positive outlook has enabled her to develop a strong team who give back to the steel communities they serve. 
 
Joanne has enjoyed a successful career, but it hasn't been without its challenges. Navigating motherhood and career made her re-evaluate everything she thought she wanted. 
 
An inspirational conversation with a woman who see's leadership as her greatest learning opportunity. Leading with integrity, confidence and humility. 

Women of Steel S1 E5 - Carol Hughes

Starting her career with what was then British steel in her late teens in Corby, the daughter of a furnace-man Carol Hughes had steel in her blood.
 
In her first role as a record clerk, Carol was able to see what else the company had to offer and was keen to join the buzz and energy of the commercial team – working hard to finally to get a role in the team she had longed to join after a few years of trying.
 
Surrounded by alpha males, sales was exciting, but not without its challenges. Carol traveled the world with the company, returned to education and climbed the career ladder to manage a commercial team of 12. 
 
An inspirational conversation with a woman who demonstrates that working hard and being respectful of others can lead to a fulfilling career, having fun along the way as well. 

Women of Steel S1 E4 - Lyndsay Penn

As the first female Technical Manager and one of three women on the Tata Steel Colors (Shotton site) management team, Lyndsay Penn is ambitious and driven, but what inspired her to pursue a career in manufacturing?
 
After enjoying an immersive 'Girls into Engineering' week while at school, Lyndsay later went on to study Process Technology & Management degree in Loughborough, but it was during her sandwich year at uni she really discovered her passion for manufacturing in particular the operations side.
 
Lyndsay's career to date, is an example of the power in finding out what you enjoy, not being held back by the assumptions placed upon you because of gender and taking the opportunities offered.
 
Insightful and inspiring, Lyndsay is a true #womanofsteel

Women of Steel S1 E3 - Deirdre Fox

In this week's episode we talk with Deirdre Fox, Director Strategic Business Development for Tata Steel.Deirdre joined the business as a HR graduate and little could she have imagined the journey her career would take her on. A senior leader, in a male dominated environment, Deirdre is uplifting and motivational. Talking about the challenges that came with being a woman working and living alone abroad, how she faced up to the 'boys club' mentality across the industry and how she has been able to develop a career on her own terms.
 
A successful working mother, Deirdre appreciates the power in diversity across the board in business and makes a compelling argument for a flexible workplace that will benefit us all. 
 
Deirdre really is a woman of steel. Optimistic about the future, and determined to succeed. 

Women of Steel S1 E2 - Dr. Laura Baker

In this episode we speak to Dr Laura Baker, a steel veteran with 19 years of experience under her belt.
 
Laura is currently head of product management and development for Tata Steel Strip Products. She was the first female president of the metallurgical society in Swansea, heavily involved in the Institute of Materials, minerals and mining (IOM3) and a staunch advocate for women in industry – Laura takes her position as a senior leader in steel seriously.
 
Laura talks us through her career in steel, what motivates her, the importance of "finding your gang" and believing in the value we each can bring to the table.