Celebrating Emma Bryant | IWD

For International Women's Day 2022, we decided to celebrate successful women in our business, get to know them and promote their achievements both inside and outside of the workplace.

What was your New Year’s resolution?

This year was about my work, life and home balance. I’m taking time for myself and enjoying a couple of spa days.

 What is your job role at Midwich?

I am a Technology Team Leader. I look after 6 specialists. I call myself a link because I deal with brand managers, vendors, customers and the sales floor. I’m that link in the chain.

 What do you love most about Midwich?

I love the people and just love what I do. Throughout my whole journey, I’ve never questioned Midwich. I’ve always known that I fit here, and this is where I want to be. You never feel like you’re on your own and if you’ve got an issue or a problem, there’s always someone to go to. Plus, the progression is there if you want it too.

 What does success mean to you?

Success to me is that you can have a family and a career. I’m really lucky that I have a massive support network at home. The reason I do my job and why I’m so passionate and driven is because I want my family to have a nice life.

 If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be more confident and just go for it! I wasn’t very confident when I was younger, and I had no path or any idea where I wanted to go. Looking back, nothing is holding you back but fear of the unknown and you’ve got nothing to lose. There are so many opportunities and you never know what’s around the corner.

 How would you encourage people to get past that fear?

Try something new and if it doesn’t work, you can always change it. Believe in yourself and your abilities and it will take you far.

 What’s been a significant obstacle in your career?

I wasn’t very confident and sometimes I feel like if I had pushed a little more back in the day, I probably would have gotten to where I wanted quicker. But I’m very lucky that I’ve been able to go off and have my little boy, come back and still progress.

 Do you have a role model at Midwich?

Claire Wattam. She’s now become a director and I really look up to her.

 What is your success habit?

Someone once gave me a really good tip – if you have something horrible on your desk, get that done first so you don’t have it building up all day. Don’t do all the little things that you like doing, conquer the big one first. Have a positive attitude too! If you hit a hurdle, try to get through it and don’t let it set you back.

 What is something you’ve achieved that you’re proud of?

Last year I took on my Team Leader course which I completed, and I got a distinction so I’m really proud of that.

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality. 

International Women's Day has occurred for well over a century with the first gathering held in 1911. The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn't enough. Action is needed to level the playing field.