International Women's Day 2024: Meet Holly, Grace, Lorna and Nicky
Another day and more of our team to shout about! Today we have Holly, Grace, Lorna and Nicky to share their insights on all things women at Airship.
Holly - Hotel Development Manager
Grace - Customer Success Representative/Copywriter
Lorna - Head of Technical Success
Nicky - Marketing Manager
Please give us a small bio about what you do at Airship & Toggle:
H - I look after all things Hotel!
G - I am the first point of contact for customers reaching out through our support channel. Additionally, I'm responsible for crafting engaging content for social media, customer newsletters, support articles and blog posts.
L - I am Head of Technical Success, managing the technical success team who complete all integration switch-ons, data uploads and exports. I also help with any troubleshooting issues and work closely with both the Customer Success team and the development team to ensure the platform works as efficiently as possible.
N - As marketing manager, I look after all of the marketing for both the Airship & Toggle brands. My team work alongside all departments to produce various types of content and make sure that our name and message is out there for the whole sector to see.
How did you come to be in your current role with Airship & Toggle?:
H - With 12+ Years of Experience in the Hospitality Sector both in the UK and Europe. Throughout my career so far I've worked with the most amazing Brands such as TUI Holidays working in Greece Italy and Portugal, Q Hotels, Revolution Bars PLC and now the best of them all...Airship!
G - In February last year, I started with Airship and solely became the main contact through the Intercom channel. Since then, I have been writing more and creating informative content for existing customers. In September, I began working with the marketing team writing copy for socials and in recent months have been more involved with strategy, implementation and even a spot of graphic design!
L - I first started as a customer success executive helping with customer onboarding and support, then moved onto looking after key accounts as a customer success manager. I then went into managing the Airship and technical success team whilst also looking after key accounts. I had a huge interest in the techy side of the company which then led me to become head of technical success once the opportunity arose
N - I have been a fan of Airship & Toggle for a few years, and my background in hospitality marketing means I have been engaging with both brands for a while and really enjoyed the content, the platforms, and the way that the team comes across to the public. A few months back, my partner shared with me a job ad for the marketing manager role at Airship accompanied by the line ""bit of you this"", and the rest, as they say, is history!
What has been your proudest moment during your time at Airship & Toggle?
H - I'm so proud of how much Hotels have grown since I started, as a team we've put so much energy into this part of the sector and we've seen so many amazing brands come on board with the platform, here’s to many more years of Hotel development!
G - This International Women's Day project is the first that I have complete ownership of and I'm really excited to use it to amplify the voices of the women in the company.
L - Working closely with Georgina (head of customer success) to build and create the customer and technical success team. Technical Success has only recently had its own dedicated/recognised team which I have helped shape and create processes to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Also being part of the development and shaping team to relay customer requests and make sure development is done to match these.
N - Being involved in the Airship & Toggle Bumper Book of Hospitality Marketing was quite the journey. It was first mentioned approximately three hours into my very first day here, for delivery at RMI about six weeks later... slightly wild! It was certainly a challenging first project to work on whilst settling into my role, but it was incredibly inspiring to watch how the team worked together to bring the book to life and how well received it has been by the industry. It made me realise that anything is possible when we openly collaborate and work together.
In your opinion, what are some of the unique strengths or perspectives that women bring to the workplace?
G - As a woman, embracing determination and ambition allow us to achieve personal and professional progress. These qualities empower us to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring our growth and success.
N - Women bring so much to the workplace; intelligence, fresh perspectives, empathy, hard work, ambition, and so, so much more.
Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
H - It means everyone has a voice, everyone is heard and equally respected! Which Airship does so well, I personally feel Airship has this nailed and could not be prouder to be a part of this team.
G - It's so important to bring together unique perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. This can allow everyone to consider other views, build upon our own and understand more about others around us, both colleagues and customers.
L - Everyone has different views and opinions which will make others look at things from a different perspective. Having diversity can help issues be resolved quicker and also more knowledge and skills brought to the team.
N - The world is diverse, and this should be reflected in our workplaces. By employing and working alongside different types of people, we can expand our knowledge, and reach wider audiences for our business.
How do you prioritise self-care and well-being while managing your professional responsibilities?
G - Outside of work, I prioritise staying active by swimming and spending time at the gym to help to clear my mind and reduce stress. Additionally, I also love to read and bake, allowing me to unwind and focus on myself.
L - Making sure you have set breaks throughout the day and allowing yourself to walk away from your desk, even if it's just for a short period of time to have a break. Having others to go for walks with whilst in the office and also to help each other in breaks, issues and well-being.
N - Earlier in my career, I would spend a lot of time focusing on my work and obsessing over my productivity. Now, I can recognise that although I still want to be the best I can be, this isn't possible without listening to my body and taking the time out to rest when I need to. Spending time with my family and friends, walking, and practising mindfulness are all things that help me to chill and make sure that I can show up and be the best version of myself at work.
Oh, and trying to always have a holiday to look forward to certainly helps too!"
If you could have dinner with three inspirational women, dead or alive, who would they be and why?
H - Greta Gerwig, Elizabeth I, Kathy Burke.
G - Audrey Hepburn - She achieved so much in her life and dedicated so much time to philanthropy as a UNICEF ambassador. I would love to hear about her life experiences and learn from her strength and compassion. My Mum - To me there isn't really anyone who I look up to more than my own mum. She is an amazing role model and teaches me so much. I'm going to combine my two late Grandmothers in one here because they were absolute powerhouses and no day dedicated to women could pass by without a nod to them.
N - Captain Sandy Yawn, who is an incredibly inspirational leader; Joeli Brearley for all of the hard work she has done to help progress the rights of working mothers; and my mum, who is always so selfless, kind, and caring no matter what life throws at her.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
H - It's another day to shout about how spectacular we all are!
G - To me, IWD is an opportunity to reflect on all the work of women before me who have given me the opportunities that I have today!
N - It's a day to appreciate how far we have come, yet still understand how far we have to go as women and to celebrate our personal achievements too - although all of these things should be recognised all year round, too!
