AI Issue 6 2017

Acquisition International - June 2017 35 Be Direct and Know Your Worth “I chose the design route and I travelled while I was single. I moved to AWE for two reasons - I had settled down and had young children and I wanted to balance out my life, given I had spent the previous years working on projects overseas. AWE had a capital investment programme in nuclear new builds right on my doorstep, so I could continue with my career, albeit in one place. I focused on engineering management - because I’d worked out by then that I was good with people - I’d say I am demanding but very interested in what everyone is doing. “I became involved in project work and then programme management and I just got asked to take on more and more. I never said no, even if it was a real stretch, although as I became more senior, I discussed with my husband what it could mean for us as a family. I also looked out for the next generation of STEM women leaders. I recognise that there are not many of us - and as a role model you can offer sage advice on what I found had worked for me - and things I wished I’d known at the time.” Alison offers her concluding thoughts, including the vital role that staff play in the success of the company, plus the challenges she faces in her current role as well as the opportunities on the horizon for women in business today. “If you look at any successful project or business, the people who work together are critical to that success. The staff at AWE and our partners in the supply chain, are essential to delivering on our commitment to the customer, the Ministry of Defence and ultimately, the people of the U.K. “Their focus on excellence in not only what they are delivering, but how they go about it, make me immensely proud. The AWE team are great innovators; indeed, I believe that they’ve had to be for 65 years. I see my only role as moving obstacles and issues out of their way, so that they can be widely successful.” “There are certainly plenty of challenges ahead – with the recent general election in mind for example, plus funding uncertainty given Brexit as well as maintaining the UK’s relationship with the US and France. As a company - we’ll also be looking at capacity and capability in the market place and attracting and retaining the STEM professionals - that businesses like AWE need to sustain and grow. “I think the opportunities are there for women in business today. I would say that you need to be confident in what you are doing, be direct and know your worth. There is still an element of ‘the boys club’ in terms of the networks and unconscious bias – indeed being heard can be an issue – but I believe that things are changing and going in the right direction.”