To help celebrate and recognise this year’s International Women’s Day, we are focusing on a handful of inspirational women from across Slicker Recycling who are a key part of our continued growth and success. Some of these women work within the normally male-dominated transport sector and others hold senior leadership positions within the Executive team.
We’ve sat down with them to ask them more about their roles, their achievements and their tips for other female leaders...
Laura Pettican
First up is our Stourport-on-Severn-based Transport Planning Manager, Laura Pettican, who has given us a brief insight into herself and her role at Slicker Recycling.
Hi Laura, could you start by giving an overview of what your job is all about?
I have a busy role where I oversee our day-to-day transport operations for over 30 of our collection drivers who collect waste oil and workshop waste from our customers across the country.
I support the planners with decision making, problem solving and look for areas where we can maximise efficiency and fully utilise the resources available to us. Another part of my role is liaising with other departments, helping to bring together a balance between customer needs, commercial viability and what is operationally achievable. It’s a varied role where no two days are ever the same.
What would you say is your biggest achievement to-date?
I’ve worked here at Slicker for a total of seven years and have seen so many positive changes. I’d say my proudest achievement has been working my way up through the company from a part-time logistics administration role to my current job as Transport Planning Manager – whilst managing to build a career around bringing up two children.
As a female leader in our business, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?
I think it’s always an annual opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women – not just high-profile personalities, but also your own achievements and those of female friends and family members.
Above all, it’s a chance to show my daughter she can aim high and achieve. I want her to grow up knowing she can be herself, give opinions and be valued as an individual, not defined by gender stereotypes. There is a lot to celebrate but also still more to achieve. The next generation are a part of that evolving picture.
What key tips would give to female colleagues?
For me it’s that if you have opinions, don’t be afraid to share them. Also, know your worth and if you have something to say, then speak up. It’s important to build up others around you and support each other - we are all stronger as a team as opposed to individuals. A big one for me is also to be yourself - it doesn’t matter if you work part time, full time, have children, or are single, do what works for you and don’t let anyone judge you for your choices. You can add value to the business in so many different ways.
Can you name one other female who inspires you?
Without a doubt it’s my daughter. She inspires me to keep pushing forward and be a better person. Her confidence, ambition and determination at just 11 years old inspires me to be stronger and strive to achieve more. I want to be a woman she looks up to and be able to provide for both my children financially and emotionally.
For more on International Women’s Day 2022, you can visit the website through https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
