For International Women’s Day 2024, we look towards a future where everyone feels valued and celebrated equally.
Women are integral to the success of Gray Dawes. You only need to look as far as our CEO, Suzanne Horner, as proof of that fact. Her place at the helm of our organisation is only part of her invaluable contribution to the business travel world; she holds the accolade as the first female chair of the Business Travel Association (BTA) and was this year named on BTN’s 25 Most Influential List.
But Suzanne is not the only inspiring woman at Gray Dawes. We asked some of our amazing female staff what International Women’s Day means to them and what it is like as a woman in business travel. Here’s what they had to say…
TRISH HEWITT
Chief People Officer
“For me, International Women’s Day is a great time to stop and celebrate all of the amazing things that women across the world do. I’m a massive fan of using other women’s successes as my motivation and I would encourage everyone to do the same. It’s a great time to look at what people are doing, give them flowers and be super excited for them!
It’s great to be surrounded by so many inspirational, sparky, kind, women, and that’s something else I like to focus on for International Women’s Day. I think if we were all just a little bit kinder to each other it would make such a big difference in life. So when you see somebody who has an amazing outfit on, tell her! Give someone a compliment even if you don’t know them – that can lift someone’s day.”
ERIN DAVEY-BARROW
Director of Events
“International Women’s Day is about coming together to recognise the phenomenal achievements of women in both business and society.
“Gray Dawes is about being your best self and bringing your best self to work. Led by Suzanne, and with women on the senior leadership team, I feel inspired to be part of a company that really understands just how important it is to come to work, and be your best self. And it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, you really can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.”
LAST YEAR WE CELEBRATED THE PIONEERING WOMEN IN TRAVEL
Women have been at the forefront of travel innovation throughout history.
We explored the pioneering figures who overcame adversity and paved the way for women in the travel industry today. We also met some of the inspirational women a little closer to home, who are inspiring their colleagues and leading Gray Dawes Travel to a bright future!
SONAM POPAT
Marketing Consultant
“For me, International Women’s Day means respect, appreciation, and recognition for women. At Gray Dawes, I think women are represented really well.
“The fact that we have a female CEO, and board members who are women makes a difference. Women here have an opportunity to voice their opinions, make suggestions, and progress their careers if they want to.”
CAROLANN MARTINI
Chief Customer Officer
“I think we’d all admit that it’s been a man’s world and some would argue that it still is. I would disagree with that. I feel that women have broken into an amazing different level. I feel strongly that every woman’s success should be another woman’s inspiration.
“We need to support each other 100% and be happy for each other when something good happens. Clearly, we’re strong and smart, but I think it’s also important that we’re kind, we’re good listeners, but above all that we’re humble. As a female leader I have a voice. I think female leadership is in Gray Dawes’ DNA, all the way from our CEO right through our company.”
Watch the Full International Women’s Day 2024 Video
Creating an environment where women feel empowered to lead from the front is one of our proudest achievements. At Gray Dawes, we value the voice of everyone – each individual’s opinion and insight is a net gain to both our company and the wider business travel industry.
Check out the full video featuring some of our incredible Gray Dawes women HERE.
Related Articles
Hong Kong: A Business Traveller’s Guide
Strategically located in South China, Hong Kong offers unparalleled access to the burgeoning Asian market and is often defined as the city where East meets West. Colonial-era architecture stands proudly beside soaring modern structures, while ancient temples co-exist with bustling financial districts. This harmonious blend reflects Hong Kong’s fascinating history as a British colony that later transitioned to a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. In this comprehensive guide to Hong Kong for business travellers, we delve deeper into navigating the city’s unique corporate landscape, offer our top tips for getting around, and pick out our top 3 things to see or do to make your trip unforgettable.
Top 6 Places to Visit as an LGBTQ+ Traveller
As an LGBTQ+ professional, travel comes with an extra layer of uncertainty. Though the world is becoming an altogether friendlier and more tolerant place, there are still challenges to overcome and hoops to jump through. So, to celebrate Pride Month 2024, we spoke to our very own Diversity & Inclusion Manager Brit Clayton who gives her top 6 destinations for LGBTQ+ business travellers as told through the prism of her own experiences abroad.
Flight100: Testing The Limits of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The use and effectiveness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) remains one of the hottest topics in business travel. Back in 28 November 2023, Virgin Atlantic successfully operated Flight100 – the world’s first commercial SAF flight from London to New York. In this article we extract the key findings of the ground-breaking feat as outlined in the Executive Summary produced by the team behind it all.
CALL US
08448 553700
+44 (0) 1206 716111 (if outside the UK)
EMAIL US
ALWAYS HERE
Mon – Sun, 24 hours a day
LET’S TALK
Fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.