Why do we need more females in top management?

Swee Ghai, Commercial and Immigration Consultant Solicitor, heads up our Manchester office where her team deals with property, commercial, immigration, company, intellectual property rights, litigation and employment. She was born in Malaysia and lives in Cheshire. Here she talks about Balance for Better, this years theme for International Womens Day.

“I wanted to be a lawyer since the age of 12. When I finished school I attended the University of Liverpool and one of my most proud moments was attending the admission ceremony at the Hong Kong High Court.  After completing Legal Practice Course I went on to work for a niche law firm, specialising in international work and was made a company director.

Since my career began, I see more women taking leading roles and that the attitude towards female leaders has changed. My mother set a very good example for me. In a male-dominant society and against all odds, she worked as a musical and puppetry entertainer and ran a dancing school business.

I am fortunate that I have not experienced gender imbalance at work - however socially we need to lead by example by being vocal when we hear people make misogynistic comments.

I have worked at Taylor Rose for four years and I believe the firm allows a good degree of autonomy. I think a difference can be made by implementing flexible working and a fair reward system to encourage performance and attract talent from all genders.

Moving forwards we should encourage female representation in top management for more diversified, creative and innovative strategies.”

Want to know more about Swee out of work? Here's some interesting facts:
What’s your key to success? Efficiency, time organisation and sheer hard work.
What’s your top tip? Be creative, whether at work (problem-solving), management or everyday life.

Behind the scenes: 
What do you do when you’re not working? I enjoy reading books, cooking, writing bilingual children’s stories and watching murder mystery movies.
What are you Listening to: Jazz Reading: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.
What’s your favourite travel destination: China. I am fascinated by its history, culture and food. I’m planning to go to Bangkok, Thailand.
What’s the one thing no-one knows about you? I was once extremely passionate about wood carving until I nearly killed myself with an electric chisel.

#balanceforbetter #internationalwomensday