What does your typical day look like?
The in-house legal team at PML provides support to almost every team supporting the UK’s commercialisation of our smoke-free products. That means I work with commercial teams, supply chain, procurement, brand, comms and external affairs. So for me, no two days look the same. But over the course of a typical week, I might be helping the business to launch a new product, negotiate a new supplier contract, or clear a media statement for release. There’s a great variety and I've always got a thorny issue to help the business solve.
What did you dream of doing when you were a child?
I was obsessed with Ally McBeal when I was a kid; at the time being a lawyer seemed exciting and glamorous. The reality is quite different; it’s not all about going toe-to-toe on big legal debates. It’s much more about understanding what matters most to the business and working out the best possible way to advance its objectives—whether that be through legal or commercial routes.
How close have you come to your that dream in your current role?
It’s certainly not Ally McBeal! There are no dancing babies, and I don’t tip up to court wearing a power suit, thankfully. But I will never regret my decision to become a lawyer—the skills you develop over the course of your academic and practical training really set you up for success in future. You’re taught to drill down into detail, to take a step back to look at the bigger picture, and how to think creatively to find a solution to a problem presented to you; all useful for any career path I may want to pursue in the future.
Would your younger self be pleased with you today?
Yes, I think so. After I left university there was the financial crash, and like many industries it became much harder for graduates to get jobs in the legal sector. I was very lucky though; the General Counsel for the company I was working at set up an in-house training contract for me (which was unusual at the time). This mean that I could qualify as a lawyer while I worked and studied for my professional qualifications. It was tough to juggle both, but a brilliant experience, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity that was given to me.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
As I’m supporting lots of teams within the business, I get to learn about how the business works, and from many different perspectives. That also means I’m often well placed to see what’s happening across the business at a macro-level and spot opportunities to connect people who might be working on different problems individually but could come together to get a better outcome overall for PMI. When that does happen, it’s awesome.
Have you faced career barriers because you’re a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?
Not here, and I’ve also had mostly positive experiences with previous employers too—in my last job I was promoted when I was eight months’ pregnant, but I think that in broad terms most women will have experienced a level of inequity in the workplace.
What does gender equality mean to you?
Gender equality is about ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities. I also think it’s important that everyone—men and women–can equally participate and share in any caring responsibilities they might have.
I’m really lucky—my husband and I both have employers that offer great flexible working. So I’ll work from home three days a week and when I’m in the office, I’ll work core hours of 10.00am-4.00pm. This sort of flexibility allows me to manage my childcare arrangements and take my son to nursery in the morning without rushing to start work.
PMI is good at shining a spotlight on people who are doing great work. Absolutely brilliant.
How important is diversity and inclusion at PML?
Very. PML is focused on being an equitable organization. There are many employee groups that support our people and bring them together, whether it’s in connection to race, gender, parenting, or other issues of inclusion. Our business leaders are advocates for diversity and inclusion—it’s very encouraging to see this in practice and be part of a supportive and progressive company.
How important is a work/life balance to you?
Finding a balance is crucial for me; and having flexible working arrangements allows me to manage my responsibilities at home and at work.
What change would you like to see for young women in the next generation?
I would like to see all young women feeling confident in their ability, and not being held back by “imposter syndrome.”
If I had my time again, I would say yes to more of the opportunities that came my way, rather than feeling afraid. I would encourage other young women to do the same, because it’s a great way to gain experience, build your career and grow. Ultimately, even if an opportunity doesn’t work out, you can learn from it and move on.
Are you receiving the recognition that you deserve for your work?
Absolutely, PML really shines a spotlight on its people when they go above and beyond to deliver great work for the business. We are all recognized for the contributions we make, and I’ve already had access to so many opportunities, from attending training courses to working on projects in new areas.
