This International Women's Day, we asked colleagues across Phenna Group to reflect on their careers by answering one simple question.
From what motivates them most in their role, to the advice they'd give their younger selves, each response offers a personal insight into what it means to build a career in highly technical, regulated and leadership-driven environments.
Rather than simply celebrating individual success, these reflections highlight something more important: the role that support, trust, development and opportunity play in helping people grow and succeed. Across Phenna Group, we believe that when individuals are backed by strong teams, encouraged to use their voices, and supported in keeping learning, they can build confidence, leadership capability, and long-term careers in their chosen fields.
These perspectives show what's possible when people are supported to thrive, and why investing in people is central to our growth as a group.
Hannah Thompson, Head of Communications at NAPIT
What keeps you passionate about your work?
There are so many ways I could answer this question, but the number one thing that keeps me passionate about NAPIT and my role here is the people and the ethos of the business.
I'm incredibly fortunate to work alongside a fantastic team of marketers and designers who share the same passion, drive and enthusiasm that I bring to my role. Across the wider organisation, I'm surrounded by true experts in their fields, people who are deeply knowledgeable, committed and proud of the work they do. NAPIT is a business that genuinely listens and champions those who care about making a difference.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is attending shows and events, speaking directly with tradespeople who are NAPIT members or who aspire to be. Hearing the pride they have in being associated with NAPIT, the respect they hold for our technical teams, and the loyalty they show to the brand makes it easy to come to work every day.
NAPIT is a business that truly cares about safety, about competence across the industry, about its members, and about its staff. I couldn't think of a better organisation to do my role for, and that's where my passion really comes from.
Charlotte Mallon, HS&E Operations Director at DM Safety & Health Services
What would you tell your younger self starting out?
Early in my career as a Health and Safety professional, walking onto construction sites often meant being the only woman on site. Later, it meant sitting at boardroom tables where I was sometimes the youngest voice, or sometimes the only female. In both spaces, the feeling was similar: you must prove yourself.
What I wish I'd known sooner is this — your seat at the table is not accidental!
On-site, your voice protects people. In board meetings, your voice protects the business. Health and Safety isn't just compliance; it's leadership, risk management, and culture. When you speak up about unsafe practices, challenge timelines that compromise standards, or present credible data that pushes for investment in safer systems, you are not being difficult — you are safeguarding lives and long-term performance.
I would remind my younger self that confidence in this role doesn't have to be loud. It comes from preparation. It comes from knowing your numbers before you enter the boardroom, understanding your sites before you step onto them, and standing firm when pressure mounts.
I would also tell her that being a woman in this industry is not something to overcome — it is something to embrace. The ability to influence, to listen carefully, to connect operational reality with executive decision-making — these are strengths. Diverse leadership improves outcomes, especially in industries where risk is high, and culture matters deeply.
And finally: build allies at every level; the supervisors on site, the project managers, and with the Directors in the boardroom. Health and Safety is most powerful when it is shared ownership, not a single department's responsibility.
You belong on site.
You belong in the boardroom.
And your voice can shape decisions that ensure everyone goes home safe — every day.
Sam Double, CEO at VetSkill
What motivates you in your role?
There are many factors that motivate me in my role as Chief Executive Officer of Vet Skill Ltd, but I think my overarching motivator is the privilege of leading an exceptional group of talented individuals. This feeds into other motivational factors, such as the culture we have created as an organisation, focused on wellbeing and psychological safety, and my belief in what we can achieve for our learners and apprentices, our training providers, employers, and wider stakeholders as an Awarding Organisation and Apprenticeship Assessment Organisation.
Investing time in my own continued professional development and research motivates me greatly. I have a particular interest in evidence-based approaches to optimising organisational performance through authentic leadership and positive workplace psychology. I also have a passion for exploring the health and well-being effects of working within highly regulated environments, including education, and how compliance and risk interact with psychological safety and a human factors approach.
One other key motivating aspect of my role is having the opportunity to contribute to the wider Awarding and Education sector, by representing medium-sized Awarding Organisations and Apprenticeship Assessment Organisations like Vet Skill Ltd, through the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB), for whom I sit on several committees and have recently become a non-executive director on their Board. These roles give me the opportunity to influence on a national strategic level regarding government and regulatory initiatives, and changes to education and awarding. This, coupled with the exceptional cross-sector peer network it provides, keeps me truly inspired as well as motivated.
Abbi Holloway, Laboratory Manager at Cansford Laboratories
What would you tell your younger self starting out?
I'd tell my younger self to use your voice with confidence.
Ask the questions — all of them, that's how you'll learn, grow, and shape your path. Nothing you ask is ever 'silly,' and one day you'll be the person encouraging others to speak up and explore their curiosity.
Working in science isn't always straightforward. It's full of challenges, unexpected results, and moments that push you out of your comfort zone. But it's also full of collaboration, shared learning, and people who genuinely want to help you succeed.
Draw on the knowledge and expertise of those around you and never allow yourself to stop developing. Keep investing in your growth, your skills, and your learning.
Niamh Dillon, Operations Manager at BET
What would you tell your younger self starting out?
Believe in your ability, even before you fully see it yourself.
Starting out as Key Account Manager and now working as Operations Manager at BET, I've learned that confidence isn't something you're given; it's something you build. Every tough conversation, every challenge, every decision under pressure adds another layer to it.
You won't have all the answers on day one, but if you stay resilient, keep learning, and focus on building strong relationships, there really is no limit to what you can achieve.
I've been lucky at BET to work with knowledgeable, supportive people who trust me and challenge me to grow. That environment has been a huge part of building my confidence and developing me as a leader.
Construction, and operations in particular, demands problem-solving, leadership and trust. Once you back yourself and your abilities, you realise you're capable of far more than you imagined.
Confidence changes everything. And when you build it, you can do anything.
Preeti Kummari, Geotechnical Engineer at Civiltest
What motivates you most in your role?
What motivates me most in my role is impact and responsibility that comes with it. As a geotechnical engineer, the work I do becomes the unseen foundation of homes, buildings, and infrastructure that people rely on every single day. Knowing that my technical decisions contribute to safety and long-term stability gives my work deep meaning.
Completing my PhD shaped my mindset deeply. It taught me discipline, critical thinking, and the confidence to question assumptions and solve complex problems. That depth of knowledge continues to motivate me — not just to apply what I've learned, but to constantly improve and push boundaries in practice.
And personally, I'm motivated by representation. Being a woman in a field environment, often the only woman on site, reminds me that showing up confidently matters. It's not just about doing the job well — it's about quietly expanding what's possible for the next generation of women in STEM.
For me, motivation comes from purpose, progress, and paving the way for others.
Holly Moore, Finance Director, Hansen Aerospace and TDF Metal Finishing
What motivates you most in your role?
Working from a very young age (17) in manufacturing, where I learned to design springs for various industries, I then moved into metal finishing and aerospace. It has been quite a journey. I am motivated due to the impact my role has on both the company and our employees. While working for two companies has been challenging at times, it has also been very rewarding. It is good to challenge oneself and grow.
Working day to day with people you truly like and admire also helps. I believe that happy, supported employees are what make a company thrive, and I am driven by the chance to make a difference for both the company and our hard-working employees. I am a helper by nature, and helping the business and our staff makes me proud.
Together is how we succeed!
Jo Day, Chief Revenue Officer at ISGroup
What motivates you most in your role?
Without hesitation - the people.
I'm incredibly fortunate to work alongside some deeply passionate, driven and highly accomplished individuals. There's a genuine work ethic and hunger to make a difference - not just to hit a number, but to deliver work we're proud of and results that matter. People here believe in what we do and in the impact we can have for our clients. That energy and level of commitment is infectious.
I'm motivated by building something that performs. And sustainable growth doesn't happen by accident. It's shaped through clarity of strategy, strong foundations, and disciplined execution. I love scaling and maturing businesses, and my role allows me to bring that experience into an industry going through significant evolution of its own. Strengthening how we operate, sharpening our focus, and embedding smarter ways of working - including the thoughtful use of AI to remove friction and free our teams up to focus on high-value work - is a big part of that. When we create the right environment and give great people the right tools, results follow.
At its core, it comes back to people and performance. Working with smart, ambitious teams and creating the conditions for them to do their best work, win with heart, and build something that lasts. That's what motivates me.
Natasha Powers BSc MSc MCIfA MCMI FSA, Associate Director - Archaeology & Heritage at Ecology Solutions
What would you tell your younger self starting out?
The hard work will pay off to get you the osteology job you dreamed of, but you will also have many more!
This career is going to take you to all sorts of unexpected places, sometimes literally, so don't be afraid to take every opportunity that you can find and learn from each of them.
Listen to the expertise of those around you, and trust in and share your own knowledge.
Alessandra Albani, Managing Director at ITS Controlli
What keeps you passionate and motivated in your role?
I'm driven by the tangible impact of our work. In engineering and inspections, what we do every day contributes directly to safety, quality and reliability across works, plants and processes.
Just as important is the human side of the role – seeing people grow, develop their skills and build a strong, credible organisation together. The responsibility and trust placed in us are powerful motivators, knowing our decisions have a real impact and that clients, colleagues, and stakeholders rely on our judgment. Growing the organisation while developing people's talent makes the work especially rewarding.
Simone Young, Controller at Atlantic Testing Laboratories
What keeps you passionate about your work?
I am deeply passionate about my work because each day brings meaningful challenges that allow me to problem-solve, collaborate, and make a lasting impact. Working with a diverse range of colleagues gives me the opportunity to appreciate different perspectives, build strong relationships, and foster a spirit of teamwork. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing my employees' growth, expanding their knowledge and gaining confidence in their abilities. Seeing their development contribute to our corporate success, profitability, and overall progress is incredibly fulfilling.
I take great pride in supporting our operations divisions and administrative departments in every way possible to help maximize ATL's efficiency and drive sustainable growth. Knowing that my efforts contribute to both individual advancement and organizational success fuel my ongoing dedication.
Punitha Karrupiah, Head of Finance at ISGroup
What does working in your role mean to you?
Working as Head of Finance at IS Group means carrying both responsibility and purpose. In the business of surveying, precision matters- even the smallest detail can influence a project's outcome. Finance mirrors that discipline. When we build strong financial foundations, we give the business the confidence to deliver projects that shape infrastructure and communities.
For me, this role also represents growth. Finance within technical and project-based industries has traditionally been male-dominated, and throughout my career I’ve often found myself working in environments where female representation at senior levels was limited. Those experiences shaped me. They taught me that leadership is not about volume, but about clarity, consistency, and quiet confidence.
At ISGroup, I see my role as a strategic partner; supporting operational teams, understanding the realities of project delivery, and helping leadership navigate growth and risk with discipline and foresight. I also recognise the importance of visibility. Simply showing up, contributing meaningfully, and leading with integrity can help expand what leadership looks like within technical sectors.
Ultimately, I'm proud to help build strong foundations, financially and culturally, so the organisation can grow sustainably and continue contributing meaningfully to the built environment.
Tayla Holland, Administration Manager at Civiltest
What keeps you passionate about your work?
I'm really passionate about my work because I get to be part of a growing company where I can help shape and improve processes, then actually see them develop and make a real difference.
I love working in an environment where no two days are the same — it keeps things interesting and pushes me to stay adaptable and keep learning. Most of all, it's the people I work with that motivate me. Being part of a supportive, driven team makes the whole experience genuinely rewarding.
Joleen Byers, Associate at CGL
What does working in your role or sector mean to you?
It means being the glue that holds everything together. My role sits right in the middle of technical delivery, people, and problem-solving.
It's incredibly rewarding to know the work we do has a tangible impact, and that I've played a part in helping something complex move forward successfully - even if sometimes that success is simply getting everyone to agree on the same spreadsheet.
Stephanie Chu, Accountant as AME
What keeps you passionate about your work?
I like being close to how a business actually runs.
The numbers show what’s really happening, and it’s rewarding when the work I do helps the team make smarter decisions. It is also quite satisfying when everything reconciles at the end of day!
Alina Rusu, Clinics Manager at Eville and Jones
What keeps you passionate about your work?
What keeps me passionate is knowing that our work directly supports both animals and their owners at important moments. Whether it's helping a pet travel safely to another country, supporting preventative care through vaccination clinics, or helping families through compassionate end-of-life care, the impact is very real.
In my role, I support vets delivering these services by ensuring the right clinical standards, regulations and processes are in place so they can focus on providing the best possible care. Veterinary work isn't just clinical; it also involves regulation, logistics and client support. For example, many people are surprised by how complex pet travel certification can be, as every country has different rules and timelines, requiring careful coordination and attention to detail.
What motivates me most is supporting the vets I work with. When systems and processes run smoothly, it allows them to focus on what matters most — caring for animals and supporting their owners. Over time, I've learned that developing strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail and confidence in your expertise makes a real difference in helping services run effectively and supporting the wider team.
Camilla Braithwaite, Deputy CEO at IASME
What would you tell your younger self starting out?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be that you don't need to change who you are to be successful—and that no one actually has all the answers.
Early in my career, many of the leaders I saw were very dominant personalities or highly political operators. That style didn't feel natural to me, and for a while I wondered if effective leadership meant becoming someone different. Over time, I realised that the approach that works best for me—and often delivers better outcomes—is bringing together the knowledge and perspectives of the team.
Great ideas rarely come from a single person. My strength has been creating an environment where people contribute their expertise, challenge each other constructively, and move toward the best solution together.
So the advice I'd give my younger self is to lean into the skills you already have. Build on them, stay curious, and lead authentically. When you focus on harnessing the collective intelligence of a team, you not only get better results—you also build stronger, more motivated teams.
Clarissa Patel, Marketing Coordinator at Phenna Group
What keeps you passionate about your work?
What keeps me passionate about my work is the variety and impact that every day brings. No two days are the same, and I thrive on the constant challenge of solving problems, learning new skills, and adapting to different projects and priorities. I love working closely with businesses to bring their ideas to life, whether that's shaping a campaign, refining a message, or supporting marketing efforts from the start. Seeing an idea finally come to life is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I enjoy marketing so much.
Equally important to me is the people I work with. Being part of an incredible team of women who are supportive, knowledgeable, and driven has a huge impact on my role. I'm inspired by those around me. There's always room to expand your skills and grow, and I will always be grateful for such opportunities. Combining meaningful work, creative problem-solving, and a strong, empowering team culture is what truly keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.
Inspired to Build Your Career with Phenna Group?
If the stories shared here have inspired you to explore a career with Phenna Group, we'd love to hear from you. Across our global network of specialist companies, we offer opportunities to build rewarding careers in testing, inspection, certification and compliance. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and discover how you could be part of our growing group.