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.
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