How to advocate for yourself at work

A very happy International Women’s Day to you all. We spent time catching up with Michelle Lownie, Eden Scott’s Chief Executive. 
 

We discussed Michelle’s career development, her views on career progression and her tips on how to get ahead in the world of work.
 

Interviewer: Hello Michelle, thanks for sitting down with us today. Can you tell us a little about your career? How did you become Eden Scott’s, Chief Executive? 
 

Michelle: I didn’t necessarily go the traditional route. While I stayed on until my final year at high school, I knew I didn’t want to go to university. In fact, I wanted to be a police officer! |
 

While I was waiting to be old enough to join the police force, my father made me get a job - any job. I ended up in a very junior recruitment position where I was making cups of tea and filing away papers that no one would ever read again. 
 

I was fortunate to be taken under the wing of the agency’s leader who challenged me to take on more responsibilities. I found that the more I succeeded, the more success I wanted. 
 

From there, I pushed myself and worked hard to secure more senior positions.

I: Did you find that not having a degree held you back in your career?
 

M: Not at all. In fact, getting that practical experience so early on really helped me to progress. 
 

I supplemented my experience with further education about five years into my career. I attended night school for two nights a week completing an HND in management and a CIPD qualification. 
 

I then went on to study Effective Management with the Open University. 
 

While again it was a lot of hard work, being able to study alongside my work really helped to keep my career on an upward trajectory.

I: Effective leaders need to get others to buy into their ideas. How have you advocated for yourself throughout your career?
 

M: If you want other people to get enthusiastic about your ideas, then you need to be really excited about them too. 
 

Believe in yourself, form your vision and then sell it. 
 

Crucially though - and this is something that people with good ideas often forget - for a concept to work, you need to be able to make a path for others to develop it.

No idea works in isolation - it requires good team contribution to make it a reality. 
 

I: What has spurred you on in your career?
 

M: I’ve always believed in the power of hard work. There’s a lot to be said for just knuckling down and applying yourself to a task - even if it feels impossible. 
 

While I’ve been lucky in my career never to have felt limited by my leaders, I did have one experience where a manager suggested that I’d reached my potential, and that I should stop trying to progress in my career. That sounded like a great challenge, and I’m pleased to say that I proved him wrong. 
 

I: Now in your senior position, is there a leader you look up to?
 

M: There are many people whose work styles I admire, but I never try to emulate them. That wouldn’t serve me, because it wouldn’t be authentic. 
 

Being true to yourself, being honest with others and not being afraid to give transparent feedback are some of the best ways to lead, in my opinion. 
 

I: What is your advice for women targeting leadership positions?
 

M: It’s the same advice I would give anyone. Be passionate, create a career strategy, listen carefully and work hard. 
 

Today’s younger people have it tough - things like buying a first home and the cost of living are a lot harder to navigate than they were even 20 years ago. 
 

It’s grit and perseverance in the face of these real challenges that will help them get ahead.
 

I: Thanks for your time, Michelle.
 

Interested in progressing your career? Submit your CV and we’ll be in touch to discuss your career progression goals.