International Women’s Day: WiredScore Chooses to Challenge

Veröffentlicht am:

3 / 8 / 2021

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To celebrate and advocate women’s rights and global equality, WiredScore is honoring International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021. The theme for this year’s IWD is Choose to Challenge – an apt sentiment as the world faces the biggest global challenge of the decade. Yet, despite those challenges, we’ve seen the world rise together, and today we celebrate what it means to challenge, overcome and achieve.

2020 and 2021 have been big years for women overcoming globally relevant challenges. Women of the United Nations received global praise for effective handling of COVID-19 as New Zealand, Germany and Bangladesh (all countries with female leaders) trailblazed a response to the global pandemic. The United States appointed Kamala Harris as the first female, Black, and South Asian American Vice President – paving the way for more equal representation in positions of power as Harris is the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. And Member of Scottish Parliament Monica Lennon’s four-year campaign to end period poverty in Scotland came to fruition as the country became the first to make menstrual products free for all in 2020.

We’re certainly making progress in creating a more equal, inclusive and progressive global society, but the work is far from done. If change continues at its current rate, we still won’t reach complete gender parity for another 99.5 years – and therein lies the real challenge!

Challenge comes in all manner of forms. Some challenges are global, and some are personal, some are big, and some are small, but all are valid. Shifting our global perspective to an internal view, the women of WiredScore have chosen to embrace this year’s IWD theme by sharing a moment they’re proud of, encapsulating a challenging time and celebrating overcoming that challenge.

Here we’re making space for the women of WiredScore to share their experiences, as we reflect on what it really means to challenge (be that the status quo, society, or ourselves) and we champion those who have transformed a challenging situation into a great achievement.

Marine

In 2017, I decided to make a big leap: I moved to South Korea for my studies. I didn’t speak the language, my English was very limited and I didn’t know anyone there. It was a major step for the shy and risk averse young woman I was. But even if I was scared to leave my family, boyfriend, and friends, I knew that it was a one-time opportunity. So, I decided to leave my comfort zone and got on that plane.

I am proud that I did it, as those four months transformed me. I met an incredible group of international students who took care of me, taught me English, and got me out of my shell. Thanks to this beautiful experience, I came back to France more confident and more skilled. I was fluent in English, could write Html code and learned how to work with people from different nationalities, and overcome the language barrier to produce great outcomes.
In 2017, I decided to make a big leap: I moved to South Korea for my studies. I didn’t speak the language, my English was very limited and I didn’t know anyone there. It was a major step for the shy and risk averse young woman I was. But even if I was scared to leave my family, boyfriend, and friends, I knew that it was a one-time opportunity. So, I decided to leave my comfort zone and got on that plane.

I am proud that I did it, as those four months transformed me. I met an incredible group of international students who took care of me, taught me English, and got me out of my shell. Thanks to this beautiful experience, I came back to France more confident and more skilled. I was fluent in English, could write Html code and learned how to work with people from different nationalities, and overcome the language barrier to produce great outcomes.

Laura

I'm proud of how I've overturned a belief I once had that I 'wasn't a creative person', but I've come to realize that 'creativity' doesn't only mean being able to draw or paint. Being creative is a fundamental part of what I do every day at work. From designing new products to writing tailored emails to clients that communicate something complex in a simple way, I'm constantly applying creativity to my work to achieve the best outcome.

As a result, my creative confidence has grown and grown over the years and I've taken up a number of new creative hobbies, most recently: watercolor painting! There are lots of tutorials on YouTube which have made learning easy and I find the process of starting with a blank page and finishing off with a picture that I've created myself really satisfying.

Our beliefs about our strengths and weaknesses are often formed from our earliest experiences of being told what we are and aren't good at. But the process of finding creative hobbies I enjoy has shown me that it's never too late to change this narrative.
I'm proud of how I've overturned a belief I once had that I 'wasn't a creative person', but I've come to realize that 'creativity' doesn't only mean being able to draw or paint. Being creative is a fundamental part of what I do every day at work. From designing new products to writing tailored emails to clients that communicate something complex in a simple way, I'm constantly applying creativity to my work to achieve the best outcome.

As a result, my creative confidence has grown and grown over the years and I've taken up a number of new creative hobbies, most recently: watercolor painting! There are lots of tutorials on YouTube which have made learning easy and I find the process of starting with a blank page and finishing off with a picture that I've created myself really satisfying.

Our beliefs about our strengths and weaknesses are often formed from our earliest experiences of being told what we are and aren't good at. But the process of finding creative hobbies I enjoy has shown me that it's never too late to change this narrative.

Poppy

Where I come from, people don’t tend to leave. There’s a stigma attached to wanting to go to another city, and there’s certainly a pressure to stay true to your roots and remain in Birmingham. But it was always my dream to live in London. Moving here meant that I had to stand my ground against those who wanted me to stay put – that wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of myself for doing it.

By going to university, achieving my degree, and getting a job in London, I essentially defied all of the social odds pitted against me. Everything I have, I’ve earned through sheer hard work. I’m proud that I continue to challenge myself, challenge society, and challenge expectations by stepping out of the Birmingham bubble and forging a path in life that no one thought would be a success – yet, here I am.
Where I come from, people don’t tend to leave. There’s a stigma attached to wanting to go to another city, and there’s certainly a pressure to stay true to your roots and remain in Birmingham. But it was always my dream to live in London. Moving here meant that I had to stand my ground against those who wanted me to stay put – that wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of myself for doing it.

By going to university, achieving my degree, and getting a job in London, I essentially defied all of the social odds pitted against me. Everything I have, I’ve earned through sheer hard work. I’m proud that I continue to challenge myself, challenge society, and challenge expectations by stepping out of the Birmingham bubble and forging a path in life that no one thought would be a success – yet, here I am.

Carmen
WiredScore Accredited Professional

I am proud to have expanded my knowledge in the area of digital connectivity by becoming a Wiredscore Accredited Professional. As a sustainability consultant, I’ve been able to explore and promote the concepts of WiredScore certification, using them as a basis for achieving the highest levels of digital infrastructure on projects.
As a member of the WiredScore community, I do believe that we are all contributing to the definition and realization of the buildings of the future. Better connectivity will lead to a more socially and economically sustainable environment, ultimately improving the quality of work and productivity of people.
I am proud to have expanded my knowledge in the area of digital connectivity by becoming a Wiredscore Accredited Professional. As a sustainability consultant, I’ve been able to explore and promote the concepts of WiredScore certification, using them as a basis for achieving the highest levels of digital infrastructure on projects.
As a member of the WiredScore community, I do believe that we are all contributing to the definition and realization of the buildings of the future. Better connectivity will lead to a more socially and economically sustainable environment, ultimately improving the quality of work and productivity of people.

Giorgia
WiredScore Accredited Professional

I’m proud of my involvement with the WiredScore Accredited Professional (AP) community since I joined WiredScore in September 2020. In the past five months, I’ve had the pleasure of being the first WiredScore AP to obtain WiredScore certification for a redevelopment in Italy. The project has been interesting and challenging as the building is a large historical asset.

I’m proud to have achieved a WiredScore Certified rating for this building because I know that my work to advise the client has enabled them to include forward-thinking design into the redevelopment. I truly believe in the power of technology to connect people, and I’m proud that my work is helping to build a better connected and more productive society.
I’m proud of my involvement with the WiredScore Accredited Professional (AP) community since I joined WiredScore in September 2020. In the past five months, I’ve had the pleasure of being the first WiredScore AP to obtain WiredScore certification for a redevelopment in Italy. The project has been interesting and challenging as the building is a large historical asset.

I’m proud to have achieved a WiredScore Certified rating for this building because I know that my work to advise the client has enabled them to include forward-thinking design into the redevelopment. I truly believe in the power of technology to connect people, and I’m proud that my work is helping to build a better connected and more productive society.

Maria

Growing up, I probably tried every single hobby there is, from gymnastics to flower arranging and piano to ballet. But, I had a habit of quitting. So when I agreed to take up rowing at the age of 12, I set myself a goal: I wasn’t allowed to quit until I achieved something.

It started out great. The club was fantastic and really eased us all into training, but as I got more experienced, the training got tougher. The hours were long and the training intense. On reflection, I now understand why. This wasn’t just a hobby to the trainers and some of the other girls, it was a way to kick-start a professional career. I soon realized we were being trained to compete.

That was the first time I wanted to stop rowing. I could do the training and really enjoyed the rhythm of the river, but I do not have a competitive bone in my body so I was never motivated by the chance of winning. But as I set myself a goal of achieving something significant, I had to follow through.

After a few wintery seasons of training and competing in small races (and frankly hating every minute of it), we were entered into a few regattas and had a busy summer of competitions ahead of us. The training had paid off and we won quite a few. Delighted by the fact I had achieved something and stuck it out, I left the club and joined another club to row at my own leisurely pace.

The experience has taught me to, in my adult life, push through situations and goals I commit to, even when my heart isn’t in it – and I am proud that as a teenager I actually achieved something that I (and my parents) could be proud of.
Growing up, I probably tried every single hobby there is, from gymnastics to flower arranging and piano to ballet. But, I had a habit of quitting. So when I agreed to take up rowing at the age of 12, I set myself a goal: I wasn’t allowed to quit until I achieved something.

It started out great. The club was fantastic and really eased us all into training, but as I got more experienced, the training got tougher. The hours were long and the training intense. On reflection, I now understand why. This wasn’t just a hobby to the trainers and some of the other girls, it was a way to kick-start a professional career. I soon realized we were being trained to compete.

That was the first time I wanted to stop rowing. I could do the training and really enjoyed the rhythm of the river, but I do not have a competitive bone in my body so I was never motivated by the chance of winning. But as I set myself a goal of achieving something significant, I had to follow through.

After a few wintery seasons of training and competing in small races (and frankly hating every minute of it), we were entered into a few regattas and had a busy summer of competitions ahead of us. The training had paid off and we won quite a few. Delighted by the fact I had achieved something and stuck it out, I left the club and joined another club to row at my own leisurely pace.

The experience has taught me to, in my adult life, push through situations and goals I commit to, even when my heart isn’t in it – and I am proud that as a teenager I actually achieved something that I (and my parents) could be proud of.

Rachael

I provide my friends with a safe and comfortable outlet to speak their authentic feelings. This year has brought on so many new challenges and I've learned to listen more actively when my friends just need time to feel connected.
I provide my friends with a safe and comfortable outlet to speak their authentic feelings. This year has brought on so many new challenges and I've learned to listen more actively when my friends just need time to feel connected.

Charlotte

I'm really pleased with my scarf – it's cozy and reminds me of how much I can achieve in an afternoon.

The thing I particularly enjoyed was the freedom to unravel and start again, not chastising myself for mistakes but seeing them as a chance to practise again and improve the end result.

I think it's healthy to take the same attitude to work when plans change and we have to reformulate. This is obviously much harder in a wider context than my knitted neckwear but the principle still applies!

Sometimes it takes a few dropped stitches to get a purl*.

*Egregious knitting pun.
I'm really pleased with my scarf – it's cozy and reminds me of how much I can achieve in an afternoon.

The thing I particularly enjoyed was the freedom to unravel and start again, not chastising myself for mistakes but seeing them as a chance to practise again and improve the end result.

I think it's healthy to take the same attitude to work when plans change and we have to reformulate. This is obviously much harder in a wider context than my knitted neckwear but the principle still applies!

Sometimes it takes a few dropped stitches to get a purl*.

*Egregious knitting pun.

Morgane
WiredScore Accredited Professional

After graduating in biology and sustainable development, I am proud to be working on innovative projects in the construction and real estate industries, covering a wide range of topics, from incorporating biodiversity to the digital experience in buildings and the fostering of users' well-being. In my projects, I implement all of these areas of expertise and I feel that I am making a very concrete contribution to a more sustainable and desirable world.
After graduating in biology and sustainable development, I am proud to be working on innovative projects in the construction and real estate industries, covering a wide range of topics, from incorporating biodiversity to the digital experience in buildings and the fostering of users' well-being. In my projects, I implement all of these areas of expertise and I feel that I am making a very concrete contribution to a more sustainable and desirable world.

Lydia

I’m really proud that as the People Operations Manager I was able to support our global network of staff throughout the ongoing pandemic. 10 weeks into my new role, this was undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges of my career and I look back at the initiatives, support and work that has gone into helping the team though these times, and I am proud of what I achieved. I’m proud because I had a positive impact on the lives of others, and because I was able to make a difference.


Initiatives of support included workshops on home office setups and weekly wellness tips, generating engagement from the company and ensuring that mental health and wellbeing were continuously considered, discussed and supported. It’s been tough, but it’s also been rewarding, and I’ve loved seeing everyone benefit from the fun and safe environment I’ve helped to create, despite these challenging times.
I’m really proud that as the People Operations Manager I was able to support our global network of staff throughout the ongoing pandemic. 10 weeks into my new role, this was undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges of my career and I look back at the initiatives, support and work that has gone into helping the team though these times, and I am proud of what I achieved. I’m proud because I had a positive impact on the lives of others, and because I was able to make a difference.


Initiatives of support included workshops on home office setups and weekly wellness tips, generating engagement from the company and ensuring that mental health and wellbeing were continuously considered, discussed and supported. It’s been tough, but it’s also been rewarding, and I’ve loved seeing everyone benefit from the fun and safe environment I’ve helped to create, despite these challenging times.

Kelsey

I’ve always believed that you will be your most successful - personally and professionally - when you’re in a role that challenges and excites you. Settling for a role, maybe because it pays more, will ultimately lead to you feeling stuck and unmotivated.

Seven years ago I left my first job in finance to pursue a marketing internship with Disney Weddings. Since then I’ve advanced in different marketing roles and have had the opportunity to be led by some amazing mentors, who have always pushed me to pursue roles that continue to challenge me. I actually first applied for a Client Success Manager role with WiredScore almost two years ago, and after the initial interview (despite how much I liked the company) decided I wanted a role that had more ownership over marketing strategy. I continued to check the website for different roles and, nearly 9 months later, my current role was posted. I reached out to my initial contact, my resume was sent to the hiring manager, and here I am - working in a role that challenges me and for a company with a great culture, mission, and opportunities to continue growing.
I’ve always believed that you will be your most successful - personally and professionally - when you’re in a role that challenges and excites you. Settling for a role, maybe because it pays more, will ultimately lead to you feeling stuck and unmotivated.

Seven years ago I left my first job in finance to pursue a marketing internship with Disney Weddings. Since then I’ve advanced in different marketing roles and have had the opportunity to be led by some amazing mentors, who have always pushed me to pursue roles that continue to challenge me. I actually first applied for a Client Success Manager role with WiredScore almost two years ago, and after the initial interview (despite how much I liked the company) decided I wanted a role that had more ownership over marketing strategy. I continued to check the website for different roles and, nearly 9 months later, my current role was posted. I reached out to my initial contact, my resume was sent to the hiring manager, and here I am - working in a role that challenges me and for a company with a great culture, mission, and opportunities to continue growing.
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