In celebration of International Women’s Day #inspireinclusion we chatted to Focus Commercial Manager, Dani Ives, about her distinguished career to date, mentorship, and the significance of International Women’s Day 2024.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m Dani Ives, Commercial Manager, millennial, obsessed with skin care, excellent map reader.
Can you name someone who has inspired you and why?
So many people inspire me, it’s hard to pick one. But one of my best friends Nicole always amazes me with her strength, her determination, her drive, and most importantly her unwavering kindness.
If you could swap lives with someone for a day (fictional or real life) who would that be?
Taylor Swift, I think I’d probably be exhausted afterwards, but she is a real powerhouse and championing empowerment of woman all over the world.
What do you think are the most pressing issues facing women you know at present?
Surviving on statutory maternity pay, woman shouldn’t have to choose between their careers and motherhood. They shouldn’t have to choose between heating and food. This is something we should be getting right.
How important do you think mentorship is in empowering women and fostering leadership?
I think it’s really important, I know the people I call mentor have challenged and therefore changed me. A mentor is someone who changes your mindset, broadens your opinions, and your vision. Not someone who just trains you to do a job.
The travel industry is known as a leading sector in equality, inclusion, and diversity, but how do you think workplaces can continue to achieve more inclusive environments and challenge biases?
Talk about differences and embrace them. Not just gender and race, but also generational differences. The workforce you trained for 10 years ago also existed 10 years ago, lets bring our mindsets forward.
Who stands out for you as a leading example in the battle for gender equality?
The person who comes straight to my mind is Focus Board Director Cilla Goldberger. She is so passionate about inclusion throughout, and you can see that this spreads within her team, and the people around her.
What changes would you like to see for women over the next decade?
More help and support when it comes to maternity leave. Woman shouldn’t have to pick between their careers and being a mother.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
In my career, it has to be winning the first ever Shining Star Award at the Business Travel People Awards. And I am now a proud impartial judge of these coveted industry awards.
What can we all do to observe International Women’s Day 2024 and help achieve equality and inspire inclusion?
Lead by example. Talk more, but also listen. Be willing to tell your story and also to listen to others. Have respect, don’t judge, and simply embrace each others differences.
