To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke to the ladies of the SW Board of the CIM to find out what made them want to volunteer and join the board…
“I decided to volunteer with the CIM South West Board for a variety of reasons, such as expanding my network, find a different challenge and because I wanted to support initiatives that interest me.
Ultimately however, it was to allow me to grow personally and in my career. When you join a group of like-minded professionals, anything is possible. You all have a common goal and want to succeed. There is no hierarchy or barriers to exploring what you can achieve. It’s a space that is full of energy where I can offer ideas, I am heard and feel valued.
I enjoy volunteering, my personal values drive my want to give back in any way I can, and whilst this last year has been a challenge, it has presented exciting opportunities for divergent thinking which is exciting.
Being someone who recently believed that I suffered from Imposter Syndrome; I now strongly feel that whilst we can all have days of doubt… I am human, it has left me wondering whether it is more to do with the environment you are in than anything else.
With this in mind and following the campaign theme for this year’s International Women's Day, I 'Choose To Challenge' my thoughts when I have days of doubt and I encourage you to reflect on your environment, be it at work or at home, and challenge bias and inequality. Because if we don’t challenge, there will be no change.”
Sarah Pattern, Vice Chair
“I've only recently joined the CIM South West board. When I was presented with this opportunity, I was delighted. To me, the CIM represents true professionalism in marketing. Having been a CIM member for many years since gaining CIM qualifications earlier in my career, I've loved joining like-minded colleagues on the South West board. Collaborating with these marketing professionals from all different businesses, give us the opportunity to cross-share knowledge, experience and ideas. As a Co-Founder and Director of a local South West marketing agency, I'm passionate about giving our region marketing resources, events and support directly from the knowledge hub of CIM.”
Verity Studley-Wootton, Development Ambassador
“This is my 4th year as a member of the South West CIM Board and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. I have always had a passion for self-development and helping others to develop and see and understand their potential. When I was informed about the Student and Education Ambassador role, it was something I was absolutely keen to get involved in and was hugely chuffed when I was successful in getting the role.
My role involves speaking to local students, sharing my journey into marketing, and talking about the CIM and why marketers should get involved.
For me, the best thing about my role is the fact that I can hopefully motivate students to follow their passions and be the best they can be – but ultimately at their own pace. I’m very much in the ‘no pressure’ camp. We all have our own timings, and it is important to recognise that. Continued development is important, and someone once told me ‘You can never be over-educated’. If I can help just a few students on their journey, then my role is totally worthwhile.
Claire Bryant, Student & Education Ambassador
Visit https://regions.cim.co.uk/south-west/home/about/the-board/ to find out more about the SW team.