News: Introducing The Women Of Oppo - IWD 2022
THE WOMEN OF OPPO
This International Women's Day, we're spotlighting the incredible women of Oppo who are all playing a vital role in the growth of our business.
Oppo is proud to be gender equal.
As of March 2022, 50% of our Senior Department Heads at Oppo are women and with the exception of us as Founders and our Senior Heads, over 50% of the wider team are women as well.
These women play pivotal roles in:
- Creating our delicious products (Megan & Sally)
- Ensuring our ice cream is stocked in as many places as possible (Alex)
- Keeping our finances in check (Sophie)
- Making sure our tubs & sticks are available in supermarket freezers (Georgina, Sally & Silvia)
- Raising our brand awareness (Christye & Hannah)
Together, they continue to pave the way in helping us become Europe's fastest growing ice cream brand.
Crucially, it's also the women in our business that are driving our sustainability agenda.
From sourcing the most sustainable packaging and ingredients possible through to managing our B-Corp application process. From monitoring and evaluating our carbon footprint through to helping us achieve our goal of planting 60,000 trees by 2023 in partnership with TreeSisters - it's the women of Oppo who are leading these initiatives (Christye, Hannah, Megan, Sally & Silvia).
All of the above (and more) is why it's a pleasure for us to introduce them to you.
Get to know these amazing women better by scrolling below!
ALEX, UK NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER
What's your proudest career moment so far?
Receiving an award for the highest achieving UK sales representative whilst working in the field for Diageo, enabling me to be put forward and selected onto my company's management development programme at the time.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Never benchmark yourself against others. You are your only competition - this mindset facilitates feelings of progression and builds a much more positive outlook; enabling you to grow as an individual, rather than constantly comparing.
Who's your female inspiration?
Waris Dirie - Somalian fashion model, author, and women's rights activist known for her efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM). Waris is an icon, and has proven that with resilience and grit, you can achieve, lead and empower - The Desert Flower, Waris Dirie's memoir, is an eye-opening and powerful read if you get a minute!
What's your IWD message to those reading?
I love Serena Williams' quote: 'Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on.' - As we continue to build one another, we all grow and succeed. Whenever you get the chance, raise women up around you.
CHRISTYE, BRAND MANAGER UK & EUROPE
What's your proudest career moment so far?
Sounds cheesy but getting this job with Oppo was a big career moment for me. I've got my dream job and I'm really proud to be able to work for such a great company, with amazing products and alongside lovely people.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't be afraid to share your opinion or to make decisions - it really is how you learn, so don't let fear get in the way!
Who's your female inspiration?
Holly Tucker who founded NotOnTheHighStreet is a really inspiring woman in business. She's a very successful entrepreneur in her own right and has gone on to spend her career championing small businesses, and helping other women turn their passions into profit. I'd recommend giving her podcasts a listen!
What's your IWD message to those reading?
“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” –G.D. Anderson
GEORGINA, SUPPLY CHAIN ANALYST
What's your proudest career moment so far?
My proudest career moment is less of an isolated moment and instead the continued relationships I have with the brilliant people I have previously worked with. Nothing is more rewarding then hearing that someone you used to mentor or manage is thriving in their career.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't be afraid to set more boundaries for yourself at work. Whilst it's great for development to say yes to as many opportunities as you can saying no on occasion will ultimately be much better for your wellbeing and in turn what you can offer in your role.
Who's your female inspiration?
Dolly Parton. I adore her! And if you don't feel the same way just listen to the Dolly Parton's America podcast and prepare to have your mind changed!
What's your IWD message to those reading?
I'm not usually a quotes person but I regularly come back to this one by Maya Angelou- "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it."
HANNAH, MARKETING EXECUTIVE
What's your proudest career moment so far?
My career and education before I joined Oppo Brothers was hugely science-based and I felt incredibly lucky to have been offered a position here without any prior marketing experience. A chance was taken on me having shown potential in my interview process which I am incredibly proud of!
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
It's never too late to switch your path. Don't feel that what you studied at university has to be the field you have to stick to - you may not have known your passions at that point in time so don't be afraid to explore what's out there!
Who's your female inspiration?
My mum. Her name's Karen but she is far from the stereotypical meme. She's my rock and always puts others before herself. More people in the world like Karen please!
What's your IWD message to those reading?
Treat every single person (and dog) you meet with kindness. You never know what someone is going through behind closed doors. The smallest of gestures can have the largest of impacts!
MEGAN, NPD TECHNOLOGIST
What's your proudest career moment so far?
I always get a huge buzz seeing products I've developed on supermarket shelves. Most recently a range of 3 fruit blend teas for Twining's.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Believe in yourself and your capabilities more. Go for every opportunity that is in front of you and try not to compare yourself.
Who's your female inspiration?
My mum. She is what I see as the epitome of a strong female. She had a successful career as director of marketing and sales for south eastern newspapers whilst juggling being a single parent to myself and my two sisters.
What's your IWD message to those reading?
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” –Michelle Obama
SALLY, HEAD OF OPERATIONS & PRODUCT
What's your proudest career moment so far?
Creating a lower calorie ice cream that beats Haagen Dazs in blind taste tests.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
If the environment you're working in doesn't fit you, change the environment to suit you, not yourself to suit the environment.
Who's your female inspiration?
My mum!
What's your IWD message to those reading?
Embrace the super power of femininity in everything you do.
SILVIA, SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS MANAGER
What's your proudest career moment so far?
Moving to the French Alps on my own when I was 25 to work at the Evian Water factory. It was the start of my career in supply chain.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Follow your dreams, do not give up and do not fear failure!
Who's your female inspiration?
My mum, obviously and Carmen Hijosa at Ananas Anam Ltd.
What's your IWD message to those reading?
To all the women who have positively encouraged other women, keep going. No one will stop you when you realize how powerful and brave you are.
SOPHIE, HEAD OF FINANCE
What's your proudest career moment so far?
Surviving my first external audit!
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't doubt yourself, jump at any opportunities that come your way professionally and personally.
Who's your female inspiration?
Coco Chanel, she showed all women that it is possible to create the life that you want.
What's your IWD message to those reading?
Spread your wings and fly!
We hope you enjoyed learning more about the women of Oppo and if you'd like to become a part of the Oppo Brothers team, please head to our jobs page here or email us direct harry@oppobrothers.co.uk / charlie@oppobrothers.co.uk.
THANK YOU! #IWD2022
International Women's Day Logo Images: internationalwomensday.com
The Women Of Oppo Images: Courtesy of Oppo Team Members