In this article:
Tell us about your role at Social Pantry...How do you define yourself outside of work?When you started at Social Pantry, where did you think you'd be now?What are some of the skills and traits you possess that you won't find listed on the job description?Have you experienced any cultural messages that caused you to doubt your potential as a woman? How have you overcome them?How have you grown in confidence during your time at Social Pantry?What are the specific features of Social Pantry as a workplace and community that have helped you to thrive as a woman specifically?International Women’s Day 2023
“Every day feels like International Women’s Day at Social Pantry” is something we’ve heard a few times amongst the team. Social Pantry is a female-founded, female-led enterprise with 2/3 majority women at leadership level and high levels of female representation across all areas of the business. For International Women’s Day 2023, we spoke to five of our leading ladies about their experience as a woman at the top of their game.
Tell us about your role at Social Pantry…
Alex, Founder & CEO: “I started off as everything, doing everything, and now have a more specialist role focused on business strategy and product development.”
Sarah, Head of Development: “I develop seasonal menus for all areas of the business – events, workplace catering, in-house and Social Pantry Cafe. I research and maintain supplier relationships, and look after our apprentices and help with ex-offender enrolment.”
Silvia, HR & Culture Manager: “I look after HR & Culture, ensuring the team have all the support they need to feel happy and satisfied and thrive in their roles. I love helping people overcome their challenges.”
Charlotte, Marketing Director: “I head up the marketing team and oversee all things brand and creative. I have an incredibly talented in house team of brand, content, digital and design specialists and work alongside external agencies to deliver our marketing and communication activity.”
Gemma, Events Director: “I head up a fantastic team of event planners, a staffing manager and N extension dive team of freelancers as well our in house styling team. Whilst ensuring all events are delivered seamlessly, I’m busy developing and growing the business and working on new venue tenders, showcase venues and client care.”
How do you define yourself outside of work?
Alex, Founder & CEO: “A mum of two little ones who loves hosting.”
Sarah, Head of Development: “I get a lot of enjoyment from spending time with family and friends, cooking for people and hosting at home. Also going out for dinner and Sri k in London. I love long walks at my parent’s house in Yorkshire and attempting lots of DIY on my own home and garden!”
Silvia, HR & Culture Manager: “I’m very energetic, smiley, engaging and entertaining. I’m always trying to find the silver lining to a situation!”
Charlotte, Marketing Director: “The organised one! I’m your girl for hunting out local hidden gems on holiday or finding the best places for staycations. I’m a huge dog lover too. Have I told you about Nellie and Lylah?!”
Gemma, Events Director: “A life immersed in hospitality! My partner owns a restaurant and recently opened a pub, so you’ll find me at hicce or hicce hart, or testing out other new openings! When the summer hits and I’m not working, I go to as many live music events as possible!”
When you started at Social Pantry, where did you think you’d be now?
Alex, Founder & CEO: “When I started Social Pantry I could only dream of my business becoming this established!”
Sarah, Head of Development: “When I joined 5 years ago as CDP I had no expectations other than wanting to learn and get stuck in. I stepped up to Head Chef for a year before taking on my current role. That was never a role I expected to be in my path but I’m so glad I had that experience leading a very busy events kitchen.”
Silvia, HR & Culture Manager: “When I started my HR career 8 years ago from an internship I never imagined I’d progress to be responsible for an entire HR department in a relatively short space of time. I have always wanted to work somewhere that values hard work and provides recognition and support. That’s exactly what I found in Social Pantry.”
Charlotte, Marketing Director: “I’m what we like to call a Social Pantry boomerang! I first started with the business in 2015 as Marketing Manager and have helped shape the brand today. When I left my role on 2018, albeit bittersweet, I hadn’t anticipated returning! But when Alex head hunted me to return in 2021 and I’ve never looked back!”
Gemma, Events Director: “If it hasn’t been for COVID giving me the break to think about my next step, I may never have made the leap from my previous company where I worked for 11 years. I am so glad I did. I haven’t looked back!”
What are some of the skills and traits you possess that you won’t find listed on the job description?
Alex, Founder & CEO: “Multi-tasking expert!”
Sarah, Head of Development: “I am a good listener, good at energising people and having a laugh whilst working hard. A happy team always works better together and more efficiently. If someone needs to chat something through, you should always have time for them. I learned that from Holly and it has shaped how I lead and work with others.”
Silvia, HR & Culture Director: “I’m a very empathic person and great other people’s problems as though they were my own. I am always trying to provide the right advice and point people in the best direction to overcome their challenges. I pride myself on a professional approach which includes always respecting people’s confidentiality.”
Charlotte, Marketing Director: “I’m like a swan… on the surface, I’m laid back and cool. Beneath the surface, I am padding hard with speed and agility to deliver against a number of competing projects!”
Gemma, Events Director: “Passion, dedication and a strong work ethic.”
Have you experienced any cultural messages that caused you to doubt your potential as a woman? How have you overcome them?
Alex, Founder & CEO: “Whenever I get a ‘no’ from someone it makes me even more determined to prove them wrong.”
Sarah, Head of Development: “When I was Head Chef I encountered people who questioned my authority and I think a lot of that came down to gender bias. It became all the more important to find a balance between gaining people’s respect, maintaining a non-shouty environment, getting the best out of my team and always being kind.”
Silvia, HR & Culture Manager: “As a foreigner, I have experienced feeling like an outsider and having to prove myself as capable of doing my job as anyone else. I’ve never felt that way at Social Pantry. However, it is a bias that persists in society.”
Charlotte, Marketing Director: “I think we’re all subject to a bit of self-doubt from time to time. Over the years, I’ve found it helpful to give myself time to reflect on everything I’ve achieved. I still think back to those early days of Social Pantry and wonder how Alex and I pulled some of the projects off. But we did! Fake it until you make it, right?”
Gemma, Events Director: “I am sure I have but I try not to dwell on anything negative. I aim to not let other people’s negative opinions or actions get me down.”
How have you grown in confidence during your time at Social Pantry?
Alex, Founder & CEO: “Big wins should always be celebrated as a sign we are getting things right. That builds confidence. I love seeing employees return to Social Pantry after leaving. That’s further confidence-boosting evidence.”
Sarah, Head of Development: “Having the opportunity to run Wilderness Kitchen and write my own menu for the night instilled a lot of confidence. It was a demonstration of how much the company trusted me and proved to myself what I was capable of.”
Silvia, HR & Culture Manager: “After a short time at Social Pantry I became responsible for looking after the whole social sector. This includes ex-offenders who work at Social Pantry as part of their reintegration into society. That was a great boost to my self-esteem. There is no better reward than helping others feel appreciated.”
Charlotte, Marketing Director: “I think my confidence is testament to Alex. We built a trusting relationship that gave me the time, space and confidence to navigate new situations and land on the right solution.”
Gemma, Events Director: “Being able to support my growing team and ensuring personal development for everyone. This has included wine training courses, restaurant visits and foraging trips.”
What are the specific features of Social Pantry as a workplace and community that have helped you to thrive as a woman specifically?
Alex, Founder & CEO: “I’ve always wanted to create the workplace I wish I could have started out in. I am continually striving to make this a progressive, enjoyable, supportive and innovative place to work.”
Sarah, Head of Development: “Social Pantry has always made me feel equal and valued. Having a nurturing and progress-focused kitchen environment benefits every member of the team.”
Silvia, HR & Culture Manager: “As a mother, I have benefitted from some flexible hours to allow me to better manage childcare. Everyone says your life changes when you have a child and it’s so true. I’m grateful for support from work!”
Charlotte, Marketing Director: “I’m part of a leadership team that is 2/3 women. To be surrounded by so many talented female leaders striving towards the same goal is beyond rewarding. Just wait to see what we’ve got in store!”
Gemma, Events Director: “The opportunities for personal and professional development are vast and I love being part of such a dynamic, progressive team.”
