After an internship at Marks & Spencer and a BSc in business management, Fiona O'Hara took her first paid job for public sector consultancy firm, Capital Group. She joined Accenture in 1995 and has now risen to a position on the board.
What are your current responsibilities?
My current position involves two hats: one is my expertise and the other is my passion. My expertise is that I am director of operations for the technical division. I am number two to the managing director and have global responsibility with many investment portfolios. The other is human capital and diversity lead. This includes me sponsoring diversity initiatives to build an inclusive workforce at all levels. This job gives me a seat on the board along with the head of HR.
What advice would you give young women entering the business environment?
I would encourage undergraduates to get internships during their holidays and on their days off. Degrees no longer differentiate. You need experience in the workplace – that is what sets you apart from others applying for the same job. Technology offers huge opportunities, so be mindful of where the opportunities lie. Play to your strengths; stick to what you enjoy; dress and act professionally.
How can companies encourage and support women?
In 2002, for example, I took a one-year maternity leave. When I returned I realised my job was no longer compatible with looking after a small child. I asked Accenture if it was possible to move to a job which made less out-of-hours demands. The company, recognising my experience and expertise, happily accommodated me at the same salary as my previous role.
Would you have taken the new job on a lower wage, had it been offered?
Yes – but only if the job was of interest to me, was fulfilling and suited my new life. If you want a fulfilling career, you need to make an investment in building for your future. It was, after all, a chance to gain another piece of expertise and that is always a plus – a chance to add skills.
What has been your greatest work challenge and how have you overcome it?
Changing departments having had a baby had its challenges. I moved to energy and utilities and was with people who did not know my expertise or my reputation, which I had built over previous years – that was all left behind in the other department. I had to build up my business relationships and reputation again. But you always learn something from the bumps in the road.
What can senior women do to help other women wanting to move up?
At Accenture, we believe that diversity and inclusion drives performance and I now manage a pipeline of women in a proactive way. Are they in the right role? Can they be considered for promotion? I am also responsible for the women returning from maternity leave and, if necessary, re-siting them in different roles. We need to be flexible and creative in business and retain talent.
What are the challenges women face when trying to progress? How can these be overcome?
Keeping momentum can be a challenge; you can't expect to have that 100% of the time. You stand a greater chance of success if you pick the right role. Push for change if you are not happy. Don't be shy. Ask to be considered for other roles, to be put on that shortlist, on that interview list. Make sure you have the qualifications for the work you want.
What is the future for equality for women in business?
There are a number of initiatives, both externally and internally, showing broad acceptance of diversity within teams ultimately benefitting business. I see industry and governments trying to find ways to build sustainable pipelines. It can be frustrating. It's not a one fix solution – there are repetitive issues, but I remain optimistic.
Fiona O'Hara is a speaker at the Opportunities for Women Conference being held at the Congress Centre in Central London on Wednesday 24 October. For more information, click here.
Content produced and controlled by Square Peg Media, supporter of the Diversity Hub.
