Celebrating International Women’s Day – Meet Claire Shawyer

To celebrate “International Women’s Day”, we’re meeting some of the wonderful women that work here at C&L. Today we meet Claire!

Name: Claire Shawyer
Job Title: Business Development Manager
Location: South West Lintels
Length of Service: 2 years & 2 months

What does your role involve?

My role covers all aspects of customer account management (account set up, credit management/aged debt, project tracking, enquiry/quotation, terms, complaints, site visits, entertaining) and growing sales in my area.  Working closely with depot colleagues to maximise opportunities with new and existing customers.  In a leadership capacity I look to help my depot colleagues frame their goals and work through steps to achieve them.

How do you feel being one of the few women in your workplace?

I’ve been in the construction industry for over 20 years now and have always looked up to the women who have paved the way and hope to do the same for those who come after.  Change takes time and its great to see the increase in female representation in the construction industry. It takes a certain type of woman to work in any male dominated industry and I’m proud to be one.

What interest you in your role?

I was looking for my next career move and the opportunity at C&L was brought to my attention. Despite being a slight step backwards, C&L  looked to be a company where I’d get the opportunity to develop and progress.

How did you get to your position? Any advice to others?

Through hard work, grit and determination! There is no quick route to building the skills needed to be a good BDM.  It’s not just about the quick sale, it’s about investing time and energy into establishing genuine connections.

My best advice is to always be the most authentic version of yourself and follow through on any commitments to customers and colleagues.

What do you like about working for C&L?

I love the people I work with.  I have a solid team of committed individuals around me at the depot, and a fantastic network of colleagues in the wider C&L company.

How do you feel working in a male dominated environment?

I feel really strongly about women holding their place in all male dominated environments and industries. It’s entirely possible to be a female and celebrate our unique strengths as women without subscribing to the need to cultivate a bullish nature and masculine energy.

Throughout my career I have found myself in situations where I was painfully aware of being the “only woman in the room”, or felt I was being treated differently due to my gender.  But I’ve always tackled these instances head on and have found that the frequency with which they occur has lessened in line with men changing their own views on women in any workplace.

Balance is so important for organisations and its vital that female voices are heard and women are prepared to step up and be that voice.

Do you think being a woman in this industry has affected your opportunities for career development?

Personally, no. However there needs to be recognition that female progress is ultimately in the hands of men, and other than the HR role which seems to be exclusively female, progression beyond DM and BDM is currently non-existent.

That being said, the inclusion of women in management roles and on the Pipeline Leadership programme shows a commitment to gender diversity within the company and that gives me hope that in the years ahead there will be a greater female presence at Director level.