We believe in empowering women and championing their success. This International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting five inspiring women in our business who are driving our industry forward and making more possible every day. We asked women from different areas of our business to share their career journeys, key achievements and the advice they’d give to the next generation of women in their industry.

The theme for International Women’s Day is to #AccelerateAction for gender equality, because at the current rate of progress it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity. Our Gender Pay Gap is currently 12.8%, but we’re continuously working to reduce this through initiatives such as Flexible Working and our Menopause Policy.

“We’re proud to champion the growth and success of women across our business and provide the opportunities they need to continuously thrive.”  Phil Harrison – Group HR Manager

Laura Fox, UK Creative & Content Business Director

What is your career journey like?
I joined APS in the summer of July 2013 as a Digital Account Director with the primary objective of growing our digital client base. In 2016, I was promoted to Client Services Director, and fast forward 8 years from then – I’m now our UK Creative and Content Business Director, responsible for our UK agency client services teams and all client deliverables.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
The standout projects from the early years included working on the initial Superdrug loyalty app and supporting on the launch of their Beauty Studio concept store brand/ look and feel. It’s great to see most of what we created still in circulation across their store estate today. I also enjoyed working on the Mitchells and Butlers brands including the rebrand and reinvigoration of O’Neills. More recently we’ve loved working with Magnet Kitchen’s delivering all their trade marketing communications including piloting a new rewards scheme which is exciting.

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
The best career advice I ever received which has always stayed with me is… Don’t be afraid to be curious. Being curious allows us to learn continuously, shows others we’re interested, instils creativity in our thinking, opens new avenues and possibilities and can even bring excitement to daily tasks (even the dull ones).

Maartje van Beek, Creative & Content Business Director for APS Europe

What is your career journey like?
I started as a Project Manager and grew towards Account Manager, Account Director, and Client Services Director at bigger international agencies, eventually becoming Partner at my own advertising agency. For the last 2 years I’ve been responsible for all creative and content for APS within Europe.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
Working in advertising, a passion since I was a kid (I used to make New Years Eve Quizzes for the family about slogans, ad music, logos etc, so you can call me a real ad nerd 😉) and still working in advertising with the greatest colleagues and share my passion is my key achievement

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
Women should always be helping other women. Especially when they have the possibility and power to do so. Break the old boys networks, build the new girls network! That’s why…. You should come join me on the Feminist March this Saturday in Amsterdam!

Izabela Luc, International Payroll Officer

What is your career journey like?
I officially started my journey with APS Group in 2007, after working through an agency for 3 months as a Warehouse Operative. I enjoyed the time in our warehouse environment & soon became Goods-In Supervisor where I met so many amazing people and made lifelong friends. During this time I was studying in my own time, and managed to move in the energetic sales Invoicing Solutions team when an role become available. I now work as an International Payroll Officer, looking after our overseas colleagues, alongside the brilliant and vibrant bunch of people in UK and the Netherlands.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
My role evolved in so many ways over those years and I’m grateful for all the experiences. From gaining logistics management skills, operating various warehouse trucks, meeting and cooperating with many people across the business to focusing on our sales and then payroll. I truly enjoyed every stage of my career. Every day brings fresh challenges and opportunities to immerse myself in new subjects, expanding my knowledge.

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
Stay positive and always aim to overcome all obstacles. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – Audrey Hepburn 😊

Laura Kay, Marketing & Events Manager

What is your career journey like?
My APS journey started a little unconventionally as I was hired for a brand-new events-based role in January 2020, only for Covid to hit two months later meaning I got furloughed. When I came back my role had changed, and I moved over to the marketing team which led to what I do now which is leading on the three areas of events, CSR and marketing for the public sector side of the business. I’d love to say what my day to day looks like, but every day is so different which is part of the reason I enjoy what I do as it keeps me on my toes!

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
A big achievement for me is that I started as a coordinator and progressed to Marketing & Events Manager within 5 years. Before my role there wasn’t a structured event plan or CSR calendar so I believe my biggest impact is through implementing those, both in terms of helping to increase brand awareness and also bringing colleagues together.

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
My advice for future generations is to stay open minded to new opportunities and trying new things. You may end up really enjoying doing something you’d never even considered before!

Jessica Rodrigues, Client Services Director for APS North America

What is your career journey like?
I started as a customer service rep. for another managed service provider. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Working on the largest account the company had at the time, with a small team allowed me to jump into a lot of projects and forced me to learn as I went, and quickly. I started at APS as a Key Account Manager, working on the Philips account. I still work with Philips as the Client Service Director for North America, and help on other accounts, and new business too.

What are your most memorable achievements or projects that have made an impact?
Working with Philips has been the biggest achievement for me.  When I started at APS I was working on the newest and only account for the US, Philips.  We really needed to win the hearts and minds of the stakeholders, and I spent a lot of time travelling to meet with different teams and working onsite to really build those relationships.  We have been able to not only continue working with Philips, but consistently grow with them, and become a trusted partner!

What would be your best career advice for future generations?
Building relationships with colleagues, clients, and vendor partners is so important.  Be flexible and adaptable and don’t be afraid to try new things!

We’re proud to share the diverse career journeys of women across our business, each unique and without we couldn’t deliver the service we do for our clients. We remain committed to accelerating action for gender equality and empowering women at every stage of their careers., not just for today but as a lasting commitment. Together, we’re making more possible.