Celebrating International Women’s Day at Perenna

To celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD), Perenna is thrilled to announce a special initiative in line with this year’s campaign theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion.’ This initiative aims to highlight the experiences and contributions of the women at Perenna, showcasing their roles, experiences, and perspectives. 

At Perenna, we recognise the importance of fostering an inclusive environment where our employees feel valued and empowered. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are excited to introduce a short Q&A featuring some of the incredible women at Perenna. 

Foreword from Aniq, Chief Communications Officer

As we celebrate International Women’s Day at Perenna, it’s crucial to reflect on the values of inclusivity and empowerment that define our company culture. Our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels supported and valued is paramount. 

At Perenna, we understand the importance of providing opportunities for women to thrive and succeed in their careers. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, we not only empower our  employees but also create a stronger, more diverse workforce. 

Q&A 

Mikaela, Mortgage Operations Governance Manager at Perenna 

How has your experience at Perenna inspired your sense of inclusion?

At Perenna I’ve had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of individuals who all bring unique perspectives and experiences. This has reinforced my understanding of the importance of embracing differences and highlighted how inclusivity powers creativity and innovation. 

Can you share a moment where you felt empowered at work? 

Before joining Perenna I had worked for the same company since leaving school. Taking that initial leap, trusting my own capabilities, working through daily challenges, and helping the team here reach huge milestones has shown me that I can really do anything I put my mind to. 

What do you think is important for a diverse and inclusive workplace?

Encouraging everyone to be themselves. Create a culture at work where everyone feels like their voice is valued and heard. 

How will you inspire inclusion?

By listening. By talking about it. By educating myself. By encouraging collaboration. 

Michelle, Head of Programme Delivery at Perenna 

How has your experience at Perenna inspired your sense of inclusion?

The hybrid and flexible working practises that have been adopted are inclusive, this way of working allows the Perenna team to work in a way which supports individual lifestyles and choices. 

Can you share a moment where you felt empowered at work?

I feel empowered at Perenna as the working style is autonomous, I’m trusted to manage and work with my team to get a multitude of projects delivered in fast paced environment. 

What do you think is important for a diverse and inclusive workplace?

Recognition that there is always opportunity to do more, from small things like making language used more inclusive, to broader activities like taking time to listen and learning from people’s experiences. Everyone should be involved in creating an environment where team members feel they are able to bring their entire selves in to the workplace. 

How will you inspire inclusion?

For me to inspiring inclusion starts with fostering an environment that encourages openness, when interacting with team members I want them to feel valued and respected. My approach is to actively encourage open dialogue and collaboration among team members, emphasising the importance of every individual’s contribution. 

Gemma, Head of Marketing at Perenna

How has your experience at Perenna inspired your sense of inclusion?

Perenna has supported me in creating a flexible working pattern that helps me to create the right work/life balance for me and my young family. This has made me feel valued in my role, where my working pattern does not undermine my contribution to the business.  

Can you share a moment where you felt empowered at work?

I have had many opportunities to engage and collaborate with teams and individuals across the business. Within a short time of working at Perenna, I had the opportunity to present my recommendations to the Board, which made me feel that my personal views and contributions were valued.  

What do you think is important for a diverse and inclusive workplace?

I think it’s important to create a culture that encourages open and safe communication whilst providing opportunities for cross-team collaboration.  I think a positive culture in the workplace is achieved when individuals feel that their opinions are heard and valued. 

How will you inspire inclusion?

I think ‘respect’ and ‘trust’ are crucial in building the foundation to inclusion. For me, this means encouraging honest and open communication, where people feel empowered to share their views and ideas without judgement. But most importantly, really taking the time to listen, so that individuals feel valued. We are all different. We have different perspectives, insights and experiences and it’s important to embrace these differences to foster a positive working environment.  

Kasia, Head of Conduct Compliance at Perenna 

How has your experience at Perenna inspired your sense of inclusion?

People feel included when they’re kept informed.  My experience at Perenna has taught me how to strike the right balance with keeping people informed so that they feel part of the journey.  

Can you share a moment where you felt empowered at work?

I recently felt empowered at work when I had the full picture of an issue I was dealing with.  It’s a lot easier to troubleshoot an issue and reach a successful conclusion when you have the full picture. 

What do you think is important for a diverse and inclusive workplace?

I think it’s important to understand people’s strengths and encourage them into roles that leverage those strengths.  I think this supports a diverse and inclusive workplace. 

How will you inspire inclusion?

I try to inspire inclusion by being open and honest, and hope that gives others the confidence to behave similarly. 

Deborah Reeves, National Account Manager at Perenna

How has your experience at Perenna inspired your sense of inclusion?

Inclusion happens so naturally at Perenna, it’s not something that is over engineered at all and for me that is the best kind of inclusion! Opinion is sought and views are welcomed from all roles across the business. There is a genuine sense that we are ‘in this together’ with everyone targeting the wider goal. The aim itself is inclusive, ‘homeownership where everyone who can afford a home can own one’, so it runs though the organisation by design. 

Can you share a moment where you felt empowered at work?

As part of my induction meetings were booked with each of the Co-Founders, it was during these meetings I immediately knew I was empowered and trusted to do a job! The meetings were not just a formality (could have been seen that way!) but valuable time where they each took the time to get to know me, ask my viewpoint on not only company but industry hot topics. This didn’t stop after these ‘intros’ and that consultative approach is business as usual. I am empowered as know I have a voice and the autonomy to make a difference in this business. 

What do you think is important for a diverse and inclusive workplace?

Collaboration and the success this generates only comes from varied perspectives – a diverse and inclusive group will lead to healthy challenge and considered output.   

How will you inspire inclusion?

I am instinctively very interested in people (nosey, maybe!) This means I actively seek out views and understand the value in looking through an alternative lens. As a natural reflector it is important to me to be considered and look to the use the strengths of those around me rather than going out on a limb. I like to think I approach each day with an open mind! 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reflect on the insights and experiences shared by the women of Perenna. Their stories inspire us to continue fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.  Thank you to Gemma, Michelle, Kasia, Deborah and Mikaela for sharing their perspectives and contributing to our journey of Inspire Inclusion at Perenna.

Correct at time of publishing.