Almost 17 years ago, a woman told me that I could be anything I wanted to be and could achieve anything. I was taken aback and surprised. No-one had ever said that to me before. No-one had backed me. In fact, my life to that point had been a constant fight to prove people wrong.

I could get into university and I could go to law school. I was not going to follow my predetermined fate as a Cornish housewife. That woman, Patricia Wass TEP, went on to become global chair of STEP and continues to be a great friend of mine. Her words had an impact.

The words were needed. Research shows that when applying for jobs, the majority of women will only apply if they meet all the criteria and then some. This is contrasted with men, the majority of whom will often put themselves forward thinking they will learn as they go. The same goes for volunteer roles.

Champions and encouragement

I have been lucky to have a great number of people encourage me to apply for my roles at STEP. My cheerleaders, if you will. Anthony Nixon TEP, who encouraged me to stand for Council, Rod Luker TEP, who encouraged me to stand for Board and Alan Milgate TEP, who encouraged me to stand for Chair. Finally, James von Simson TEP, my biggest cheerleader and STEP bestie, who stood by me and supported me throughout.

Without this encouragement from my cheerleaders, I may never have started this journey.

What women can bring to governance roles

All these men realised and appreciated that women can do great things and we bring something new to the table.

I asked a range of people what they thought women bring to governance and leadership roles.

STEP’s CEO Mark Walley said that over the years he has observed better behaviours in groups where women are involved: the dynamic shifts when there is a great mix of different perspectives.

Jenny Rogers, Managing Partner at my firm, Steele Raymond, who has supported me in going for the Chair role, said: ‘Each individual brings unique strengths to the table and women contribute valuable perspectives and experiences to management and leadership.

‘I find that women often bring a collaborative spirit, encouraging open communication and ‘transparency. Additionally, they can bring an empathetic approach, which fosters understanding and responsiveness to individual needs, further strengthening team relationships.’

Stephanie North, STEP’s Governance Manager, who has experience of working with a range of committees and boards both at STEP and elsewhere, said she felt that women often possess skills and attributes that can be valuable on committees and boards. In particular:

• collaboration;
• relationship building;
• communication: building the case for change and taking people with you; and
• seeing the human side to rules and organisational structure.

So, on International Women’s Day, I thank all our women volunteers and employees for their work and roles in the organisation and what they bring to the table. I also thank the people that gave them encouragement along the way (some of whom will be men!).

We have various committee roles available, so if you need encouragement to get involved, contact me via communications@step.org and I will give it to you!

Kelly Greig TEP, worldwide Chair of STEP and Head of Estate Planning and Tax at Steele Raymond