#IWD2022: Meet the incredible women working at Draper
7th Mar 2022
The 8th March 2022 is International Women’s Day and this year the theme is #BreakTheBias. To find out more about the theme and how you can get involved, be sure to visit www.internationalwomensday.com.
Honouring the women who work here
We have some amazing women working here at Draper, across all teams, from sales to our warehouse. In honour of #IWD2022, we’re profiling a few of the incredible women in this business. We asked each of them to tell us about what they do and what advice they’d offer others.
Debbie – Systems Development Manager
Tell
us about your role at Draper and what you enjoy about it?
I’ve been at Draper for over seven years and have enjoyed using my problem-solving skills during that time. I always like a challenge. Our systems are currently going through a large-scale modernisation which the team and I are itching to gain some momentum with implementing. It’s also great to be in a leadership role where I can draw on my experience to build an inspiring, happy place for the talented team around me to work in.
Do you have a favourite moment from your time at Draper?
Being given the freedom to make the move to a modern development approach and, as a result, having the opportunity to learn new skills is a highlight for me.
What advice would you give other women wanting to work in an IT leadership role?
I have been working in the IT field for over 30 years. In the early days, it was a very male-dominated industry, but that is changing. What I would say to any women wanting to work within IT is just to go for it. Believe in yourself and be prepared to keep learning as things move at a fast pace in this sector.
Karen – Area Sales Manager
Tell us about what you do and what you enjoy about your job?
I’ve been at Draper for around eight years (time
flies when you’re having fun
!) and I love what I do. I like meeting new people
and building and maintaining valuable relationships with existing customers
– some of whom I have known for over 30 years. I also get a great deal of
satisfaction from putting in new ranges and new lines – I am very happy with
every order I receive.
Do you have a favourite moment from your time at Draper?
Strangely, a highlight for me working at Draper has been over the lockdown period. As a rep on the road, you can feel very isolated from the office. But during the lockdown, Draper excelled at inclusion, reaching out and taking care of our wellbeing. I feel more part of the team than ever before.
What would you say to any women wanting to work in the tool industry?
Working in this industry, especially in sales out on the road, is not for everyone – it can be very male-dominated and you do need a thick skin at times. I have had to work hard to be taken as seriously as men in the past, but things are changing. On the whole, it is a friendly environment and a rewarding role where you can really build lasting relationships.
Fiona – Despatch Team Leader
Tell us about your role at Draper and what you enjoy about
it?
I’ve been at Draper for eight years, working in our busy warehouse and no two days are ever the same! But I love that. I get to meet people from all walks of life who come on-site via the Despatch Office. I’m also very fortunate to have a great team to work with; the people in general are the best part of the job.
Do you have any favourite moments from your time at Draper?
Becoming a Warehouse Team Leader is definitely one of my highlights. Another favourite moment is when I became the first female forklift truck driver at Draper a few years ago.
What would you say to any women wanting to work in the industry?
I’d say to go for it – I’ve not come across any negativity doing what I do. In fact, I get positive feedback when people see me driving the forklift. If you’re competent and confident, nothing should stand in your way.
Jennifer – Office Manager at Draper Far East
What do you enjoy about your role at Draper?
I am very proud of working for Draper. Over the 15
years I’ve been 
here, my job has expanded a lot and into new areas. I like getting
to meet new people as I feel we can always learn new things from others.
Do you have a favourite moment from your time at Draper
My favourite moment was travelling to the UK to see the Draper head office, the Draper warehouse and the lovely people in Draper – that’s the unforgettable moment for me. Celebrating the company’s 100-year anniversary with my colleagues was also very special – we shared such a happy time with each other.
What’s your advice for women wanting to work in the tool industry?
In China, women working in the tool industry is quite common. I have some friends who work in the industry - they enjoy their work and are doing well in their careers. My advice for women is always to have confidence and courage.
