Tell us about yourself, your background, and your current role.

My name is Jessica Green, my friends call me Pat but that is a whole different story and Jess is just fine. I started working for VIVO Defence Services 3 years ago after working for Serco for 7 years previously on the asylum accommodation contract. Whilst I have predominantly worked on the service family accommodation contract at VIVO the two contracts are vastly different. I have come along way in the past 11 years since I started my professional career and every experience has taught me something new about myself. I am currently the Business Operations Manager having previously worked as the Communications and Engagement Manager at VIVO.

Did you ever sit down and plan your career?

The simple answer is no and I probably should though. However, I do think for anyone starting off in their career that not having a plan initially is good. It means you won’t pigeon hole yourself into something and it gives you some scope to find what you actually want to do. Does that mean I now know what I want to do – no but I have a better idea. I like working for VIVO because whilst it is big, it isn’t too big that you feel lost in the organisation and not feel totally aligned to their outcomes. I like having a role that has variety and leading people. I also enjoy operations and feel this is where my strengths lie.

Have you ever faced challenges because of your gender?

Yes when I first started my career but since I joined Serco and then VIVO that has never been an issue. I have had some amazing female role models and great male allies that have supported me.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career? How did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I have faced and still am is finding the balance between working and being a parent. I love my job and I enjoy travelling to visit sites and seeing people but I am about 4 hours away at least from most sites which means most weeks I am away from home 1 or 2 nights a week. I have a very supportive husband and family but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t take it’s toll on us all. I would say I am still trying to overcome the challenges but things I am doing are learning to say no, managing my diary to do what I can, giving my husband as much notice as possible, talking to my daughter about going to work and why I do it and then making the most of the time off I get.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

The most significant barrier for me is the gender bias that exists in society. There are so many things that I have to do at home that my male colleagues in similar situations don’t have to do. That is not because my husband expects them or can’t do them but because I feel like I have to. This means I have a million tabs open in my brain all the time trying to ensure that I don’t drop the ball. Whilst this gives women many good traits it also means we are more likely to stop progressing or take a step back to be able to cope with the mental strain of what we are expected or think we are expected to do.

What’s the most dangerous behaviour/trait that you have seen derail female leaders’ careers?

I think this would have to be trying to fit in with male colleagues and not accepting that by being a female you have many great qualities.

What factors do you believe impact a woman’s ability to lead others?

Confidence and connections. Confidence doesn’t come easily female or male but more so for women in male dominated environments. You have to own it and recognise that you are where you are from sheer hard work and determination, careers don’t just happen to you. In such male dominated environments like defence you are likely to find that many interactions you have can be very transactional but creating connections at work and learning how to get the best out of people is key. This means for me at least tailoring how I interact with people to get the best out of them.

Have you ever felt the imposter syndrome, and if so, how did you navigate your way through it?

EVERY DAY! I am getting better though and seeing Jodi Goldman at WED24 really helped. If you haven’t heard her speak then you should, she is fantastic and really changed my outlook.

How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?

Not as much as I would like. I still overthink a lot but I have got better at receiving constructive feedback, there was a time where that would have knocked me back, I would have got defensive and probably cried. I try not to take things too personally now but that can be difficult.

Do you have any advice for young women who are starting their careers?

My advice would be to enjoy whatever you do. I have learnt over recent years that life is too short so do the job that makes you happy. You spend so much time at work that you should surround yourself with people that support you, challenge you and make going to work easy. You don’t have to know what the long term goal is straight away, you will eventually and if you don’t make sure you have fun.