John McCabe’s first column for The Journal as CEO
Date published:
This is my first Journal column as Chamber chief executive and February is the perfect time to share my views on issues that are important to me on a personal and professional level.
There are a series of important dates this month that resonate with our work to help the region embrace fairness and grow. The first of these is LGBT History Month. We are campaigning to have an inclusive business community where everyone has the chance to develop their careers and businesses without prejudice.
I have proudly championed the power of good work since starting my role and encouraging diversity is at the very heart of this approach. There is untapped potential and power in our region and we need to make sure everyone has the chance to release it.
It’s been great to see some prime examples of potential shared far and wide over the past National Apprentice Week. My own career started with a similar scheme at Northumbrian Water This was a fantastic way to learn on the job, with supportive, more experienced colleagues. The tales about the talent of young people and their desire to succeed have been truly inspirational over the past week.
As well as young people we are also very aware of the need to support women’s career paths. There are some true trailblazers in the North East and through our Inspiring Females and Women’s Leadership Forum we are making sure everyone can hear from great role models and their peers.
We’re so grateful for the time and support senior businesswomen give to the next generation coming through our companies and organisations. There was plenty to celebrate on International Day of Women and Girls in Science last week, with more to look forward to on International Women’s Day next month.
There is still work to do to make working life a level playing field for all. Covid has shown there are still major discrepancies between caring responsibilities and the gender pay gap is also far from being closed. Our toolkit to help to create a fair pay structure is a great place to start if employers want to know more about this.
Perhaps I can finish with a thought for tomorrow, Thursday, which will be Random Acts of Kindness Day. A very smart and thoughtful woman once told me ‘you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.’ She’s right and I’ll thank her for the advice when we both get home from work later.