We are celebrating the women of BHP for International Women’s Day. Who are their heroes? and what advice would they give to young women? See below their words of wisdom!
Lisa Leighton – Partner and Head of Audit
How long have you worked at BHP?
24 years Partner – Head of Audit. In 22 days I will be Joint Managing Partner.
Who is your female hero/role model?
The Queen. She has had to cope with so much and from a very early age.
What advice would you give to young women?
Never give up and don’t doubt your own abilities. Always believe that you are able to reach your full potential and don’t be scared to ask for help and advice.
Elaine Skelton – Tax Director
How long have you worked at BHP?
28 years
Who is your female hero/role model?
Hero – Princess Diana, I love her!
What advice would you give to young women?
Never give up, you will get there if you want it enough
Amanda Waterhouse – Tax Partner
How long have you worked at BHP?
I will have worked at BHP as a Tax Partner for 7 years at the end of this month!
Who is your female hero/role model?
Davina McCall – she turned her life round after struggling with demons in her early life and has not looked back since despite coping with many difficult personal circumstances whilst under the pressure of being in the spotlight, and she is now a role model to women without having to shout about it
What advice would you give to young women?
A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes
Kirsty Swinburn – Senior Tax Manager
How long have you worked at BHP?
Worked at BHP 28 years, now a senior manager in the tax department.
Who is your female hero/role model?
Clare Balding
What advice would you give to young women?
Be proud of who you are, don’t feel you have to comply with any stereotype or image.
Ann Brown – Partner
How long have you worked at BHP?
Since 1995! Partner in audit department since 2017
Who is your female hero/role model?
Dame Margot Fonteyn.
I did ballet from age 3 to 11, and having always wanted to meet her, when graduating from Durham she was our chancellor so I got to meet my hero for all of 30 seconds and have a photo to prove it!!
What advice would you give to young women?
While hero’s and role models can inspire and motivate, we are all individuals with our own different potential, the world would be very boring if we were all the same!
Work to be the very best you can be and don’t try to be another version of your hero, be you!!
You can plan for many events but situations will always come along that you don’t expect. Some you will handle well others you won’t, remember that’s the same for everyone no matter what social media suggests.
Smile and have fun!!
Joanne Gilpin – Cloud Conversion Manager
How long have you worked at BHP?
9 years in total (although I spent 3 years in industry before I came back into practice). I’m the Cloud Conversion Manager at BHP and also look after the Prosper team in Cleckheaton.
Who is your female hero/role model?
My mum! She is the kindest, most caring woman I know and she does so much to help others.
What advice would you give to young women?
Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. But no matter how busy life gets, always try to find the time to let yourself rest and play, as well as work!
Emma Oakley – Senior Manager
How long have you worked at BHP?
I’ve worked at BHP for 8 months. I’m a senior manager in Risk and Forensic Services.
Who is your female hero/role model?
At the moment I have a lot of respect for Theresa May. Not for political reasons, but as she has taken on the job where she will be publicly criticised for whatever decisions are made, she has shown an incredible level of resilience and strength. That’s what I admire.
What advice would you give to young women?
Be ambitious, be yourself, and stay grounded. People respect honesty, delivered in the right way. Most importantly, take time and care for those who matter most. This includes you.
