Emily Shelford’s Post

It's great to see that the Nobel Prize Committee has recognised the importance and utter injustice of the gender pay gap by awarding the Nobel Prize for Economics to Claudia Goldin for her work on the gender pay gap which she started decades ago. So why is it that still today, in the UK we accept a median gender pay gap of 14.9%? This is largely due to not many women being in senior (well paid) roles. Which is largely because their careers often stall when they have children. Arguments I was told face to face in the last 4 weeks include: - "well, women don't really want those senior roles, they prefer to be with their kids" - "the pay gap at our organisation 10% so it is not as bad as our competitors" - "women don't always have the attitude needed for a top job" (yes - I was told this this month! And yes, they knew I was running an organisation to help parents progress to senior leadership). A very practical way to help change this is to share the below post about the Leaders Plus Fellowship with someone who is a working parent and who could benefit from support to achieve their aspirations at work balanced with their aspirations at home. We are a small social enterprise and don't really have a marketing budget, so everyone who shares this post to make it visible to people who need to see it makes a big difference. Pay is not the most important thing in our programme, but in our last cohort  and 67% said they had received a pay rise within the 9 months of the programme and the average pay rise was 17% per Fellow. I should say, it is open to all genders, as men are an important part of the conversation, and it is for everyone from those who are expecting a baby to those with kids at the end of Primary school. We also have a hardship fund.

Hey LinkedIn fam! I am beyond thrilled to share that my 16-year-old daughter just landed her first job! 🌟 She's on the childcare team at a local gym. It's such a proud parent moment to see her take this step towards independence and responsibility. 🙌 Research shows that teenagers who work part-time jobs during high school experience numerous positive benefits! 📚👔 Not only do they develop essential life skills like time management, communication, and teamwork, but they also gain a sense of financial responsibility. 💼💰 These experiences can be invaluable as they prepare for the future. 🚀 Did you know that some of the most successful people today had humble beginnings with part-time jobs during their high school years? 🌟 For instance, Oprah Winfrey worked at a local grocery store, flipping burgers at McDonald's helped Jeff Bezos hone his work ethic, and even former President Barack Obama scooped ice cream at Baskin-Robbins! 🍔🍦 So proud of my daughter for taking this initiative, just like these incredible individuals did in their youth. 🌈 Let's encourage and support our teenagers as they embark on their professional journeys! 🌍👩💼 #ProudParent #FirstJobJoy #TeenagersAtWork #BuildingCharacter #FutureLeaders #CareerDevelopment #HighSchoolJobs #ParentingWin #LifeSkills #SuccessStories #TeenEmployment #JobOpportunities #ExcitedDad #ProudMoment

The folks in the Division of Student Affairs at #Dartmouth received an extended #weekend. We were off starting July 3 until today July 7. This (along with several other #privileges) allowed me to take a hiking trip to Gros Morne National Park in #Newfoundland. I am writing about this because too often we ask #candidates (and each other), how we’re going to #prioritize our #health and #wellness. “How do you keep a work-life balance?” I’ve had interviewers ask me over & over, just as I’ve been on committees where my #colleagues have asked this of candidates. The truth is, a #work-life balance (or work-life harmony) isn’t just the #responsibility of one person. When I’ve been asked this question, I’ve answered with the #truthful but blazay responses (i enjoy the outdoors, i have two dogs that keep me active, i realize that some days work will be the priority and somedays those around me will have to realize that life takes priority), but what I’ve always wondered is, how is this #institution allowing me to take care of myself? Am i allowed to switch off? Am i allowed to stay #offline and not be given grief the next day? Is it okay for me to put things on hold (without repercussions) until I have #recharged? To me, this extended break was one way that institutions can be more #supportive of their staff. And while some folks are quick to criticize #leaders and #institutions, I believe it’s important to give #credit where credit is due. I for one, am #grateful to Dartmouth & its #leadership team for providing me with this time to #rest and #recharge, and for being able to revisit what it is I work so hard for: #adventuring, #exploring, and making #memories.

Today marks my 5 year anniversary of working at Leeds Building Society 🎉 I’ve been reflecting on what has happened in that time…here are the statistics: 5️⃣ years - time flies. It’s been a rollercoaster at times but it keeps life interesting! 4️⃣ fab volunteering days (haven’t used my full allowance so I’ll need to address that!) 3️⃣ very different roles, starting in the complaints admin team moving via change management into my current role as a delivery manager 2️⃣ head offices (the new one is much snazzier 🤩) 1️⃣ grateful colleague who definitely made the right choice when applying to work here and is very thankful for all the fantastic opportunities that have been offered in the last 5 years 😊 When I look back in another 5 years, I hope I’ll feel as proud as I do today of all my achievements but I wonder what the stats will look like then! However, instead of just wondering…I’ve spent some time thinking about what I’d like the stats to look like in another 5 years and I will be updating my personal development plan to help me reach my targets. People often ask if leaving my teaching career was the right move for me. While I miss elements of that job and it was a tough decision to be brave and try something else, I can say that it’s definitely been the right choice for me! #workanniversary #reflectiontime #opportunities #grateful #proud

I’m thinking of quitting… Let me tell you a quick story. Last year, i secured an admission with SPPG school of leadership which was confirmed last week. Good news yeah? 😅 It is a very good opportunity for me to build my passion for social advocacy and further my studies in the same. But, along the way, everything started choking me. I have a 9-5 job, a foundation and my own personal growth that i made a resolution to invest in massively this year. 🥹 This school of leadership as well requires my time and dedication and at some point, i considered quitting Nobody talks about how hard it is to have a full time job while trying to upskill and building your personal brand… all at the same time 🙂 Well… how do i know whether to quit or not?? I evaluate my reason for starting.. If it is enough to paddle me through this storm, I will stay and if not, I will quit Do you have an advice for me? Have you faced a similar situation? Do let me know in the comments 👇👇 #careergrowth #linkedinforcreators

I have some very exciting news. Today was my last day as #Talent #Acquisition Lead at Save the Children Australia! Well, ok... my last day for 6 months. Many of you know, I love to post about #internal #career #development and how we support our staff in their careers and ambitions here at Save. So, you can imagine how incredibly satisfying it is to tell you about my very own journey of career development! I'm so pleased to share that on Monday I commence a secondment in our Supporter Engagement team, working with our brilliant corporate partners who make possible the great work we do for children everywhere. I'm blown away by the support I've had to explore this opportunity and to develop in an area that's always been of immense interest to me. My manager actually encouraged me to apply! (That's right, that's what great people leaders do.) So, for my final #talent #acquistion post (for 6 months) I want to remind my network to seek out opportunities for development, both self and career related, and to work with your leaders, coaches and mentors to identify a #career path that works for you. And then make a plan for how you're going to get there. And hey, if your current employer can't support that... well, I know one that absolutely will. I'm living proof. Save the Children Australia 💖 #careersatsave #savethechildren #opportunity #development #ambition

🎉🚗🎓👰🏻💔 📸 You’ll spend almost 90,000 hours of your life at work. For most of us that means spending more time with work colleagues than you do with your friends and loved ones. Here at McCarthy we are adamant that NOBODY misses anything that’s important to them. We are really proud of our culture, carefully cultivated over almost 20 years we can say we have been there for all of Life’s moments and memories for our team. From first homes to first jobs From first marriages to divorces to second marriages From IVF treatments to babies to graduations, From jumping the career ladder to going back to education From Driving test fails to passes We ensure that nobody misses a sports day, a school play, a graduation, a vet appointment or even an MOT. It’s a genuine privilege to spend so much time with our team and be part of there life moments no matter how big or small. It’s just a given for us that our team don’t “make up the time” but we know that not all businesses are the same. It’s a culture thing! #businessculture #teamculture #joinus #lifemoments

Meet Peggy Birk, the employee with the longest tenure at MasterBrand, Inc. While I can't predict if I'll match her remarkable 50-year milestone – considering I might be like 90 by then 🫣 – meeting her was truly inspiring. When questioned about her enduring commitment, Peggy's answer was refreshingly simple: "I love my job!" Reflecting on this, its the essence of pursuing what you're passionate about. When asked for advice on work longevity, her response was clear: "Create an environment where people love their job, and they won't miss." #CareerInspiration #PassionInWork #bestcompanytoworkfor #bestadvice #bestplacestowork #lovemyjob #anniversary #workanniversary

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away... We have all had moments when our future seemed like a distant fairytale. The thing is, crucial decisions about career pathways are made not in some fabled story but every year by young people around us. This Christmas pay it forward and inspire someone else's journey by #volunteering to share your own story – those moments of overcoming obstacles, difficult crossroads, and the road that led to your career destination. All of these experiences can help guide a young person feeling overwhelmed by the choices for their future. We have all been there, seeking advice when we were just starting out (and let's be honest, we still need it now), and learning from our different career chapters along the way. Now, harness the power of your story – gift that knowledge forward. In time, the young minds you inspire today will be paying it forward themselves just a few years down the line. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿We are particularly keen to hear from anyone in #Wales who would like to volunteer their time. To get involved, DM our Head of Programme, Claire McMaster, to find out more. #CareerFairyTales #volunteerexperience #PayItForward #InspireTheNextGen #VolunteerWales #NetworkingWales #volunteersmakeadifference #socialmobility #careeradvice

🎓 Embracing the Journey of Social Work and Grad School 🎓 To all the dedicated souls as well as myself were on the path of social work and higher education, this one's for US! Grad school isn't just about textbooks and exams; it's a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As future social workers, you're choosing a path of profound impact and positive change in our communities. Your dedication is awe-inspiring and were in this TOGETHER! Remember, your pursuit of knowledge and growth will contribute to building a brighter, more inclusive world. The challenges you face today are shaping you into the compassionate and resilient professionals of tomorrow. Let's celebrate the late nights spent studying, the group projects that turned into lifelong friendships, and the aha moments that reshaped your perspectives. Determination is making a difference, one step at a time. Let's embrace the process, relish every milestone, and believe in our ability to create meaningful change. Our passion for social justice and commitment to service are the driving forces behind OUR individual journey. So here's to the late nights, the breakthroughs, and the unwavering belief in a brighter future. Keep reaching for the stars, because you're destined for greatness. The world needs more compassionate hearts like you and I. ❤️ #SocialWorkJourney #GradSchoolAdventures #CreatingChange