1. How did it feel being asked to participate in Cavity’s “International Women’s Day” Q&A?
I initially thought about the likes of Janine King (Managing Director) and Lisa Steer (National Support Manager) as both have supported taking part in the International Women’s Day Q&A over the last couple of years. I see it as an opportunity to share some of my thoughts, feelings and experiences which I hope some of you reading this will find interesting, helpful or maybe even inspirational
2. What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?
I can’t recall receiving any specific advice I was given in my early career that has stayed with me, nothing comes to mind here. What I can say is, I began working full time at the age of 16 that was 27 years ago. During this time, I have observed many colleagues, management and leadership styles within the workplace and these observations have certainly informed my own way / style of working.
A Chinese Philosopher Confucius once said:
“I hear I forget”
“I see and I remember”
“I do and I understand”
I think throughout my 27 years of working in terms of what I have learnt the latter two are the most applicable to me here and what has informed the way / style I work most
3. Your role within the company is Head of People & Welfare can you tell us about your journey with Cavity from when you started?
I joined Cavity Dental Staff in 2017. I was a Locum Nurse working four days a week for the company whilst completing my studies for a Degree in Counselling Theory and Practice and a CIPD Diploma in HR. After Qualifying in 2019 I stayed with the company to support the development of a Company Health & Wellbeing platform. The Health & Wellbeing platform is now in its seventh year. We have five fully trained Mental Health First Aiders which is set to grow in 2026, continuing to show our commitment to supporting Mental Health support in the workplace.
4. You have been with Cavity for many years, in that time what have you been most proud of?
I have been proud to see the development of our Health & Wellbeing Team since 2019. Which as mentioned above is set to grow in 2026. We developed our Health & Wellbeing Hub to support our team here at Cavity but also others within the Dental Industry, click here to access the hub 👇
Health & Wellbeing Resources Archive - Cavity Dental Staff
We have provided Confidential pathways for sensitive conversations to be had and for appropriate levels of support to be put in place if needed following those conversations. My aim when setting up the Health and Wellbeing platform was to always ensure nobody ever had to feel alone and to know a listening ear and support was always available and we certainly have achieved that. I have been proud of the resilience shown by everyone within the team here at Cavity, I saw this first in 2020 during the Covid Pandemic where the team pulled together to keep the business strong, growing all whilst supporting each other at the same time. I achieved my Chartered Management Status with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in January 2025. This Internationally recognised accreditation is the highest accolade in management and leadership and was only available through the CMI. I completed this to evidence my absolute commitment to Management and Leadership standards and be part of a wonderful community who recognise that learning never stops and what it takes to maintain excellence in Management and Leadership. I was proud to achieve this.
5. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It means taking a moment to think and reflect, a day that can perhaps allow a pocket of time that isn’t always prioritised to just stop for moment, to maybe think about “Am I Looking After Myself Enough” - “What Do I Really Need” #selfcare. Right now, I am thinking of all the Women and their families stuck in conflict and war zones around the world. My heart and thoughts are with them this International Women’s Day 🙏
6. Which female figures have you found inspiring and have perhaps been a role model for you?
My younger self would say My Mum, Aunt and Nan.
My Mum has spent her working life as a Nurse, caring with compassion and absolute respect for the elderly.
My Aunt when I was young was an Air Hostess.
My Nan well, a wonderful lady in many ways.
All taught me so much.
Other female figures I find inspiring are people like:
Brene Browne: About Brené | Brené Brown
Kristen Neff: About Dr. Kristin Neff: A Pioneer in Self-Compassion Research
7. What kind of influence do you strive to have on your female colleagues around you?
I believe leading by example is important. I strive for them to see the way I approach my work and just hope there is learning to be had from observing my approach
8. What advice would you give to women trying to establish their professional careers?
Once you know the area you are interested in find Networking Groups in that align with your interests, make connections. Small steps are so important when you want or need to make changes. People are often focusing on the end goal which can seem overwhelming and it is here people step away and don’t tend to do anything.
9. What main change would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?
That young girls can know the value of their own natural beauty and feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. To balance technological advances that can tell us everything in an instant with their own learnt knowledge through travel, talking and exploring the world and what it has to offer for themselves. To learn early on about the importance of self-care, self-worth and resilience learning about these early should be as important as learning to brush your teeth 🦷
Learn more about how Cavity Dental Staff supports women in the workplace through our Health & Wellbeing Hub, offering resources, support, and professional development for all.