On 7th March, K2 celebrated International Women’s Day. For us, however, one day just wasn’t enough!
Keen to shine a spotlight on as many of the business’ wonderful women as possible, we developed a campaign titled The Women of X Annos, which refers to the K2 women who have been part of the K2 Family for ten years or more. This campaign features a series of written and video interviews through which we explore the personalities, the roles and the formative experiences of K2’s longest standing female employees. Today, we introduce you to Barbara Mostert, a committed, grounded and forward-thinking Senior Relocation Manager.
What’s your name, your job title, and how long have you worked at K2?
My name is Barbara Mostert. I am a Senior Relocation Manager, and I have worked at the company for coming up to 10 years.
As a soon-to-be member of the X Annos community, what motivates you to keep working at K2?
As a woman who has spent almost 10 years at K2, my motivation to continue working within this organization is deeply rooted in the rich soil of growth and purpose that K2 provides. I feel appreciated and highly valued here, and I could not imagine working anywhere else.
My colleagues have become my confidantes and mentors. They have illuminated my path, and together we have shared tons of laughter and built just as many memories. The bonds forged over coffee breaks and through celebratory milestones are my heart’s treasure. K2 isn’t just a workplace; it’s my extended family.
What does gender inclusivity mean to you?
Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their gender, feels welcome, supported and fairly treated across various aspects of their lives – e.g. education, employment, healthcare, and social interactions. Gender inclusivity promotes the idea that everyone should be free to express their gender identity authentically and be treated with dignity and respect.
What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles in the business world, based on your own experiences and insights?
Believe in yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and believe that you deserve to be in a leadership position. Trust your skills, knowledge, and unique perspective.
Embrace challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Be resilient and learn from setbacks, as they are often a natural part of a leadership journey.
Focus on self-confidence and motivation: Cultivate self-confidence. It’s a powerful tool. Stay motivated even when faced with many challenges. Your resilience will propel you forward.
Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Stay true to your values, be authentic, and pursue your goals with determination and resilience at all times.
How has K2 supported your career growth over the last 10+ years?
K2 has been an unwavering pillar of support throughout my 10-year journey.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Access to mentors who generously shared their wisdom with me. Their guidance helped me navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
- Promotions and Recognition: K2 recognised my contributions with well-deserved promotions. They celebrated my milestones with me, reinforcing my commitment to excellence.
- Inclusive Culture: K2 fosters an inclusive environment in which diverse voices are valued. They actively promote gender equality and empower women at all levels.
In summary, K2’s unwavering commitment to supporting employee growth has been instrumental in shaping my career.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career journey, one which has led to a real sense of fulfilment for you?
Working in a different country within a diverse and multicultural environment was a pivotal experience, broadening my perspectives and providing unique challenges and opportunities for me in the mobility industry.
How do you think that K2 is challenging the Status Quo in the global mobility industry?
K2 actively navigates the ever-evolving GM landscape and challenges the status quo as follows:
Innovation and Technology: Introducing new technologies and innovative solutions to streamline processes, enhance customer experience, and address industry challenges.
Sustainability Initiatives: Implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable practices within K2.
Diversity and Inclusion: Prioritizing diversity and inclusion within the company, which leads to a more innovative and dynamic workforce. Fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability.
K2’s proactive approach, adaptability, and commitment to client satisfaction challenges the industry norms, making us a trailblazer in global mobility.
What do you think the future would look like if we had more female leaders?
Female representation has a positive impact on various aspects of society, organizations, and communities.
Here are some ways in which having more female leaders could shape the future:
Inclusive Work Environments: Having more female leaders, there could be a greater emphasis on creating inclusive and supportive work environments. This could contribute to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and innovation.
Improved Gender Equality: Having more women in leadership positions could contribute to breaking down gender stereotypes and biases. It could also be a powerful example for future generations, encouraging more women to pursue leadership roles.
How can more companies foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women?
Fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the workplace requires an approach that addresses organisational culture, policies, and practices:
Eliminating gender bias in promotions: This involves evaluating promotion criteria objectively and ensuring that women have equal opportunities to advance in their careers.
Investing in the growth of female employees: Offering training programs, workshops, and leadership development initiatives specifically tailored to women can empower women to excel within an organisation.
Implementing inclusive policies and practices: Establishing policies that support work-life balance and create a family-friendly environment.
K2 has already created an environment in which women feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute.
That concludes our The Women of X Annos interview series! Many of the women featured in this series are also part of K2’s Human Library.
Visit our Human Library now to learn more about the women we’ve introduced you to over the past seven months, including their areas of expertise and their stories thus far.
