WOMEN LEADING THE WAY: AN INTERVIEW WITH GROUP MARKETING DIRECTOR, NATASHA TRAYNOR AT OXFORD INTERNATIONAL

Inspired by a recent news article from the BBC Firms with more female executives ‘perform better’, we sat down with female leaders in the education sector to discuss gender diversity and ask their advice as leading women.

We set out to ask questions that give us an insight into the strategies for success developed by women. We also hope to inspire a conversation that leads to action where we as an organisation, sector and community continue to challenge, amplify, represent and educate.

For the first interview in the series, we spoke to Natasha Traynor. Natasha has been leading marketing at Oxford International for the past three years. She has ten years experience in the communications sector, specialising in international education and will complete an MBA from Cass Business School in January 2021.

The BBC recently reported that companies with better gender diversity at Executive level perform better, why do you think that is? 

I believe a gender-diverse leadership team leads to better decision making. There is a great Harvard Business Review article which showed that having more women at the board level leads to better acquisition and investment decisions, as well as less aggressive risk-taking, which leads to better results. The study also found that female board representation can help firms to weather times of crisis better than firms that did not have a gender-diverse leadership team. 

How do you think the education sector can become more gender-diverse?

Proactive recruitment to make gender diversity a goal is the only way I believe gender diversity can be achieved. If gender diversity isn’t a strategic aim, it will never be prioritised or achieved.

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learnt in your career?

There are so many good ones! Business school is filled with management tips. I believe in the philosophy of treating people how you want to be treated. It’s a simple rule, but it’s about respect and accountability. I want my team to know that I ask them only for things that I ask of myself.

What has been your most significant career achievement so far?

That’s an interesting question. I will highlight a few things that I reflect on and continue to aspire to improve. I am proud that we’ve made marketing a more commercial and strategic partner for our internal stakeholders and have improved brand awareness of Oxford International. I am also proud of the skills my marketing team continue to build and how passionate they are to grow and develop. I like seeing other people achieve their goals and having a part to play in that.

Who has inspired you in your career, and why?

My Grandma, without a doubt. She spent her career as a housekeeper or a nanny but yet, she gives the best business advice ever! ‘Just get it done.’ ‘Just keep it simple.’ ‘Don’t let them affect how you work.’ ‘Only share your dreams with dreamers.’ Those are a few of the gems she has given me over the years.

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

First, decide what ‘leadership means to you’ and how hard you would work to attain it.  People sometimes focus on the title but not on the responsibility and the impact it will have on their life. Also, keep reassessing your leadership goals – sometimes they change, and that is ok too. Leadership can be at all levels, not just those people at the top. And finally – bring your sisters along.  Make sure you spend your time building up and supporting other women in the business.