As part of International Women’s Day, we interview Jo Bailey on her role at Bailey Balloons, her views on women in business and what a more gender-balanced world-view means to her.
Tell us about your role?
I am the Managing Director of Bailey Balloons.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy meeting people from every aspect of life and helping people achieve one of their dreams.
And what are the most challenging aspects?
When the weather lets us down and you know people are disappointed, especially on a special occasion. Sadly, we cannot control the weather!
What 3 things do you think you need to progress as a woman in business?
• Determination
• Goal setting
• Focusing on what’s important
What are the biggest challenges the future generation of women in business face?
• Lack of opportunity
• Discrimination in the workplace and at school- I think it has become more assiduous and hidden so very hard for young women especially.
• Lack of aspiration
What does a more gender-balanced world-view mean for you?
Where women are truly equal and have equal opportunities to achieve their goals. Where at least half the MPS are women, half the CEOs are women. I'd like to see more women in positive roles on TV and hosting and being on chat shows.
Do you think Covid-19 is having an effect on gender equality?
Yes as more women have lost their jobs, are often the ones responsible for home schooling.
What advice would you give to young women and men starting out in business today in context of promoting a more diverse world-view?
Treat everyone equally and with respect
What women inspire you and why?
Many women in my everyday life that are my friends or women I have met at work. Their strength, determination and courage from what they have been through in their personal lives comes out as helping and inspiring others.
Most of all I am inspired by my 21 year old daughter who has a series of chronic illnesses and had to leave school early before completing her A-levels due to ill health. She has started studying and getting qualifications online and then set up her own online fitness and nutrition coaching business.
She is in constant pain and feels unwell most of the time but to look at her you would never know. She spends her life inspiring others, particularly young women and has really made a difference to their lives. She writes very inspirationally on Instagram every day as well.
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