SteelCast

After completing her degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of Warwick, Karen joined what was then British Steel, as a Logistics Graduate in 1992.Working across a number of different departments over the last 29 years, Karen is currently working as an Integration Manager for Supply Chain. It has been quite a career for Karen, who has been able to successfully navigate being in a senior management position while raising her family – but it hasn’t always been easy.Karen opens up about how it's vital to take time for yourself, the importance of prioritising your mental health, and how her own journey has made her a better leader.

After joining the industry as an apprentice, Barbara has enjoyed a varied career specialising in the Energy department. With a thirst for learning that has carried her across the last twenty years, join us for a conversation on how Barbara is now navigating the next phase of her career, as it collides with an important issue for many women in the workplace – menopause.With insights on how the support of female colleagues, alongside a robust workplace policy can make this transition period smoother for lots of women plus some brilliant book recommendations from Barbara that she has found to be essential over the last few years this podcast isn’t just for women experiencing menopause, but partners, colleagues and workplace policy makers.Links to resources as mentioned in the episode:https://www.gen-m.com/https://www.themenopausecharity.org/https://henpicked.net/https://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_mosconi_how_menopause_affects_the_brain?language=enhttps://www.themenopausecharity.org/2021/06/09/the-menopause-explained-webinar/ https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/chapter/Recommendations#diagnosis-of-perimenopause-and-menopause

Aimee is a Process Technology specialist at Tata Steel’s Llanwern site, having studied forensic science at De Montfort University it was by chance that Aimee discovered that there could be a field of study and work around metallurgy. Completing her PHD in 2019 Aimee is also vice-chair of the IOM3 Student and Early careers committee. 

Growing up in the steel town of Corby, Aimee was always aware of the steel industry, but never once imaged herself working in it herself. 

Join us for a conversation on finding your passions, working hard to achieve your goals and the benefits of allowing yourself time to relax.

After joining the Royal Navy following a bet with her dad, Natalie successfully enjoyed a career as a Weapons Engineering Officer for over a decade, having 2 of her 3 children whilst in service; gaining operational campaign medals for service in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Libya.Following the Navy, she began her career in steel working as an operations planner for Harsco and an advanced refractories technician for Vesuvius. Now, as a specialist in refractory maintenance on Port Talbot’s iconic Blast Furnaces, Natalie is open about the struggle of being the absent parent, the lessons she’s learned along the way and why she would encourage any girl to follow a path like hers.Listen in for an honest, entertaining and informative chat with a formidable Women of Steel.

Despite hailing from the north east of England – a region rich in heavy industry history – Heather Rowland never dreamt she’d be at the coalface of a south Wales steelworks.

 

Now, more than a decade into her career, Heather has overcome imposter syndrome to cement herself as a key figure in Port Talbot’s steelmaking plant, playing a large part in projects and processes that keep the site operating safely and efficiently.

 

As one of the 4% of women in operational roles across Tata Steel’s hub in Port Talbot and Llanwern, Heather is keen to see more female representation in the workforce, and while she has achieved so much already – she is not done yet. Heather is a true woman of steel.

While carving out a successful career in a private law firm, Natalie Young wanted to pursue a career that would give her an opportunity to have a more active input in legal projects. One way to achieve that was to join an in-house team.

 

Natalie joined Tata Steel back in 2009 as a solicitor in the property team. Since then, she has not only climbed the ladder to become Head of Legal for Property at Tata Steel Europe, but has made a conscious effort to extend her hand and assist others during their own climb.

 

A passionate singer in her spare time, Natalie hits all the right notes when harmonising potential obstacles for women in a man’s world, and how to overcome them.

Growing up in India, Rouha saw two obvious career choices - a doctor or an engineer. Having an aptitude for maths she decided that Mechanical engineering would be the best choice for her.

 

Being one of only a few women on her university course, and following a tough experience on a placement where she wasn't allowed onto a site due to her gender, Rouha joined Tata Steel's Blast Furnaces team in 2007 and never looked back.

 

There she found a supportive community of colleagues and mentors who challenged her and encouraged her to develop regardless of gender. Playing an integral role in some key construction projects, Rouha firmly cemented her name in the Tata Steel history books, but now after over a decade in steel she is working on sustainability projects. Full circle perhaps?

 

A tenacious spirit, can-do attitude and strong work ethic helped Rouha face career challenges head on.

 

A motivational conversation with one of Tata Steel's senior engineers, demonstrating that gender barriers are there to be smashed!