TGt Meets...Kerry Haberfield, Community Centre Manager - IWD Special

International Women’s Day 2021 #choosetochallenge

Kerry Haberfield, Community Centre Manager. The CC is a hub/home for service families based in Poole. It is ‘usually’ a hive of activity with various groups for all ages from music and movement, craft, fitness, co-working hub and much more. It also has an awesome nursery. Read below as we spoke to Kerry to get her thoughts on International Women's Day 2021.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #choosetochallenge – what would you choose to challenge when it comes to gender equality or inequality this year? This could be in business or life in general.

Gender inequality has moved forward dramatically, I don’t think anyone can deny that. However, the sad and unfortunate truth is that it is still very much present in a less ‘in your face’ way.

I work very much in a ‘boys club’. At times it’s a struggle. I also oversee the nursery and am all too aware of how being a parent is not as equal. If my staff’s children are unwell it's rare for the male parent to take the day off in support of this and all too often rarely even considered.

I am constantly #choosingtochallenge gender inequality in business by not being afraid to have my voice; even if I have to repeat it a few times to be heard.

Thinking of your own experience in the world of business – which inequalities, if any, have you experienced personally or witnessed around gender?

I find I am not always taken seriously, or my view not counted, then reiterated as a new idea a few months down the line by one of the guys.

What do you think women offer in particular to the world of business?

At times, women tend to be much more analytical and can see many views/angles of a task. Women generally tend to have a more emotional/caring approach to a task which can be more supportive towards wellbeing.

What do you think men offer in particular to the world of business?

Men tend to have a more singular focus. This is useful in removing emotion which they are usually better at and which I often observe from the area I work in.  No emotion can have its disadvantages though.

Q4/5 are really personality based rather than gender specific. It’s hard not to gender type myself here too! 

Can you name up to three women in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire? And why?

Gemma Bell – Community Centre Assistant. Her work ethic is excellent, and she shows wonderful passion in what she does. Her husband is away regularly making her a single parent household to two boys; yet she never lets that affect her work and her commitment to it. Plus, she keeps me sane!

Grace Lawton – Investor Relations Manager & Assistant Company Secretary. I have never met someone who is so dedicated to an excellent standard of work. She hasn’t always been dealt the best hand, yet it has never stopped her from achieving. She is the result of all her own hard work, determination, drive and ultimately success.

Jacqui Taunton – Senior Practitioner. She’s so strong and brilliant. And unbelievably clever. She’s focused and honest in a way that supports you. She pushes herself and gives the best of everything to her work and her family often giving little to herself.

Can you name up to three men in business or in your organisation or in the wider business community that you admire? Why?

My Dad – ex serving Marine. Tree Surgeon. His work ethic and strive to do the best he can in everything he puts his mind to is what I work towards. He always told me to make it look like the best job in the world, even when it isn’t, make everyone want it, even in times when you don’t. He gave me my ethos. He’s now moved to another country after an insanely successful 34 years in the military, started his own business at the age of 58, which is now so successful he has waiting lists.

Oliver King – Nursery Manager. For pushing the gender stereotype in a female dominated environment. For working hard with passion and commitment and achieving manager from room leader within 14 months.

Do you think women who start their own business experience more challenges than men? Can you explain why you think this?

It's not something I’ve directly witnessed or experienced.

Now a little bit about being based in Poole and your Covid-19 experience…

Describe Poole in 3 words…

Home, sea, beautiful.

Where’s your favourite place for an out of office/remote meeting?

Mark Bennetts (preferably Ashley Cross for the green) Lemon Meringue, ‘The English’ Sandwich or a warm sausage roll and a coffee lifts any day.

What do you most love about working in Poole?

Great location. For a quick lunch walk/escape I’m 5 minutes to the sea.

How do you think Poole and local businesses will bounce back once lockdown is eased?

I think we are very fortunate to be a place that not only UK residents but people from all over the world like to visit. Hopefully this will mean many businesses will be able to bounce back. I’ve been impressed how so many individual local businesses have quickly adapted and found new ways of working.

How has Covid-19/Lockdown affected your business and what are your plans for the year ahead as we start to move out of lockdown?

It’s completely changed how I work.  I had to learn a lot quickly, furloughing 9 of 12 nursery staff, adapting and trying to find ways to support staff who weren’t there, those who stayed behind and then trying to keep everyone safe. Maintaining a sense of community for my military families and finding ways to keep people connected and thought of has been a real challenge. Reopening the centre also comes with many new challenges, but I can’t wait for the noise of people and community to be back!

Anything else you’d like to say?

‘Do not water down your wild. Show up as the powerful woman that you are’.