At Invibes we recognise the power of diversity, equality and championing the values and uniqueness of our talent pool. We’re proud to say that among our international workforce spanning 15 countries, women make up 50% of the extremely talented team helping shape Invibes’ today. At Invibes, we strive to create an environment that is inclusive, dynamic and filled with #goodvibes and are proud to celebrate some of the amazing women that are helping to make that happen.
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we caught up with Caroline Lidington, Samira Nouri, Hege Lorvik, Andreea Giulescu and Natalie Haider-Bosse to discuss their journey through the field.
Caroline Lidington - Managing Director, UK
What’s your career journey been like?
I’ve always been in the media industry – I absolutely love it! It’s been really interesting to see how the industry has changed over time. There’s been a lot of progress in terms of workplace cultures being more diverse, inclusive and respectful which is really positive. I do feel I’ve personally been quite lucky and not held back for being a woman. I’ve had a few female bosses throughout my career, including one of my first who was really inspiring as a manager.
What drew you to Invibes?
I was actually already aware of Invibes from a client perspective at my previous role. I was really impressed by the innovative formats, so was thrilled to join the team because of the positive experience I’d already had. Since joining, the past three years have been an amazing whirlwind - the team is second-to-none. It’s also really nice working in a company that is supportive and has such a high percentage of women and knowing everyone is here because of their talent over everything else.
Is there anything that can be done to make workplaces better for women
I think the flexibility of remote working that’s increased massively from the pandemic has been really great in not only attracting the best talent but also in supporting women. Having the flexibility to work from home I think has been a step towards levelling the playing field for women, particularly for mothers. Obviously the gender pay gap where it still exists needs to be rectified. But just generally treating people more equally, and encouraging a more equal society where things like parenting and parental leave etc. are viewed equally.
Who is an inspirational woman to you?
As I’m sure would be the case for many people, my mum is a big inspiration for me. I’d say women like Michelle Obama who is such a powerful force for positive change in using her voice to empower so many people, not just women and Madonna who has made her mark internationally in the music industry and stood up for women’s rights, calling out the unequal standards and biases set against women particularly in the public eye, and advocating for people to be able to look, dress and express themselves however they want to. I find them both very inspiring.
Is there anything you’d want to say to your past self/future generations of women?
Focus on yourself, your ambitions and what you want to achieve. Of course enjoy life, but don’t let yourself get caught up and hold you back from going after your dreams!
Samira Nouri - Head of Sales, Zurich
What’s your career journey been like?
Before joining Invibes I worked in the tourism industry, but after the covid pandemic I wanted a change, and that’s when I was introduced to the media industry and Invibes. Thinking back, I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my colleagues and supportive management, throughout my career which is really important especially when there are some industries that aren’t as supportive of women’s rights.
What drew you to Invibes?
Even during my interview stage I felt that my voice and ideas were really appreciated and especially as a woman; that was really nice to experience. Throughout my time at Invibes I’ve always felt safe and heard. I can share my opinion and know that it’s genuinely valued. It’s also great that there are actually so many women at Invibes! It really brings a nice sense of community and empowerment where women are valued and encouraged to grow and achieve.
Is there anything that can be done to make workplaces better for women
I think it’s really important for companies to focus more on diversity in recruiting. Ensuring that talented women are given a chance to succeed - I think is one of the biggest things that can be done. Creating spaces and company cultures where women feel safe and able to not just speak up, but be heard and taken seriously too, is very important.
Who is an inspirational woman to you?
On a personal level, my mum is definitely an inspiration for me. She owns her own business and is an incredible and powerful woman who I’ve always really looked up to. It’s been really inspiring seeing everything she’s been through and the barriers she’s overcome. A lot has changed even between our generations, thankfully things have generally been moving in the right direction in terms of equality for women and it’s meant that women today don’t always have to face those same barriers.
Is there anything you’d want to say to your past self/future generations of women?
I think it’s really important to say to every woman that they are perfect exactly as they are; you are amazing just the way you are, embrace it. Women are strong and capable and one of the best things we can do to bring power to women is to truly love ourselves.
Hege Lorvik - Country Director, Norway
What’s your career journey been like?
My first step into the industry was with Aller Media as an account manager and I’ve been in the media industry ever since. I’ve been incredibly lucky to not have faced adversity in my career because I’m a woman, but I would say that through working in sales, I’ve defied a lot of outdated expectations for ‘what women should be’ as I would say I’m highly competitive and like to be seen and heard.
What drew you to Invibes?
I think the main thing that drew me to Invibes was being able to build something from the ground up. Invibes was looking to enter the Norwegian market and the idea of being able to really make my mark and lead something new was really exciting to me. And actually, quite an empowering thing to do as a woman.
Is there anything that can be done to make workplaces better for women
Well, first and foremost closing the gap everywhere on pay disparity. Equal pay is so important, women should be paid the same as men for doing the same job. Introducing more mentorship and sponsorship opportunities to help women advance in their careers and empower more women to take leadership roles. But generally encouraging diversity, varied perspectives and experiences which all employers will benefit from.
Who is an inspirational woman to you?
There are so many inspiring women, it’s hard to pick one! I think the things I often find inspiring in women are achieving success on her own terms, overcoming life’s challenges, and having a positive impact on the lives of others. And these women can come from anywhere, it could be a leader, a pioneer, a single mum, an athlete. But ultimately, they embody strength, determination, resilience, and their stories inspire others to believe in themselves and their own abilities and pursue their dreams and goals.
Is there anything you’d want to say to your past self/future generations of women?
To my younger self, I’d say stand your ground, believe in yourself and trust in your abilities because you’re more than capable.
To future generations; you’re capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. While there are still many challenges and inequalities in the world today, with strength, courage and determination, you have the power to change your path. Be confident in your abilities and don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in. Your voice matters, so use it, and use it to build each other up not tear each other down.
Andreea Giulescu - Marketing Specialist
What’s your career journey been like?
I started my journey through the media industry at university with a Masters degree in advertising. I got involved with student union projects and eventually joined the marketing department and I’ve been in the media industry since. I’ve had a really amazing journey and it’s been great to experience more women being integrated into management and leadership roles, it’s very inspiring and encouraging seeing that positive change for women.
What drew you to Invibes?
I was looking for a new challenge and Invibes is a company that’s constantly growing and striving to be the best in their field which is an exciting prospect. But also the company really tries to make the best possible work environment for everyone; women and men, to collaborate and innovate, it’s one of the great things about working here. Everyone at Invibes is encouraging and supportive and wants you to succeed and be the best you can be.
Is there anything that can be done to make workplaces better for women
I think creating an environment where women are encouraged to pursue their ideas, dreams and passions is really important. As well as taking steps to make sure women feel and are treated equally, their accomplishments are properly acknowledged and that they aren’t held back in any way simply because of their gender.
Who is an inspirational woman to you?
Margaret Hamilton is a huge inspiration for me. She’s an American computer scientist who led the NASA software team that landed the Apollo lunar missions and is still working today to try and inspire people to do better. She’s a fantastic inspiration of hard work and determination.
Is there anything you’d want to say to your past self/future generations of women?
You’ve got to believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself and work hard then you can achieve anything you want to. Pursue your dreams because you can do it.
Natalie Heider-Bosse - VP Operations
What’s your career journey been like?
I started in FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) and then the metal industry for machinery before I joined Invibes and the media industry. Of all three industries, I’ve never been in a company that has so many women and particularly in leadership roles.
What drew you to Invibes?
I was wanting to experience and learn from a new industry, Invibes seemed like a really exciting prospect because of its innovation. I was also keen to join Invibes because of how many women were in positions of leadership, it felt like a really positive direction for a company to be in and I wanted to be a part of that.
Is there anything that can be done to make workplaces better for women
Societally I think there needs to be more equality in balancing work and home life, especially when it comes to parents and workplaces can help with that. My husband and I both work full-time and split up our weeks so that we are both equally in charge of looking after our children, and this is enabled by our employers. This kind of balance is really important for empowering women to succeed in their careers.
Who is an inspirational woman to you?
I actually draw a lot of inspiration from a character called Alina in a novel by Ken Follett called Pillars of the Earth. Alina is a person who is always able to get back up in the face of adversity. No matter what devastation she suffers, she’s always able to rebuild herself and her life, keep going and help the people around her which I’ve always found very inspirational. In the novel she was also one of the first women to earn her own money and was an equal to her male partner in every way.
Is there anything you’d want to say to your past self/future generations of women?
I’d tell future generations to try new things, don’t be afraid to go for it because there are so many opportunities and different paths and you never know until you try. Don’t hold yourself back!
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We’re extremely grateful for and proud of all of the women who make the Invibes team the fantastic team that it is today.
