In celebration of 111 years of International Women’s Day, we look at the women that make WSA.
Unfortunately, we could not include everyone in the office, even though all of them are superheroes! No one could accuse us of a gender disbalance here – which fits with this year’s theme of #BalanceforBetter. The theme, adopted by IWD, promotes the value in a more diverse workplace.
The focus is on the complementary skills and abilities employees can bring to the table and how these can be harnessed more effectively if we combine forces.
Talking of powerful forces, read about the skills and special abilities of our CEO Jane Hayward, also known as Captain Hayward, along with our other heroes below:
Jane Hayward aka Captain Hayward
What is your superpower?
Super juggler extraordinaire – being able to juggle several things at the same time without letting anything drop.
How did you get into your career?
Soon after moving to the area I started working at a local newspaper in the telesales department in 1982. From there I moved into advertising and agency work, going on to co-found WSA in 2005.
If you could be anything what would it be?
An astrophysicist. The scientific study of space is mind blowing.
What is your proudest achievement at WSA?
There have been so many, but being shortlisted in the Women Leaders Awards was an extremely proud moment. Also, gaining superpower strength and having the foresight to acquire another agency to turn this business into the even bigger success story that it is today.
Sasha Cherry aka Sasha Sonar
What is your superpower?
Multitasking at light speed.
How did you get into your career?
Initially through a recruitment agency working at a Publishing House, from there I was recommended by people I worked with previously which led me into working in a Recruitment Agency and my current position.
If you could be anything what would it be?
I am happy as I am – a superhero to those that need me.
What is your proudest achievement at WSA?
I’m proud of being part of such an amazing team, who all work together and support each other to deliver exceptional work.
Molly McCarthy aka Molly Pocket
What is your superpower?
I am obsessed with parma violet sweets, which I munch on in vast quantities to boost my strength and creative energy!
How did you get into your career?
Half way through my first year of A Levels I didn’t want to be in school anymore and felt completely stuck. I had countless meetings with the school looking at what I could do but they were hesitant to let me leave. I then discovered Apprenticeships and decided I wanted to be working. I scoured the internet exploring career choices for months and then came across WSA’s website. This gave me a great insight into the agency and the exciting world of Digital Marketing, and I thought – that’s where I want to be. Luckily, I got an interview (on my 17th birthday) and I haven’t looked back since!
If you could be anything what would it be?
If I could be any animal, I’d be a sloth because their lives seem super chilled and easy. I’d also be a flying squirrel because then I’d still get to be small but fly as well!
What is your proudest achievement at WSA?
I attended a client meeting in which we showcased the reusable and recyclable products we’d sourced and created for a school. From this I wrote my first blog for the WSA site on ethically sourced products.
Elaine Carter aka Coach Carter
What is your superpower?
Humour.
How did you get into your career?
Through the front door.
If you could be anything what would it be?
David Beckham’s PA.
What is your proudest achievement at WSA?
Chief entertainer and financial controller.
WSA aka Spidey Stevens
What is your superpower?
Hacking into the networks of villains to keep humanity safe!
How did you get into your career?
When I was bitten by a corrupted nanobot I knew I had to fight back.
If you could be anything what would it be?
Princess Jo
What is your proudest achievement at WSA?
The WSA website – of course!
