To help celebrate International Women's Day, we're interviewing several of CIM's senior women to get their thoughts on International Women's Day, the advice they would give to other women, their role at CIM and more! Today, it's our Marketing Director, EMEA - Cliona Barnes.
Tell us about your role?
I’m the Marketing Director for the EMEA region at CIM. I am responsible for the Marketing Strategy for EMEA, along with execution of all campaigns with the EMEA Marketing team.
Tell us a little about you?
I’m from Dublin, Ireland and have been working in marketing and advertising for more years than I want to quote ;-) I’ve worked both client and agency side so have a clear view and understanding of both perspectives. Most importantly for me now in life, I’m a Wife and Mum to two young boys.
What does International Women’s day mean to you?
For me, International Women’s Day represents the changing position of Women, not only in the workforce but throughout society as a whole, and the efforts that women in the past undertook to get us where we are today. I’m conscious that not all women have the same equal status that I’m lucky to have, and this day helps us to highlight this. The current situation in Ukraine makes me appreciate even more the stability that I have, and how quickly that can also be stripped away.
How can we support women in tech more widely?
I think it goes back to education at second level, and encouraging young girls to break through any bias, and select courses in engineering and tech that currently may be male dominated.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to women looking to take the next step in their career?
Can I offer two?
Always consider yourself an equal! However, being equal is not an aspiration we should even have to have - talent should drive meritocracy, regardless of gender.
Never believe that choosing to have a family will slow your progress, or give opportunities to others to pass you. You can make your career work for you and your family. However, if you choose to focus on your family for some time, that’s also a huge step and I admire women that have the opportunity and bravery to take that focus.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I come from a line of Doctors and Nurses, but for some reason I wobble at the sight of blood!
What motivated you to join CIM?
I think at a certain point in my career, particularly in the Marketing field, I started to want to use my skill set to make a difference. I know I’m never going to be the next Greta, but working for a company that genuinely cares about the environment, with products that actually support Buildings in the reduction of emissions, is a step in the right direction.
What’s your one biggest career lesson?
Surround yourself with the best people, recognise we all have differences, and always act with integrity.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
Turn on the Marketing tap and see wins instantly.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Spending time with my family and the people I care most about is the most important piece for me outside of work. If I’m not standing at the side of a pitch watching my kids play one of many sports they’re currently playing, you’ll find us on a hike or cycle making the most of the outdoors and the beautiful country we live in. My friends are important to me too, and I’ll always make time for an evening or afternoon out together for a chinwag and a laugh!
What does your morning routine look like?
I tend to get up earlier than the rest of my family, get myself ready, make a pot of coffee and then I wake them. This extra time in the morning allows me to think about the day ahead and plan out my priorities. If I have time once they’ve all left for work and school, I’ll take our Labrador out for a quick run.
What does success look like to you?
My team knows I’m very numbers driven, and am constantly monitoring our campaigns performance. We constantly strive to improve our activities, and seeing successful results on our campaigns, and revenue increases, is a win.
