International Women’s day - An interview with Teresa Meek

Teresa Meek - Head of Talent Acquisition - EMEA

1. Can you tell me about what you do?

I am responsible for leading the Talent Acquisition function and the team in EMEA at SWIFT. 

2.What are your main responsibilities and achievements at Swift?

The remit covers a great mix of offices, from Stockholm down to South Africa. I have a fabulous team that are required to source the right people into the right role. A key responsibility, as I see it is that we are gatekeepers to our culture. This means ensuring that we are careful in assessing that those who we progress to opportunities here, have personal values that strongly align to our own – customer-centricity, curiosity and accountability. This responsibility has a real impact on the future culture of our organisation. As a global team, this year we have introduced greater structure, developed awareness of good hiring practice and increased efficiency in how we are operating. We are fortunate, in that we have been involved in the development of a global employer brand as well as projects touching on diversity and technology that will really help us to continue to reach good quality talent. 

3.Did you always want to work for a Technology/Fintech/FS Firm?

 I’ve worked in the Fintech space for about 6 years, and in that time, I’ve really enjoyed it. There are always so many moving parts, new ideas and innovations happening to keep you on your toes, and keep you learning. 

4.Do you think there is a lack of women in senior HR positions?

I think it heavily depends which industry you are in. At SWIFT we have a good number of women in senior HR positions and a strong Executive HR leader, but in my experience this has not always been the case. Some of the teams I have worked on have been heavily female dominated, yet the few male representatives have been the most senior HR leaders. I think it is important that, especially new entrants to the market, see people like themselves in leadership positions.

5.What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?

As a mother of young children, I don’t recall it creating a barrier as such, but at times, ensuring a work-life, guilt-free balance was certainly challenging (to a much lesser degree now due to a mix of flexible working and older children). On very few occasions I have noticed a stark difference in how one might treat me compared to a male colleague/team member, but this only prevents them from the benefit of engagement, collaboration and learning from a different perspective. I see it more as their loss. It’s important to maintain perspective, remember that there is a world of opportunity and people out there, and not to take on the personal issues of others - whether it’s insecurity or ignorance. 

6. Is there anyone (male or female) that inspires you in your career?

I’m inspired by women and men that are driven, grab hold of opportunities, not scared to take risks, and continually learn new things.
I’ve come across a number of women, especially recently (through my role or outside of business) that I think are amazing! I’ve met some intelligent smart candidates, and reached out to others through networks -  In many cases, I really wonder how they manage to achieve so much. I’m also blessed to be in the company of some very wise and inspiring friends.

7.How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

I don’t understand why women wouldn’t want to lift each other up (or anyone for that matter). I enjoy seeing and supporting others to achieve, especially if I have been instrumental in the journey. In recent years, each year, I have reached out to offer a new mentor relationship to ‘help another woman shine’ for International Women’s Day. If we can help others to win, it is our responsibility, but apart from anything else -  it is really rewarding.

8.On International Women’s Day what is the most important message you want to send out to young women starting their career today

I recently spoke to a group of MSc Students at Grenwich Univerity. My advice to them was to stay genuine to who you are, keep learning and pay it forward. And don’t give up… usually it takes just another big push.