Meet Catherine Rowan

In support of International Women’s Day on Monday 8 March 2021, the AVK Group of Companies are celebrating the accomplishments of the amazing women throughout our organisation!

This week we will be sharing our Spotlight Series entitled “Empowered Women, Empower Women”.

Each day we will be casting the Spotlight on just a few of our fantastic women by sharing some inspiring biographies from across the Group.

If you are looking for inspiration this International Women’s Day, then look no further, take a look at another inspiring bio. Today's Spotlight is on Catherine Rowan, Customer Services Manager, 
Glenfield Invicta

What is your current role and responsibilities? 

My current role is Customer Service Manager at the Kilmarnock facility.  My main responsibilities are the day to day running of the Sales Office at Kilmarnock, and as a support function for the Maidstone office reporting to Paul Boyden and Andrew Izod.

What keeps you motivated to do what you do? 

Team work and meeting deadlines. The level of autonomy given. The ever changing challenges that comes with being part of a small team. Being able to mentor and coach others.

What do you most like about your current job role?

I love the communication aspect of my role most, whether it be with internal or external customers, suppliers etc. the people I work with of course and the support and encouragement by my peers which has developed my confidence over the years.

What key strengths have you developed to make you successful in your career?

Flexibility and adaptability, (I have had many role changes over the years and have had to adopt new skills quickly). Empathy and being able to put myself in other’s people shoes and actively listening to other’s perspective. (I always believed I was a good listener, but it wasn’t until I had some training a few years ago, that I realised that I wasn’t perhaps as good at it as I thought).

Tell us about someone who has inspired you? 

This may sound a bit cheesy, but my Mother and my Grandmother both inspired me – they both faced a lot of adversity in their lives and had to raise three/four children respectively as single mothers. They both worked so extremely hard to provide for us, but never complained. When life threw them a curve ball, they always dealt with it with great confidence and assurance.  I just hope that I am following in their footsteps both personally and professionally.  I am sure my mother will tell me if I am not. 

How have you balanced your career with personal needs?

I can honestly say that this has changed over the years. For instance, when I had my children the company allowed me to come back to work part-time, followed by flexible working until I was ready to be employed full-time again, which I will always be thankful for.  Now my children are both older, it is much easier to create that “work-life balance”.  Work can sometimes take control especially if you have a deadline to meet, I am quite happy giving work my all during these occasions. But I am also very careful that this doesn’t become the norm.  I always calendar in “me time”, whether it be going for a run, walking with my husband, socialising with family and friends, cooking a nice dinner, or even taking the time to read or have a luxurious bath.

What has helped you get to where you are and what advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction? 

Working hard, commitment, positive attitude, setting myself challenges to improve, and not being afraid to ask questions. 

My advice for others would be to always challenge yourself in what you are doing “could I have done this better?”, and never be afraid to ask questions or make suggestions. 

Listen and communicate with your peers.  Always look to improve something no matter how small.

Be positive in what you do and ask for guidance and help when you need it.

What advice have you received that has helped you? 

Treat every day as if you are going on holiday tomorrow!  This always helps me to prioritise and stops any procrastination creeping in with those tedious jobs you want to leave until the last minute.