Dental Nurses to National Leadership- A Q&A for International Women's Day

Q1. How did it feel being asked to participate in Cavity’s “International Women’s Day” Q&A?

LS: I feel honoured to take part.
LP: I feel quite honoured; I have always looked up to those who I feel are worthy of being interviewed, and I’m slightly shocked that I am being asked!

Q2. What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?

LS: I can’t think of anything that has stuck with me. I have always been lucky to work with great people and have learnt from them along the way.
LP: Be a yes person. The more open you are to doing new things and going above and beyond, the more opportunities you will get.

Q3. Your role within the company is National Manager. Can you tell us about your journey with Cavity from when you started?

LS: I started with Cavity in December 2011 as a nurse/area manager in an area where Cavity had not yet operated. I went out and about visiting practices in the area, letting them know we were around, and the bookings started coming in. To keep up with demand, I recruited some nurses, and slowly the bookings and team of nurses grew. My area expanded, and at one point, I was travelling from Swindon to Wales to Shrewsbury and everywhere in between on a week-to-week basis. Then Covid hit, and the way we worked changed completely. I now mainly work from home, recruiting, interacting, and supporting the nursing team across the country as a National Manager, which I love!

LP: On 28th February 2014, I joined the Cavity team full-time as a nurse. I was just “mind-blown” every day I went out and about, as I had so little experience before I started, having only worked in one practice. In November 2014, I was lucky enough to land an Area Manager role, moving up to Regional Manager in 2022, and now I work as Cavity’s National Workforce Manager alongside Lisa Steer.

Q4. You have been with Cavity for many years. In that time, what have you been most proud of?

LS: The company has probably quadrupled in size since I started. Not that it is all down to me, but I do feel like I have played a part in getting it where it is today.
LP: My personal growth. I am a very different person now compared to 2014. I think my position in Cavity has allowed me to grow in ways that would never have been possible if I had not taken that leap into management.

 

Q5. What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

LS: To be honest, it’s not something I have given much thought to. There are soooo many national days now. However, I do think that equality for women has come a long way, especially when I chat with my mum about her experiences as a young lady.
LP: A chance to look at past and present women and see how incredible their achievements have been. It’s a day to reflect on how I am as a woman and whether I want that to be the legacy people remember me for.

Q6. Which female figures have you found inspiring and have perhaps been a role model for you?

LS: My mum is my main role model. I also think Margaret Thatcher was an amazing, strong woman. Not that I agreed with everything she did, but she had guts. Also, the Queen’s dedication was second to none. All these women have been a strong presence during my lifetime.
LP: I’m very lucky to be surrounded by some very strong ladies, no one stronger than my mum. To this day, I do not know how she managed to bring up two children with our own family challenges and have both of us represent the country with horses. I think Sharon has been a real inspiration, achieving what she has. I also have some incredible colleagues; everyone has their own path and demons, which they overcome or are fighting daily to become strong women who make a difference every day. My best friend, Jaye, is also a huge inspiration. Watching her build her own business in aesthetics makes me so proud of her.

Q7. What kind of influence do you strive to have on your female colleagues around you?

LS: I hope I am seen as a team player, interacting with my colleagues in a positive and friendly way, which encourages them to do the same with me.
LP: I think they influence me far more than I do them! But I think I’d like people to look at me and see someone who is not just “doing a job” but is also open to change and progression.

Q8. What advice would you give to women trying to establish their professional careers?

LS: Mix with the right people, always keep it professional, and don’t be afraid to put your ideas forward.
LP: Work hard, try not to compare yourself with those around you, as you do not know everyone’s story, and treat everyone fairly.

 

Q9. What main change would you like to see for young girls in the next generation?

LS: I would like to see a change in the way girls see themselves! They don’t need to look a certain way to be liked or successful.
LP: I’d like to see a little more self-determination and people going out and getting rewards, not waiting for things to be handed to them on a plate.

 

Conclusion:

Lisa and Lizzy’s stories highlight the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Their journeys are inspiring examples of how women can grow and thrive in their careers with the right mindset and support system. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s continue to uplift and empower each other to break barriers and achieve our goals!