International Women's Day Interview – Rachael

Name: Rachael Mellor

Role: Implementation & Support Specialist, ExpenseIn

Favourite movie: Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. All time favourite film since being little and watching it with my dad.

Favourite food: Who knew choosing my favourite food would be this difficult? But I’d have to go for fish and chips, with gravy and scraps. Added bonus if I’m at the seaside eating them.

Favourite book: This is another tough one, I have too many to choose from. So, I’ll go with what I’m currently reading now, which is ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ by Michael Connelly.

1. Can you describe your role as an Implementation & Support Specialist at ExpenseIn? What does a typical day look like for you?

My typical day starts by reviewing all my implementations to make sure everything is up to date, any queries are answered, and any data is tested and configured.

I’m also here to lend a helping hand to our amazing support team in dealing with any queries via phone, email or live chat.

I use my free time to test things to improve my knowledge and expertise.

2. What does International Women's Day mean to you?

IWD is about celebrating the achievements we have made as women and to strive for more equality.

This day makes me feel proud that women now are confident and strong enough to push past any adversity.

3. Looking back on your career journey, what key experiences or decisions have been pivotal in your professional growth?

Choosing to put my own needs first and believe in my abilities to perform the work I am here to do has been the one crucial choice I have made in my career.

Having coworkers who provide support has also been extremely beneficial to my professional development.

4. Have there been any significant challenges or obstacles you've faced in your career, and what strategies have helped you overcome them?

The biggest difficulty I have had in my work is having the self-assurance to move forward, voice my opinions, and present my views.

I have to look at those women who persisted despite their doubts to help me feel like I can accomplish this.

5. What advice would you offer to young women just starting their careers, especially those looking to join a service delivery role like yours?

Be bold, take a risk, and view everything as a learning experience.

Even though it might seem like nothing is getting through on a terrible day, have faith in yourself.

Don't be afraid to reach out for help or ask questions.

6. Who are the women who have inspired you the most in your life and career, and why?

The women who have inspired me the most in my life and career I would have to say my mum and her mum, my grandma.

They have shown me that they can overcome adversity and that going through difficult times does not define who you are, your life, or your career.

7. From your experience, how does ExpenseIn foster gender equality and support women in their professional growth?

ExpenseIn - I’ve found - pushes you forward; your opinion and ideas always feel validated.

They see your potential regardless of gender and want to see you succeed in your work and help you reach your full potential.

8. From your experiences, how do you view the current state of gender equality in the workplace, and what improvements would you like to see?

You can see the difference that has occurred from my experience throughout my career - more women are willing to take risks and push themselves in the workplace.

I didn’t think I truly understood the inequality that we faced when I was younger. How hard we had to struggle to be taken seriously.

In my opinion, there should always be opportunities for people to learn about the history of women and the struggles they faced, but to also highlight that inequality still exists and needs to change.