As part of International Women’s Day at Garic, we are sharing a series of articles focussing on women from across the business, and how they spend their day. Leighann is a van driver and is based at our Falkirk depot.
Starting the day
What is your morning routine?
I wake up at 5.30 am, get a shower and dressed. I then wake my son up, get him ready and take him to my mum’s as she takes him to school every morning while I am at work.
Are you eating a full breakfast, smoothie, or is it a grab and go?
I would like to say that I have a substantial breakfast, but I don’t. Its normally a quick Weetabix drink or just coffee.
Your working day
Are you working from home or the depot?
No, I work from our Falkirk depot. I only stay a few miles away from the depot, so my commute is fairly short and easy.
What’s your first drink when you start work?
I’m straight to the kettle for another coffee.
How do you schedule your workday?
My tablet is always stacked with my jobs for the day, so it’s my first port of call. I check where I’m going and what I need for the jobs.
What do you enjoy about work?
I enjoy everything about my job. I love working with everyone in the yard and have a good rapport with the clients on site. I love driving to all the great and different locations around Scotland.
Is there anything Garic could do to encourage some more women into construction?
To be honest, I personally have not come up against any barriers with being a woman at Garic. If anything, I have been encouraged all the way, especially by Martin & Jade at the depot.
Your evening
What do you do when you get home?
I pick up my son on my way home, discuss how his day has been and what we are having for dinner.
What are you having for dinner tonight?
Oh, homemade steak pie… yum, yum!
Do you have any hobbies or exercise routines?
I love horse riding, fishing, camping, walking… anything outdoors really!
What book/TV show/film are you currently reading/watching?
I must say, I am a big Peaky Blinders fan.
How do you wind down?
I don’t normally wind down until the weekend, between work and my son… although lunch with friends and a bit of shopping is my way of winding down.
Some final facts
Who is your favourite artist/album?
I can’t say I have one favourite as I like many genres of music, but Biffy Clyro are on my bucket list to see in concert!
Do you have a favourite saying/mantra/quote?
“Oh, what a day” & “Very good, very nice, very nice, very good”
I say them all the time, courtesy of Tik Tok!
Who is your female hero (past or present)?
Pink, she is amazing! I love her attitude and think she is an inspiration to all women.
Who is your Favourite businesswoman?
Deborah Meaden
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It means to me, equality, and empowerment for women especially at work. If a woman can do the job, then why not.
What are you most proud of in your life?
My children, Declan who is 25 and Cole who is 12, and my gorgeous granddaughter Alyssa.
Where have you experienced or overcome bias?
I don’t think I have ever experienced bias to be honest, but I have always wanted to be an HGV driver and a lot of my friends didn’t think it was a woman’s job!
What has been a difficult choice in your life?
Leaving my last job to move to Garic! It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made though as I love my job!