#IWD2018 Who Inspires: Danielle Simpson?

Name: Danielle Simpson
Job title: Business Relationship Director
Company: Santander

Danielle’s role at Santander involves helping SME businesses to prosper in the Manchester area.

Which woman has inspired you most?

I can’t pick just one, which makes me very lucky.

My maternal gran worked in a munitions factory during the 2nd world war all whilst raising a young family, her stories of running home from work avoiding the dropping bombs were awe inspiring.

My paternal grandmother is an Irish immigrant who, despite the overwhelming prejudices she faced everyday has never lost her faith in others and taught me that no matter what race, religion, gender or circumstance, everyone deserves respect.

I of course can’t forget my Mum, she is fiercely proud of what I have achieved in my career and enables me to peruse this by helping me (along with my husband) look after our amazing daughter.

Which famous/historical woman inspires you most?

JK Rowling- As a huge unashamed Harry Potter fan, for me JK Rowling should be an inspiration to all women. She wrote the first book after escaping an abusive marriage, whilst trying to support her infant daughter on state benefits. She is also the only Billionaire to be demoted to a Millionaire because she has donated so much to charity.

What does feminism mean to you?

Feminism to me is working towards a world where all women are seen as equals in the same way that feminism isn’t a way for women to bash men. One of my biggest influences is my dad, who could be described as staunch feminist and has always encouraged me to be true to who I am.

Have you found your industry to be particularly tougher for women? If so, how did you overcome this?

I can’t speak for the whole banking industry but I am proud to work for a diverse bank where our Executive Chair is a woman- Ana Botin. The Managing Director of Santander Business is a woman- Sue Douthwaite and my Regional Director is a woman- Jo Phipson.

Work Life balance is a conscious decision that is regularly discussed at Santander. I love my job and one of the main reasons for this is that it is not expected that my job should come before my family.

This year’s #IWD2018 theme is #PressForProgress how do you feel, as women we can push for equality faster?

I think the best and quickest way for us to reach equality faster is by supporting each other. We are stronger together.