Elevator’s vision is to ignite, nurture and grow entrepreneurial spirit for a thriving and inclusive society where people are empowered to transform their futures.
This vision starts from within. We are one team.
People are at the heart of everything that we do. Together we foster an inclusive culture based on mutual respect where we support each other to flourish and reach our potential.
In fostering growth, leadership and equality in our workplace, we recognise the strong diverse women who play such an integral role in our success as an organisation. Did you know that 67% of our workforce is female - and precisely half of our Executive Leadership Team that guides our direction are women.
This of course isn’t all about stats though. We recently publicly welcomed the recommendations outlined in the new Scottish Government-commissioned review - Pathways: A New Approach for Women in Entrepreneurship. In identifying ways to reduce the gender gap and boost the economy, the review named Elevator’s E3 project as having ‘pioneered’ a new pop-up model now proposed to support women in entrepreneurship.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023, we're spotlighting six of the many women within Elevator and asking them for their best piece of advice. Here's what they had to say...
Jaz Gharra McBeth - Startup Team Leader
"I joined in 2021 as a Business Adviser in the Startup and Early-stage Growth Team - having been made redundant during the pandemic. Elevator put me through the Premier Adviser qualification and most recently I was promoted to a team leader role.
Every day is different – speaking to customers from all different wakes of life and at different stages of their journey. I get to use my methodical and logical mindset to help others understand and map out their business journey
If you were to give an aspiring female entrepreneur one piece of advice, what would it be?
Believe in yourself, take the time out and Come and speak to the team who will help you think out your idea, map it out with research and the financials – if it adds up in words and numbers then the likelihood of success is so much higher!"
Karen Clark - Programmes and Events Manager
"I started my career with Elevator in 1999 as part-time PA when the company was named Gordon Enterprise Trust. Throughout my career key people have had faith in me and given me chances I have grabbed with both hands - including Jackie Waring, Gordon MacDonald and Graham Morgan. I returned to Elevator in 2010 after a short break when I met our CEO Professor Gary McEwan on the steps at Union Square.
Building my network, learning new business tools & techniques and listening are key to my role as Programmes and Events Manager. I am an organiser, but not bossy (I hope). I enjoy seeing people we work with grow, grab and make the most of opportunities and try. I have faith and belief in others as people have shown great faith and belief in me.
If you were to give an aspiring female entrepreneur one piece of advice, what would it be?
A wise woman once said to me “Don’t try to be a woman in a man’s world – be a person in our world.” Just be who you are and have faith and belief in yourself."
Karen Pugh - Property Director
"I joined Elevator when I was 20 years old as Receptionist. I have been very fortunate to have had opportunities as the organisation has grown in strength and stature, undertaking various roles from PA to accounts to facilities to my present position as Director of Property. In my current role I look after our own internal premises as well as our commercial portfolio of Business Centres.
If you were to give an aspiring female entrepreneur one piece of advice, what would it be?
Believe in yourself - have faith in your skills, your talents and what you believe in. Do what you enjoy!"
Kirstie McLaughlin - Operations Manager
"I first joined Elevator as a Start Up Adviser in July 2016. I found myself with fantastic support and mentors within the company. I have had various roles and developed into a Business Adviser, then Team Leader and most recently promoted to Operations Manager in 2020.
It’s a very fulfilling role – I love the company and my team and it’s great to work with so many passionate, driven people on a daily basis. It’s also very challenging at times and I do thrive on that.
If you were to give an aspiring female entrepreneur one piece of advice, what would it be?
Surround yourself with people that inspire you, network with them and always keep an open mind. Your business will take you down roads that you never expected but it is always evolving – if you want everything to stay the same, you will struggle to enjoy the journey."
Skye McLeod - Business HR Adviser
"In my first six months with Elevator, my journey has been nothing but enjoyable – thanks to my team and my clients. Each experience has helped me grow in confidence and believe in my professional abilities that little bit more.
I was attracted to Elevator’s culture and values and fast forward six months, the company has lived up to these in my eyes. Such a nice place to work.
If you were to give an aspiring female entrepreneur one piece of advice, what would it be?
Do it! If you have a dream, something that you can’t stop planning and thinking about, go for it! Try your hardest not to let your doubts and limiting beliefs get in the way of what you truly want. Once you make a start, your confidence and self-esteem will begin to grow. Then, you will be so pleased that you have taken that step. There will be no stopping you!"
Roz Taylor - Operations Director
"I joined the team at Gordon Enterprise Trust in 2000, as Business Development Coordinator, then promoted to Senior Business Development Coordinator in 2002. I became a Business Advisor in 2005 after undertaking a postgraduate diploma in Management. Working with Elevator, I was promoted to Team Leader, then in 2015, I became Operations Manager. In 2019, I was invited to take up the position of Operations Director, looking after all of Elevator’s Business Gateway contracts across Scotland.
The roles I’ve undertaken in almost 23 years of working for Elevator have provided the most rewarding and fulfilling job – one which I’d never imagined was possible. Hard work and dedication to delivering social good, makes this the most satisfying position.
If you were to give an aspiring female entrepreneur one piece of advice, what would it be?
Surround yourself with great people who you connect with, train the skill and remember to thank the people you work with for their hard work. Success is not necessarily about what you achieve but about the positive journey which you take. Mistakes are not negatives but learning opportunities - they don’t feel like that at the time, but reflection will allow you to see what you have learned."
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