I’m a female manager in a male-dominated industry, how do I assert myself? Karren Brady gives her career advice

APPRENTICE prima and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here, Karren gives proposal to a scholar who wants to asseverate herself arsenic a manager successful a male-dominated industry.

Q: I was precocious promoted into a managerial relation for a mechanical/plumbing steadfast – though it’s male-dominated, it’s committed to promoting women crossed the business.

However, arsenic I don’t person overmuch acquisition compared to others, I deficiency assurance and I’m sometimes reluctant to talk my mind.

The squad I pb are beardown and judge successful maine and the values I effort to implement, but I’ve discovered a antheral workfellow is trying to poach them down my back.

I can’t assistance but deliberation my politeness and deficiency of assurance allowed this to happen.

How tin I code this and beryllium taken seriously?

Katie, via email

A: Congratulations connected your promotion.

It’s inspiring to spot women stepping into roles successful male-dominated industries – thing I’m acquainted with!

Experience comes with clip and practice, truthful don’t fto a deficiency of assurance clasp you back.

As you settee in, you’ll find expressing yourself easier.

Consider seeking retired a mentor oregon grooming to boost your skills, and articulation networks that enactment women successful your industry.

Practise speaking up successful meetings and asserting your enactment benignant – your dependable is arsenic important arsenic anyone else’s.

Your promotion shows your manager trusts your ability, portion your team’s assurance successful you is simply a testament to your capabilities.

Seek feedback from your peers and manager connected your enactment style.

As for your workfellow attempting to poach people, talk to him to clarify the concern and inquire him to amusement you the courtesy of talking to you earlier approaching your team.

By confronting the contented and fostering a supportive environment, you’ll proceed to turn successful your role.

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email [email protected].