OUR MEMBERS
WOF is a movement focused on collaboration and kindness in the workplace, galvanising a community of women to work together as a new generation of talent across multiple sectors and industries. Learn more about the inspiring and high-achieving women who are part of our community.
Member of the month
Marianne Waite
Director, The Valuable 500 Campaign/ Inclusive Design Consultant, Omnicom
What is the best part of your job?
Knowing that we’re working toward a higher purpose of fighting for the equal consumer rights of 1.3 billion disabled people, and their families, across the globe. It makes a difference knowing that you’re waking up to something that you whole-heartedly believe in and aligns to your values.
If you could give one piece of advice to yourself at the start of your career what would it be?
Somehow things always work out in the end, so have faith in your own ability, worry less and enjoy the ride.
What is an act of kindness that you will remember forever?
When my sister was an infant, she needed treatment for brain damage that was only available in the States. My parents had to travel back and forth to The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia every 3 months for years to review her progress. Richard Branson heard her story and arranged for Virgin Atlantic to provide Cara with a free return flight for each visit for as long as it took. At that time Virgin Atlantic had just one plane (I think it was called the Atlantic Voyager) but it’s a gesture my family will never forget.
What is your favourite quote?
“No amount of smiling at a flight of stairs has ever made it turn into a ramp”. Stella Young
If you could invite two people to dinner (dead or alive!) who would they be and why?
The queen of couture, Coco Chanel and adaptive style superstar Frida Kahlo (who had polio and spina bifida). I’d do my best to orchestrate a collaboration between these two powerhouses to design an aspirational adaptive clothing range to reposition what it means to be disabled. Together we could launch a premium range of low-maintenance power garments, inspired by bad-ass women who need to kill it in comfort.
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What is the best part of your job?
I really enjoy working in a global team and getting to interact with people from all over the world on a daily basis. Working with a diverse group of people is the best part of my job to me.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is that it is really not as much of a job as it is an extension of me. I get to create what I want, talk about what I want and express myself in a medium which I love. It also challenges me and allows me to grow and develop each day.
What is the best part of your job?
Working in communications means working at the heart of an organisation, bringing out the best of it and identifying and working to strengthen its weaknesses. It is a demanding but satisfying role and I think the variety and exposure to different teams and activities are the best part.