IWD 2022 – Ruth Conner

International Women's Day 2022 -

Q&A with Ruth Conner - Communications Manager at Active Financial Planners.

Career Stories

Please tell us about your background, younger ambitions, interests, education.

I left school at 16 to start an apprenticeship (Youth Training Scheme) in Business Administration with Middlesbrough (was Kirby) college. I was never academic, but I worked really hard. I was much happier when I left school and started my journey in the world of work.

How did you get to where you are today, successful women in business? How did you gain your skills and knowledge to do what you’re doing?

My second job was as Marketing Assistant at Teesside Airport, which I loved! From there I went on to a similar role at Newcastle Airport. Leaving travel I went on to work at a Design & Marketing Agency in Gateshead and they paid for me to study part time for the CIM Diploma in Marketing. Gaining a professional qualification took me to another level in my career and I went on to be Marketing Manager at Country Valley Foods in Billingham. I loved my time there and stayed for 8 years, until I had another baby and wanted to reduce my hours. I came to Active as I knew Karl and we had chatted over the years about possibly working for Active. The time was right. I dropped my days (I work 2.5 days) and haven’t looked back in 6 years. Active is an amazing place to work and I have made some lifelong friends here.

Have you faced challenging times in the past or any times you have failed at something? How did you face this?

When I had my first baby, I found moving from full time working to part time (3 days) a challenge. Although my boss was supportive, I felt I had to cram 5 days worth of work in to 3 days so I ended up taking work home. Being a working mum in general (regardless of how many days you work) is a challenge – you end up feeling guilty a lot of the time. Also having a partner who works long hours, I wanted to be at home more for our girls.

Can you tell us about times that have inspired you throughout your life and where do you get your inspiration and motivation from?

I have been continually inspired by people that I work with – both male and female and not only by my bosses (although they have played a huge part). With each job I have grown a little and learned more about the corporate world.

What makes you feel empowered?

Watching my daughters, Beatrice (10) and Esther (7) working hard and achieving their goals (in and out of school). They make me burst with pride! Bea is starting secondary school in September – she is going to a different school to her friends and the way she is coping with the change has amazed me.

What are your future goals?

At Active we are encouraged to develop professionally, so I am currently studying to be a chartered marketer. I also want to continue to grow in my role and get more involved in the two charities that we support – The High Tide Foundation and The Teesside Charity

If you could give one piece of advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

Listen to people and take advice from those who are more experienced. Also, try and concentrate more and don’t talk so much!

Read More
Explore Careers

Browse career resources from different sectors, industries and job roles using the links below

33,500

Students supported since 2012
with life-changing industry-led work experience programmes and enrichment events

28,000

Hours of engagement with employers
connecting students directly with people in various job roles for real-life career experiences

750

Business members involved
from a range of sectors who co-designed and delivered our industry-led career programmes

"“This has been so educational, not only for the students but also the teachers; I had no idea of what really went on down here. This is great knowledge that I can take back with me and share with the other colleagues and students.”"

Teacher, Middlesbrough

""It was very informative and was definitely worth every minute. The speakers and staff were very kind and helped us all build a better understanding of the world of engineering. This was an insight I doubt I could have gotten anywhere else.""

Year 7 Student, Redcar

"“I am grateful for the help and life changing experience High Tide have gave me and believe that I wouldn’t have got this chance anywhere else. I believe that without high tide I would have never received or had an opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge”"

Year 6 Student, Middlesbrough

"“My experience with High Tide provided me with amazing opportunities and allowed me to meet very influential people who have helped me to gain confidence as well as skills I will take with me for the rest of my life.""

Year 6 Student, Middlesbrough

"Start to finish there was loads of enthusiasm from the employees and the students! Really fun to be a part of this!"

Age 17, 5-day VWEX (Engineering)

"I enjoyed the work experience, I learnt new skills on how to write my CV and what employers look for."

Age 13, Discovery day (Employability)

Our Corporate Partners

Casper Shipping
Jacksons Law Firm
PD Ports