This week communities, individuals and businesses are celebrating International Women’s
Day – a global movement created to honour the social, economic, cultural and political
achievements of women while shining a light on the ever important topic of advocating for
gender equality.
To mark the occasion, we recently caught up with Laura Colton-Smith, Managing Director at Colton
Packaging, to find out more about her career to-date, her journey to the top and her views on what it
takes to be a female leader in today’s society.
Hi Laura, thank you for joining us today. Firstly, please could you tell us about your career
journey and how you became the Managing Director of Colton Packaging?
Like my father, I fell into the family business ‘by accident’. After deciding against a career in PR in
London, I returned home and my parents suggested I help out in the office whilst I got back on my
feet.
Antony Wilkinson, our Commercial Director joined a few months before me and it quickly became
apparent that he needed an assistant. Naively, I stepped into the role and it’s safe to say that Antony’s
incredible work ethic was drilled into me from an early age!
Once I had decided that I wanted to stay at the firm long-term, my role moved around the business
covering admin, sales and operations, before eventually seeing me managing the business.
I am very proud to be the 5th generation Colton running the family business and just the second
female family member to be employed by the business.
During your career, have you had to overcome challenges which you feel presented
themselves because you are a woman and if so, how did you overcome them?
Proving myself in a male-dominated industry has been difficult, as well as navigating raising a family
whilst advancing in my career. Also, surrounding myself with supportive mentors both male and
female has helped me develop resilience and confidence.
Which female role models have inspired your leadership style / journey so far?
I am blessed to have come from a family of very strong women, my mother and grandmother in
particular. My mother’s best advice is “what do you want the end game to be?” and my Granny’s
advice will have to remain our little secret!
Which leadership skills do you consider to be the most valuable for women in senior
positions?
The first is effective communication, the second is emotional intelligence and the third and final skill
which I consider essential is strategic vision. If you can successfully find a perfect blend of all three,
then you are well on your way to success.
How do you feel women can best support one another in business?
Women should be each other’s cheerleaders, collaborating not competing and celebrating each
other’s successes.
What’s the one piece of advice you would give to your 25-year old self about the journey that
lies ahead?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, life doesn’t unfold according to a master plan. Lean in to change and
embrace it as it often leads to exciting opportunities.
Finally, do you have any words of advice for women who are aspiring leaders within their
respective industries?
The best advice I can give can be broken down into three statements:
1. Trust your gut instinct, speak up and don’t be afraid to go against the grain
2. Kindness is King – if you look after your employees, they will look after you
3. It’s lonely at the top, so surround yourself with mentors and supporters who can lift you up
when it gets tough
Thank you Laura for sharing your insights and experiences with us in celebration of
International Women’s Day. To learn more about how you can support this important cause,
click here.
