Sophie Mellor is the Commercial Operations Director at Huws Gray and has been in the industry for 10 years. Sophie Mellor is the Commercial Operations Director at Huws Gray and has been in the industry for 10 years. She shares why International Women’s Day is important to her, the changes she thinks need to be made in the industry and who inspires and influences her.
When reflecting on how it feels to be a woman working at Huws Gray and within the industry, Sophie says: “I feel honoured to be part of the Huws Gray group and to be working with such driven and talented people.”
“I have been in the industry for 10 years but only in Huws Gray for a year and I have definitely found my home. Being a woman in this industry can sometimes be daunting but it definitely isn’t here.”
On what Sophie enjoys the most about her role, she says: “The people and the drive for success. I am fortunate to work across several functions in the business and have a wide network within the group.”
Working in a male-dominated industry doesn’t stop Sophie in her role:
“To be honest, it doesn’t cross my mind very often anymore. It doesn’t ever feel overwhelming or intimidating in Huws Gray. At the start of my journey in the industry, I was very lucky to have a woman senior mentor who helped me navigate my way through and grow in confidence.”
There have been many people who have inspired Sophie in her career, she explains: “I am surrounded by people who inspire me in different ways. Adrian and Sam have been particularly inspiring due to both being outside of the industry but unbelievably talented and driven people. Working closely with Blackstone has also been incredible and made me think very differently.”
On what makes her feel proud to be part of Huws Gray and the wider industry, Sophie says it’s: “The relentless focus and drive for success. The journey that we are on is exciting and I am looking forward to seeing what the next few years bring for the group.”
When thinking about what International Women’s Day means personally to her, Sophie views it as a time to reflect: “To take a moment to reflect on how far I have come personally. Juggling a full-time role, being a mum of 2 boys and being able to keep progressing in my career makes me very proud.”
“I love to see other women doing well in the industry and attracting new women into the industry too.”
On if any women have inspired or mentored Sophie in her career, Sophie mentions: “Cate Gregory. Cate was my mentor back in Gibbs and Dandy. She wasn’t just a mentor, she was a life coach and helped me through some of the most challenging periods of my life.”
“She kept my career progressing and helped me through my first role in People Management. I will be forever grateful to Cate for the support and guidance that she has given me over the years.”
When asked what changes or improvements Sophie thinks are still needed to achieve gender equality at Huws Gray and the wider industry, Sophie states: “I am incredibly lucky to have a good support network around me to enable me to work the contracted hours of 7-5 pm, Monday to Friday.”
“Childcare doesn’t start until 7:30am in a morning so it requires daily support in order to work (before childcare starts and after school). I am lucky to have such a good boss but I know not everyone has that”
