Paula has smashed the glass ceiling thanks to her qualities, not quotas
PAULA NICKOLDS has become the first female boss of John Lewis in the department store chain’s 152-year history.
Quite an achievement. What’s even more important is that she has done it on her own merit and not through any compulsory quota system of females such as the famous “Blair’s babes”.
Instead, Paula started work selling buttons and zips in the haberdashery department in 1994 and, by putting in the hours, learning how to meet the needs of customers and, coming up with bright, innovative ideas, she climbed the company ladder, step by step.
It’s the only way to do it – rather than bleating on about the need for “token” women whether in business, commerce, the police force, politics or media.
The best person for the job is all that matters. It demeans women if they are promoted for any other reason.
Paula sounds like a very smart lady. She was the brains behind the iconic Man in the Moon and Monty the Penguin Christmas ads which raised the profile of John Lewis in a big way.
She also transformed the fashion department of the store, bringing in new, modern designers, and has worked as a buyer in clothing, furniture and homeware.
In other words, she knows the nuts and bolts of the store, the product ranges, the staff, the customers and what works and what doesn’t.
In any business that’s all that counts. Someone who has had hands-on experience at every level and has that extra something – a vision of how to make things better, how to ring the changes and how to bring in new customers without alienating the ones who have had lifetime loyalty to the store.
Clearly John Lewis believes Paula is the girl with the golden touch who can turn around the fortunes of the store.
Like many businesses, the company has had a tough few years.
It reported a 14.7% slide in halfyearly profits recently because of “deep structural changes in the retail market”.
But the company will be hoping for a fresh start with a new boss at the helm.
It’s a big challenge for 43-yearold Paula, who is married but has no children. I’ve no doubt she’ll give it all she’s got.
Her story is encouragement for women in all walks of life. Just 25% of the positions on the board of companies in the FTSE 100 are held by women and there are just seven female chief executives.
So this is a real opportunity to prove what women can achieve at every level. But it has to be on merit – not on gender equality.
Appointing a woman for any reason other rather than the fact she’s the best person for the job is an insult to both sexes.
Wishing you all the best for the future, Paula. You’ve worked your way to the top and deserve this chance to make your mark.