CELEBRATING IWD PART THREE - HARETA MCMULLIN
March 31, 2020
For part three of our International Women’s Day Blog Series, we're shining the spotlight on Hareta McMullin, our People Business Manager. Hareta has been with eNett for four years now, starting in a ‘People Coordinator’ role and working her way up by rising to multiple challenges that have been thrown her way. Hareta has demonstrated incredible leadership skills during her time at eNett. Her current challenge is to help our people navigate working from home during the global situation (COVID-19). And she’s already doing a great job in these uncharted waters. Read more about Hareta’s journey to where she is today and her advice for other women looking to take on a similar path, below.
What is your role at eNett?
I manage our Global People function and work to ensure our people have the support they need to thrive at eNett.
What was your path to this role?
I discovered HR whilst I was studying for a degree in Hospitality and Business. After a few years of studying, I was eager to get into the workforce and didn’t want to continue with further formal education at that stage. So, a year after graduation I applied for a career program at an international hotel brand I was working for, which gave me access to the HR world. It was through that program that I entered my first HR role. I then spent 3 years learning the foundations of HR in hotels before making a 180 and entering the tech world. Over the next 4 years, I took every opportunity presented at eNett and have experienced massive growth. It has been quite a journey!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I find massive fulfilment in helping people (typical HR person!) I love having the space to explore creative ways in which we can make a difference to our people at all levels. In my experience so far, a lot of frustrations that come out of ones working experience comes down to effective relationships - and helping people to cultivate those is incredibly rewarding.
Why do you think it can be difficult for women to get into tech and/or leadership roles in tech?
You can’t be what you can’t see. Whilst there is more of it now, women have typically not been profiled in these positions through media or television. Coupled with the fact that ‘science’ and ‘technology’ were not celebrated as achievable options throughout primary and secondary education, at least from my experience, hinders access to these positions. With regards to leadership positions, I also think that, as women, we have a natural tendency to question ourselves and our ability to do the job. As a generalisation, I think it’s harder for us to feel like we can push whilst staying true to our values.
How can the industry kick-start change for women in tech?
I love love love women supporting women. I am seeing it more and more in many facets of our world but I think it’s something we should continue to focus on. I’m all about mentoring and coaching opportunities, and profiles such as this allow our younger generations to see what they can be. From a HR leadership perspective, I also think there is opportunity to partner with Executive Leadership teams and Boards to drive change from the top, leveraging the incredible data we know to be true that comes from women holding leadership positions.
What’s your advice or message for women looking to enter tech?
You don’t get what you don’t ask for. I have battled with some serious self-doubt over the years but have found that the situations I was in have led to the most significant growth. Be strong in your ability to back yourself and socialise the things that you want. Find and attend meet-ups, join mentoring programs and find creative ways to apply for jobs (we love that!) because it’s all about the people you know and your relationships, of course!
ENDS
About eNett International
We’re B2B payments game changers. Our products are innovative. Our service is fast. Our customers’ transactions are safe. And we’re easy to deal with.
We listen to our customers and fix things that should work better. Our payment solutions provide a better experience and help them grow.
eNett’s Virtual Account Numbers (VANs) allow travel agencies to generate a unique 16-digit Mastercard number used to pay travel suppliers quickly, efficiently and with less risk. A unique number is used for each booking or payment transaction, so VANs are a secure way to pay and be paid. And they’re welcome anywhere Mastercard is accepted online.
We’re majority owned by Travelport, and our VANs are seamlessly integrated into its Travel Commerce Platform.
Further enhanced by our global banking services partner and shareholder Optal, eNett’s fast, easy and safe payments solutions are solving the payments challenges of leading travel agencies around the globe.
