August 14, 2021
Entrepreneurs, Female Founder Spotlight, Latest Articles

Female Founder Spotlight: Gemma McCall

6 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder

IWD Inspirational Female Founders Spotlight: Gemma McCall

Gemma is a purpose-driven tech-for-good founder with a passion for using technology to speed up the rate of change for people globally. As the co-founder and CEO of Culture Shift – an impact software business that works with over 60 of the UK’s most prominent universities, plus a number of corporate businesses, Gemma has a track record of activating change within organisations for the better and eliminating the stigma around reporting any form of harassment. Gemma is also a prolific and passionate speaker whose mission is to positively change culture by building software products that empower organisations to tackle harassment and bullying.

What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own company?

My life has transformed twice. Firstly, when I became a mum and secondly when I found the courage to become my own boss. I am a mum of two and had suffered maternity discrimination during both periods of maternity leave. This massively affected my confidence. I was sick of bosses assuming that because I had become a mother, I wouldn’t be as committed to developing my career. If you feel this too, don’t put up with it. Be the change you want to see in the world.

What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?

Jump in to every opportunity that comes your way, even if you feel like you can’t do it. It’s important not to hesitate and to just push yourself!

Building a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace culture is essential and is something we’re incredibly passionate about at Culture Shift. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it’s also been proven time-and-time again that diverse and inclusive workforces that feel supported, are more successful, have happier employees, build better products and services, and are more profitable.

Keep going! Building something takes time and when things seem insurmountable, maybe take some time away to refresh and come back to it later.

Take time to look at how far you’ve come. It doesn’t always feel like it, but every day you’re making incremental progress, so when you look back it’s inspiring to see what you’re capable of.

Building a business is hard and there’s no doubt you will have to make tough choices. It’s okay to feel sad after making the right decision.

Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, American politician/U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district.

Serena Williams, American professional tennis player and former world no. 1 in women’s singles tennis.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who spent a lifetime flourishing in the face of adversity before being appointed an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the US, where she successfully fought against gender discrimination.

Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter.

Harriet Harman, a British politician and solicitor who has served as Member of Parliament for Camberwell and Peckham since 1982.