From growing up in rural Ireland to working her way up to senior roles in the food service sector, Margot Slattery – Global Group Head of Social Sustainability at ISS World Services. has built a career driven by purpose, advocacy and deep commitment to change.
As a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Margot has worked tirelessly to support under-represented groups across the food and agriculture sector. Expana sat down with Margot for an interview ahead of the Women in Food Agriculture Europe Summit, where she will be on stage sharing advice drawn from her many years of leadership experience in her session titled, “How to communicate effectively”.
[Expana] Your career has taken you from leading major organizations to your role as Global Group Head of Social Sustainability, ISS World Services. What motivated this journey, and what key moments shaped your path?
[Margot Slattery] I have always been motivated by hard work and thrived where I feel like I can make a difference. My parents and community were always supporters, however a very conservative society and inequality in Ireland growing up was a strong accelerator to help me to push for change.
Key moments that shaped my path were the fabulous educator’s I had in school, my parents and Irish pioneers like Mary Robinson and Michael D Higgins. More recently, leaders in workplace like a former CHRO Nathalie Bickford and Rohini Ananad in Sodexo and Group CEO Michael Landel in Sodexo and now Kasper Fangel and Liz Bension in ISS, have been inspirational.
Opening the door to DEI in the workplace has been like opening the windows of the world. I believe business growth and doing good can be combined.
[Expana] Do you think your background growing up in rural Ireland has influenced your career and leadership approach?
[Margot Slattery] It has absolutely been a major influence. Growing up, I really felt the support of a rural community with a strong sense of place and purpose, that helped and supported others.
Growing up on a farm teaches you all the rhythms of life- I got to see the growth of food and the people who grow it as vital to life and it has framed so much of what I enjoy. I believe this background helped me understand relationships at all levels and this has been a massive help in business.
[Expana] You have been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in the workplace. What progress have you seen in the industry and what still needs to change?
[Margot Slattery] There has been a massive improvement in DEI and specifically in LGBTQI rights in my lifetime. From being a criminal for loving the person you love, to being able to have civil partnership or marriage has been an incredible shift.
In the workplace that’s also been reflected, allowing employees to be able to be themselves at work, not feel shame and to be free to express themselves. We now see people who are from my community reach their full potential, which is what I want for all. We need this at all levels and in all types of businesses to ensure we support DEI throughout the year, and not just in Pride month. We can only achieve this through having great policies that support all employees.
[Expana] Women in Food and Agriculture aims to create a more inclusive and diverse industry but also give actionable insights and tools. Why do you think initiatives like this are so important?
[Margot Slattery] These types of initiative are critical to move this industry forward and allow more people to thrive and enjoy their careers. Our industry is so vital to life and thus giving life to all the possibilities is vital.
[Expana] Finally, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
[Margot Slattery] Don’t be afraid, try, and fail and try again… life is precious so just enjoy it all!
Join Margot Slattery and other esteemed speakers at WFA: Europe on the 25th February in Amsterdam. For more information click here.
