Celebrating Women of Lyreco this International Women’s Day 2025

​At Lyreco, we believe that a truly inclusive workplace is one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender. International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a moment to recognise the achievements of women, reflect on the progress made, and acknowledge the work still to be done in creating a more equal world.

Every day, the talented women at Lyreco inspire innovation, drive change, and break down barriers in their fields. From leadership in logistics to marketing and customer care, their contributions shape our business and drive us forward. This year, we’re shining a light on the voices of some of the incredible women across Lyreco as they share their experiences, challenges, and advice for the next generation of women.

Aisha Shabnam –  Marketing Manager

What inspired you to pursue your career, and who were your biggest role models along the way?

They say, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.” and that couldn’t be more true. Growing up in a Muslim, working-class family, I was raised with strong morals and ethics that shaped my mindset – instilling in me ambition, resilience, and determination.

My passion for marketing started when I was just a little girl. It was the perfect blend of creativity, business acumen, and the power to drive meaningful, lasting change. Marketing is a competitive industry, but with perseverance and a willingness to push forward, the rewards are incredible.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across multiple industries and collaborated with a diverse range of people. Each experience has tested me, shaped me, and built my resilience. I do this not only for myself but for the next generation – so that one day, my daughter can pursue her dreams without the same barriers, and instead, be recognised purely for her talent.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to enter your industry?

Step into every space with confidence, you belong there. Marketing is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, full of opportunities to create, influence, and drive meaningful change. Challenges will come, but see them as stepping stones to your success, not roadblocks. Each one will shape you into a stronger, more capable version of yourself.

Stay persistent, trust in your abilities, and never be afraid to use your voice. Your ideas and contributions matter, and the more you push forward, the more you pave the way for others. When one woman rises, she lifts others with her.

Be bold, embrace every opportunity, and know that the future is shaped by those who dare to dream big and make it happen. The world needs your perspective because real change starts with those brave enough to challenge the status quo.

Lorna Lucas – Customer Care Quality & Improvement Manager

What inspired you to pursue your career, and who were your biggest role models along the way?

I’ve always been passionate about making a difference, and improving customer experiences is another way that I can bring that passion to life. Seeing how continuous improvement positively impacts both customers and employees inspired me to pursue a career in quality and improvement management. I love solving problems, coaching teams, and driving progress.

My previous experience is in education and a great deal of what goes into being a teacher lends itself to being a continuous improvement manager – agile collaboration, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. Nothing ever stays still for long, and my terrific team and I are always learning and improving to lend our skills and knowledge to benefit others.

When it comes to role models, it’s impossible not to be in awe of strong leaders who focus on innovation and developing talent. Women in leadership, like Joan Magrath (VP of Quality & Continuous Improvement at Rolls-Royce) and others, who challenge the status quo, develop others, and drive real transformation have been especially influential to me. Whether through direct mentorship or learning from their journeys, these leaders have shown me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from boxing which is a sport I’m passionate about. The journey of women in boxing over the last 30 years is a testament to the power of perseverance, breaking down barriers, and proving doubters wrong – values that resonate deeply with my approach to leadership. Quality and continuous improvement in the workplace requires discipline, strategy, and the ability to keep pushing forward, even when the odds are against you.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to enter your industry?

A career in customer care quality management requires strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to challenge long-standing practices across different departments. Building a solid network of experts and mentors to keep developing your skills—whether it’s in data analysis, leadership, or communication. Believe in your capability and don’t hesitate to speak up and share your ideas.

This industry is evolving quickly with new technologies, and those who can stay ahead of the game and the best prepared for change. I would advise others to embrace change and innovation and see problems as opportunities. Failure is inevitable, so learn from setbacks, stay agile, and never underestimate the power of emotional intelligence and empathy. Understanding both customers and colleagues will set you apart as a leader and aid you in communicating affectively with others around you.

Just like a boxer needs a strong team in their corner, surround yourself with people who support, challenge, and push you to be your best and do the same for them. And when things get tough, remember that champions aren’t made in comfort zones. ‘If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you’.

Dominika Giertliova – People Development Business Partner

What inspired you to pursue your career, and who were your biggest role models along the way?

Everything started with my mum. No matter how difficult things got, she always made things happen. Since childhood, I’ve been in awe of her resilience and determination to create a better life for us, and that mindset has shaped my own career. She showed me that obstacles are not roadblocks but challenges to overcome.

I’m also constantly inspired by the incredible women around me—both at Lyreco and beyond. At work, my boss, Claire, and our P&C Director, Asmana, are just two of the many talented women who motivate me daily with their leadership, vision, and dedication.

But inspiration isn’t limited to just leadership roles—it comes from all corners of the business, from those who push boundaries and drive change every day. Closer to home, my younger sisters empower me in different ways—one pursuing her studies in college, the other building a career in photography. Their ambition, passion, and courage remind me that every generation of women is redefining success in its own way. “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to enter your industry?

My advice to the next generation of women? Work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams. When I arrived here around 11 years ago, I couldn’t speak English. But I refused to let that hold me back.

Through sheer drive, passion, and a willingness to go the extra mile—taking on additional tasks, pushing myself to learn, and stepping outside my comfort zone—I found my path. I attended college to complete my GCSEs in English and Maths and later graduated with a BSc (Hons) from the Open University. Most importantly, I was surrounded by people who supported and encouraged me.

No matter what industry you’re in, never stop learning and developing. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop growing. Be curious, embrace change, and always seek ways to improve—both professionally and personally.

Success isn’t just about talent; it’s about perseverance, learning from failures, and having the courage to say yes to opportunities, even when they feel daunting. Challenges will come, but with the right mindset and a strong support network, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Martyna Kujawska – Receiving Manager

What inspired you to pursue your career, and who were your biggest role models along the way?

Independence, quality of life, and a curiosity about how much I can accomplish have always driven me. My career journey at Lyreco has been a blend of hard work, courage, and the support of great people.

My strength and independence were instilled in me by my mum from an early age. She always pushed me to do more, be better, and never compare myself to others. This mindset has stayed with me throughout my life, and as I reached for new opportunities, I was fortunate to meet both men and women at Lyreco who supported and motivated me in my career.

My mum will always be my role model. She pursued her studies while raising me—a naughty, stubborn child 😉—all while balancing a full-time job and managing our home, never failing to excel in all areas.

On the other hand, my dad instilled in me a sense of bravery and taught me how to fail, learn, and move forward—an essential lesson we often overlook. Both of my parents taught me to stay curious, keep growing, and always navigate life with kindness in my heart.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to enter your industry?

Stay strong, courageous, and never stop growing. Women possess an extraordinary set of skills that naturally make us exceptional leaders. Our emotional intelligence, patience, and attention to detail are unmatched.

If we shift our perspective and stop comparing ourselves to men and their achievements in a traditionally male-dominated world, we’ll quickly realise that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Ultimately, qualities like fairness, kindness, and logical thinking transcend gender, and each of us brings unique strengths that can thrive in any industry. Remember that your journey can be inspiration for somebody else.

Pati Nowak – IS Support Technician

What inspired you to pursue your career, and who were your biggest role models along the way?

I have always had a passion for technology, whether it was setting things up around the house, acting as the family’s tech support, or getting the latest phone just to explore its newest features. While my priorities have shifted recently, my love for technology remains, even if it can sometimes be a love-hate relationship.

I wouldn’t say I have specific role models, especially in the IT field. I believe women are underrepresented in this industry, and there is a noticeable gap, likely due to the fast-paced and constantly evolving nature of the field. Unfortunately, many women struggle to keep up with these changes, often due to responsibilities like starting a family.

My biggest role models are my parents, who left their office jobs in Poland to work as a cleaner and a production worker in the UK, all to give our family a better start. Their hard work and determination have always inspired me and my brother, shaping our own strong work ethic. I have since gained experience in various fields, including working as a production line operative, shop assistant, and in HR and IT.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women looking to enter your industry?

Make sure it’s something you truly enjoy and love doing. The tech industry is constantly evolving, so stay on top of the changes and keep your qualifications up to date.

At Lyreco, we are proud to stand alongside the incredible women who shape our business, inspire change, and pave the way for future generations. International Women’s Day is not just a day of recognition—it’s a commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering workplace where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.

As we celebrate the achievements of women within Lyreco and beyond, we encourage everyone to continue the conversation, challenge barriers, and champion equality. Together, we can create a future where talent knows no gender, and success is defined by passion, perseverance, and potential.

To all the women making a difference—thank you. Your strength, vision, and determination inspire us every day.