September 15, 2021
Aimee is a Process Technology specialist at Tata Steel’s Llanwern site, having studied forensic science at De Montfort University it was by chance that Aimee discovered that there could be a field of study and work around metallurgy. Completing her PHD in 2019 Aimee is also vice-chair of the IOM3 Student and Early careers committee.
Growing up in the steel town of Corby, Aimee was always aware of the steel industry, but never once imaged herself working in it herself.
Join us for a conversation on finding your passions, working hard to achieve your goals and the benefits of allowing yourself time to relax.
September 8, 2021
After joining the Royal Navy following a bet with her dad, Natalie successfully enjoyed a career as a Weapons Engineering Officer for over a decade, having 2 of her 3 children whilst in service; gaining operational campaign medals for service in Afghanistan, Sierra Leone and Libya.
Following the Navy, she began her career in steel working as an operations planner for Harsco and an advanced refractories technician for Vesuvius. Now, as a specialist in refractory maintenance on Port Talbot’s iconic Blast Furnaces, Natalie is open about the struggle of being the absent parent, the lessons she’s learned along the way and why she would encourage any girl to follow a path like hers.
Listen in for an honest, entertaining and informative chat with a formidable Women of Steel.
December 13, 2020
Despite hailing from the north east of England – a region rich in heavy industry history – Heather Rowland never dreamt she’d be at the coalface of a south Wales steelworks.
Now, more than a decade into her career, Heather has overcome imposter syndrome to cement herself as a key figure in Port Talbot’s steelmaking plant, playing a large part in projects and processes that keep the site operating safely and efficiently.
As one of the 4% of women in operational roles across Tata Steel’s hub in Port Talbot and Llanwern, Heather is keen to see more female representation in the workforce, and while she has achieved so much already – she is not done yet. Heather is a true woman of steel.
December 6, 2020
While carving out a successful career in a private law firm, Natalie Young wanted to pursue a career that would give her an opportunity to have a more active input in legal projects. One way to achieve that was to join an in-house team.
Natalie joined Tata Steel back in 2009 as a solicitor in the property team. Since then, she has not only climbed the ladder to become Head of Legal for Property at Tata Steel Europe, but has made a conscious effort to extend her hand and assist others during their own climb.
A passionate singer in her spare time, Natalie hits all the right notes when harmonising potential obstacles for women in a man’s world, and how to overcome them.
![Women of Steel S2 E4 - Rouha Hussaina]()
December 1, 2020
Growing up in India, Rouha saw two obvious career choices - a doctor or an engineer. Having an aptitude for maths she decided that Mechanical engineering would be the best choice for her.
Being one of only a few women on her university course, and following a tough experience on a placement where she wasn't allowed onto a site due to her gender, Rouha joined Tata Steel's Blast Furnaces team in 2007 and never looked back.
There she found a supportive community of colleagues and mentors who challenged her and encouraged her to develop regardless of gender. Playing an integral role in some key construction projects, Rouha firmly cemented her name in the Tata Steel history books, but now after over a decade in steel she is working on sustainability projects. Full circle perhaps?
A tenacious spirit, can-do attitude and strong work ethic helped Rouha face career challenges head on.
A motivational conversation with one of Tata Steel's senior engineers, demonstrating that gender barriers are there to be smashed!
November 15, 2020
Starting her career as a Graduate in hospitality and working her way to the top of that industry in HR some people might wonder why Amanda chose to move to a career in Steel. But as we discuss in the podcast Amanda loves a challenge.
Thriving on learning about people and what drives them, she sees her gender as an opportunity, not a challenge. She understands what she brings to the table, and knows her own worth. An inspirational conversation with a powerful female leader.
November 8, 2020
To kick off series two of Women of Steel, we speak the founder of Tata Steel’s Steel Women’s Network, and recent Institution of Engineering and Technology award winner, Susan Jones.
Following a first taste of the steel industry while studying for her Masters, Susan had stints in the aerospace and automotive sectors. Since her return to the steelworks, Susan has not only flown the flag for women in STEM, but planted it firmly in the middle of the traditionally male-dominated workplace.
There’s no getting away from it, Susan is a true woman of steel.
October 30, 2020
Tata Steel’s Director for Strategic Business Development, Deirdre Fox, recalls the incredible amount of work that has taken place across Tata Steel Europe, with customers, suppliers, peers and governments in preparation for the separation of the UK and EU on 1 January 2021.
While there is a ground-rush of preparations to oversee in the next 60 days, we discover that the journey is far from over as so many aspects of business life still remain to be settled.
October 23, 2020
Chief Technical Officer for Tata Steel Europe, Ernst Hoogenes, reflects on the many challenges steelworkers have faced and overcome since the start of the pandemic, and talks of his confidence in the steel family to adapt again and make the very best of any upturn that the steel markets might provide in the coming quarters.
