Samsung UK’s Head of People Experience Talks About ‘Give to Gain’ Ahead of International Women’s Day

Ahead of International Women’s Day on 8th March, Samsung UK’s newsroom team sat down with Charlie Grant, Head of People Experience, to talk about the importance of this year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’.

Charlie talked through how this resonates with the work she leads at Samsung UK and how her own career experiences have helped shape her commitment to drive and affect change.

This year’s International Women’s Day is centred around the theme of ‘Give To Gain’, celebrating the power of support and generosity. What does this mean to you?

The theme of ‘Give To Gain’ resonates deeply with me. At Samsung, I’ve experienced the transformative power of support by investing in each other.

We create a two-way culture of trust and growth that benefits everyone, for now and for the future. We actively encourage our colleagues to ‘pay it forward’— a principle that aligns perfectly with this year’s theme.

An example of this is our CSR team’s partnership with Benevity, where every SEUK employee is entitled to three paid volunteering days, allowing us to give back to our communities while fostering a sense of shared purpose.

Through all of our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we aim to create opportunities to support each other, to acknowledge what is going well and to collaborate on moving the dial in areas where we need to improve.

Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or simply being there for one another, we believe that giving generously creates a ripple effect of positive change.

Looking back, has there been a defining moment that changed how you saw your own potential or what you were capable of?

I have two defining moments that reshaped my understanding of my potential. The first was when I stepped away from a 20-year career as a professional dancer, unsure of what my future held. With little confidence in my next steps, I took a leap of faith and started my own business, supporting other mums with young children by providing them with Virtual Assistant work, to fit around family life.

At the time, this concept was still very new, but it allowed me to channel my skills and creativity into something meaningful. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability.

The second defining moment came when I joined Samsung. Initially, my confidence was not at a high level, but everything changed when a manager told me how much she believed in me. Her trust in my abilities gave me the courage to take on new challenges and expand my role within the company.

Additionally, a mentor helped me recognise my talents and appreciate my own potential. This journey taught me that true drive comes from within, feeling comfortable in your own skill and to have belief in your skills and qualities rather than what you think might impress others.

Is there an idea or value that has guided you throughout your career, and why has this been so important to you?

The value of trust has been central to my career. I trust people until they give me a reason not to. In addition to trust, navigation has been a core skill that has helped me progress. I’ve learned to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and take accountability for my growth.

This mindset has allowed me to adapt to different roles and responsibilities throughout my career, from starting as an EA and Admin team manager to growing into roles in Internal Comms, Events, Inclusion, and Health & Wellbeing.

I also believe in ‘equity for all’ and that ‘meritocracy’ must come first. These principles have been essential in creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.

Can you share an experience where you had to push past a challenge or bias in your career, and what it taught you about leadership?

One of the most challenging experiences in my career occurred when a previous manager, from many moons back, created a negative and highly intense working environment, which was impacting my team.

When I addressed my concerns, I was told to “be more like a man,” a comment that initially shook me. However, I quickly responded by sharing my views on what it means to be a good leader, emphasising that gender is irrelevant to leadership effectiveness. I made it clear that empathy and understanding were not weaknesses but strengths that fostered collaboration and trust within my team.

This experience taught me the importance of not only standing up for myself but also advocating for a positive and inclusive workplace culture. It also highlighted the need in my view for managers to be held accountable for their leadership capabilities.

As a single mum, I’ve faced additional challenges, balancing personal and professional responsibilities. I don’t see work and home life as separate; they are intrinsically linked.

My experience reinforced my belief that true leadership is about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work. It also strengthened my commitment to addressing biases and promoting equity in the workplace.

How do you support or mentor others in your team, and can you share an example of something that’s made a real difference for women at Samsung?

I actively mentor team members by encouraging them to be open about their aspirations. Supporting my team is not just a responsibility; it’s a position of honour. I believe that how my team feels at the end of each day is a reflection of the environment I want to help create and importantly, maintain.

One of the most impactful ways I’ve supported women at Samsung is by co-founding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in the UK and in our European Office. The Black Lives Matter movement brought a harsh reality to our lives during difficult moments across the world, and also highlighted to me the importance of giving our colleagues a voice across all demographics. This led to the creation of the Women@Samsung ERG, which has grown from strength to strength over the past five years.

Through the group of strong women, we have addressed inequities, evolved our parental leave policies, and introduced a menopause policy. We’ve also partnered with Women@Tech to help raise the impact of equality initiatives within the tech industry, and helped promote the policy of increased flexible working options.

Our deep focus on creating opportunities for women has made a tangible difference in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Who or what inspires you today to continue pushing boundaries, and how does that influence the way you approach your work?

I’m inspired by the amazing women around me; my colleagues (especially the People Team) mentors, mentees, my coach and I have to mention my two wonderful teenage daughters Matilda and Delilah, who demonstrate and teach me more about resilience, creativity, and vulnerability every day. Their views, understanding and dedication – to the importance of driving change – motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in my work and career.

I also draw inspiration from external figures like Brené Brown and Jacinda Ardern. Brené Brown’s work on courage and empathy resonates deeply with me. Her insights have shaped my understanding of leadership as an act of connection and authenticity. Jacinda Ardern, with her compassionate and inclusive approach to leadership, also serves as a powerful example of how to lead with empathy and integrity.

What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received as a woman working in tech, and why has it stayed with you?

The advice that has stayed with me is to “trust yourself and your abilities.” This piece of wisdom has been crucial in navigating challenges and making decisions with confidence. It reminds me to believe in my potential and not be afraid to take risks or step out of my comfort zone.

In the tech industry, where biases and challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, this advice serves as a constant reminder to stay true to myself and my values.

What personal or professional goals are you most excited to pursue in the future?

I am excited about the future of the journey at Samsung, particularly in addressing discrimination in the workplace. This focus has the potential to take our efforts to new heights, fostering deeper understanding, tolerance, and education across the organisation. I am eager to continue to work with the global D&I team on future objectives, collaborating with my colleagues around the world to support their local endeavours and ensure that our initiatives are inclusive, impactful and aligned.

Looking ahead, I will continue advocating for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion. Whether it’s through mentorship, education, or collaboration, I am committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring that everyone at Samsung feels valued and empowered.

What small actions can each of us take daily to create meaningful change?

Small actions like actively listening to others, offering support when needed, and advocating for inclusive practices can create meaningful change. Taking a pause before making decisions, especially regarding team progression or opportunities, ensures fairness and consideration. Everyday gestures of kindness and encouragement can have a lasting impact on individuals and teams.

Finally, please talk about how the Women@Samsung team are looking into the next five years, what do you feel will drive you all to continue to impact change and shape more role models within the next generation of female leadership at Samsung?

The Women@Samsung team is focused on attracting, retaining, and developing the amazing female talent we have at Samsung. Over the next five years, we aim to expand mentorship programs, amplify women’s voices through initiatives like International Women’s Day, and drive policies that support work-life balance. Our commitment to ‘Give To Gain’ will continue to inspire us to support one another and shape more role models for future generations of female leaders at Samsung.

To learn more about Samsung’s global Equality initiatives, please go to: https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability/people/diversity-inclusion/