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CLOSEWomen in Gousto
8th March is International Women’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than to recognise some of the fantastic women who keep Gousto going strong!
We know the fight for equality is far from over – it’s something Timo, Gousto’s CEO, cares hugely about (and has written about in the past). In every part of our company there are talented, unique women who inspire others and make a real impact. Find out a bit more about 5 of them below: Irene, Hana, Joanna, Kiera and Carlie.
Irene
What do you do at Gousto?
I’m a Data Scientist. I write algorithms that leverage the data we collect at Gousto, such as a forecasting algorithm to guide our demand planning.
What does a normal day look like for you?
It’s a bit of a mix really – some days are just me, the computer screen and headphones, and other days end up being a flurry of meetings. This just keeps it exciting though. In terms of actual work, with data science being a relatively new field, we often need to find bespoke solutions to our problems, so the day will be a combination of both investigating and implementing code.
What made you want to work at Gousto?
When I started applying for jobs and came across Gousto I literally couldn’t believe such a perfect job (data + food!) existed. Working here for the past two years has been great fun and I’ve learnt so much. I love the fact that we can be part of such a big aspect of people’s daily lives – I still get excited when I’m walking down the street and see a Gousto box in someone’s recycling!
If you could invite any 3 women (past, present or fictional) to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?
This is a toughie! But if I had to choose:
• Helen Sharman:
Being an astronaut has to be the definition of coolness, being the first British woman just makes it even more impressive!
• Zadie Smith:
I’ve been fascinated by her since I came across On Beauty and have been regularly reading her ever since.
• Barefoot Contessa:
Need I say more?? (yes! Did you know she used to work on the nuclear energy budget at the White House?)
Which recipe best describes you?
I’m going to go obvious here and say Spanish Garlic Prawns on Spicy Rice – coming from Malaga, the spicy rice represents the sunny aspect but there’s also smokier and more complex flavours in there.
Who’s your role model, and why?
As a very vocal Gilmore Girls fan, people who know me will be surprised about the lack of Lorelai Gilmore here, but I have to say that some of my strongest inspirations are the females in my family. They have taught me the importance of perseverance and of fighting for what you want. As my granny used to say, “Never let yourself be the one who tells you no!”.
Hana
What do you do at Gousto?
I’m one of the team leaders for the customer care team at Gousto.
What does a normal day look like for you?
It’s hard to say what a ‘normal’ day looks like… It always starts with setting our team of 25 customer care agents up for the day, but as the day continues it can include anything from running offsite assessment centres, contingency planning for unexpected problems (like snow!), assisting with performance reviews, planning the employee holiday rota and keeping the customer care team motivated….to name a few!
What made you want to work at Gousto?
I love food – and always thought the concept was a winner so wanted to be part of something big!
If you could invite any 3 women (past, present or fictional) to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?
Cleopatra, Rosalind Franklin and Britney Spears (why not!).
What recipe best describes you?
Being half Iranian it’s got to be Sticky Pomegranate Persian Halloumi.
Who is one of your role models, and why?
My sister! She runs her own business, looks after her family of 4 full time and still manages to be an amazing sister (…although she’s rarely on time!).
Joanna
What do you do at Gousto?
I’m a Production Supervisor.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Very busy! Once I get to work I check the box packing line and make sure everyone has the right amount of ingredients to pack. Then I make sure everyone who’s packing Gousto boxes is doing this in the right way, and I keep track of how we’re all performing: how many boxes we’ve packed (a lot!), making sure that people are working safely, and so on.
What made you want to work at Gousto?
It looked like a nice place to work. Being part of young businesses that’s growing quickly is inspiring, and it can give you lots of opportunities.
If you could invite any 3 women (past, present or fictional) to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?
That’s hard to say… There’s so many good women to choose from!
Which recipes best describe you?
Ten to Table. I’m always in a rush, and always working – so they’re perfect for me.
Who’s your role model, and why?
I don’t have one. I try to be own role model – I’m a mother so I want to set a good example for my daughter I guess.
Kiera
What do you do at Gousto?
I’m an iOS developer for the Gousto app in the ‘Mobile Mushrooms’ team!
What does a normal day look like for you?
Come in, have a stand up with the team, then I’ll pretty much be coding all day!
What made you want to work at Gousto?
I was looking for a new challenge, after seeing the Gousto app and learning about what the company were doing I saw that there was a lot of opportunity here and it was an idea I could really get behind.
If you could invite any 3 women (past, present or fictional) to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?
• Joanna Lumley:
She was amazing in Ab Fab and she does a lot of great work around the world. She’d have some great stories to tell.
• Dame Judi Dench:
How can you not love her?
• Mary Berry:
Big fan of the Victoria Sponge so that’s what she can bring to the party.
Which recipe best describes you?
I had literally no idea, so I took a personality test on the internet to find out what I was…spicy tacos, sounds about right tbh.
Who is your role model, and why?
Serena Williams because she’s arguably one of the best sportspeople of all time. She’s faced various critics throughout her career but has never let it get to her and has dominated for 20 years!
Carlie
What do you do at Gousto?
Senior Brand and PR Manager – I’m responsible for getting Gousto out into the world. I act as our brand guardian, whilst making us famous for all the right reasons!
Why did you choose to work at Gousto?
It’s not very often you get to blend your personal passion for good, nutritious, tasty food with a professional passion for helping to grow a new and exciting brand. I’m lucky!
What does a normal day look like for you?
Fortunately, the world of PR and Brand is varied, interesting and exciting. (Good job really as I’m not one for the mundane!). It can include anything from meeting media, developing creative news hooks, managing issues/crises to collaborating with our creative agency to bring our brand to life and media agency to ensure we’re being seen in all the right places. It’s fun and enjoyable, which is the most important thing really!
If you could invite any 3 women (past, present or fictional) to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?
• Jo Elvin, Former Editor of Glamour:
I’ve read Glamour religiously since I was a teenager. I’ve always loved how just a few words on a page, can speak directly to you and your situation, whatever it may be.
• Emma Stone:
Talented, funny, intelligent, relatable, a feminist: why wouldn’t you?
• Emma Thompson:
Family come first, she’s an incredible actress and does it all with grace and humour. I’m a fan!
What recipe best describes you?
Gousto’s Easy Chipotle Mac N Cheese – indulgent (I’m not one to deprive myself!) with a bit of an edge..!
Who is your role model, and why?
Easy – my Mum. She’s optimistic, upbeat, witty, incredibly resilient and she has this amazing knack of proving she’s capable of anything (especially if you tell her it can’t be done!).