FEATURE
“I worked remotely as a product and project manager for a year, but after miscarriage, I wanted to go back to the office to be around people. I found an interesting job position, applied, but didn’t hear back for a while. After 2 months they contacted me and I got a job. The whole process took a few months (around 6). We wanted to wait a bit with another pregnancy, but life had another plan for us. On the first day of my new position, I had to inform my boss that I just got pregnant again. He took it easy, as well, as did the CEO who was also expecting his first baby with his wife (she also worked in the same company). I worried a lot if they would want me to continue working there, but they were very happy with my performance. I worked hard until the day of giving birth, but I enjoyed it a lot. I came back to work after maternity and I still work there.” - Product Manager, 20 years in industry
“The constant naming and
promotion of women’s products in patronising terms vs the men’s products being about technical features like power and durability. Like women don’t care about performance, or can’t understand the tech…” - Tester, 10+ years in industry
“Mainly really positive. Having only really started in the “I’d really love for the allies to get some
recognition, but I don’t know if it’s possible? Brian Park from Pinkbike, Michael Braybrook from Extra UK, Rob Sherratt formerly of Nukeproof; all of these men didn’t just treat me as an equal but actively supported me and tried to ease my imposter syndrome.” - Art Director, 5+ years in industry
cycling industry in 2024, I have felt welcomed and encouraged by everyone I have met. Being encouraged by other women who are excelling in their careers or have been in the cycling industry for such a long time, (on and off the bike) is so inspiring. Even those who would be considered ‘competitors’ have been helpful and encouraging, probably glad to see another female entering the scene. The only negative I have has been about investment, one example is that we have been working behind the scenes on some female-specific protective gear, and a company we are working with was really sad to say that their company was only developing men’s gear because the RIO just isn’t there for women’s specific development. The only route is for us to fund it ourselves, which just isn’t in the budget at the moment! It does seem a similar reason I hear when asking about women’s specific products, simply the RIO isn’t there. I’m not sure what we can do about that. I do get a feeling with some of the magazines that our stuff (women’s MTB clothing) isn’t considered read-worthy - we have had a large publication mess us about a lot with samples, reviews etc with little or no communication, I was getting lots of communication before the female tester was let go! But I would say that mostly the first year in business has been really positive!” - Business Owner, 1+ year in industry
www.bikebiz.com
April 2025 | 53
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