Camira’s Incredible Women: Leadership and lifelong learning
We’ve been catching up with our female colleagues in the lead up to International Women’s Day on 8th March. Having celebrated the work of women in operations and sustainability, we’re now pleased to sit down with our head of creative - transport, Ciara Crossan who was keen to share with us her love of learning, career aspirations and the importance of being surrounded by supportive leaders.
When and why did you join Camira?
I joined Camira in January 2017. I was initially attracted to the business due to its core focus on sustainability, a track record of innovation, a strong legacy and deep expertise of the textile industry and extensive vertical integration. The opportunity to work in such a dynamic and diverse environment resonated with my professional aspirations, offering a much more holistic approach that would broaden and enhance my existing skills, whilst developing new skills.
Take us back to the beginning. Where did your career start?
I studied a BA (Hons) Textile Design undergraduate degree at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, London with a woven textiles pathway. I then went on to complete a Masters in Textiles at The Royal College of Art, specialising in woven textiles. This paved the way to working as a Designer, honing my woven textile skills in a manufacturing environment, and developing high-end domestic and contract furnishing fabrics. Working with influential, interior customers in this role really opened my eyes to the world of brand and marketing. I then moved into a senior designer role and was responsible for developing and launching a new residential brand onto the UK marketplace. I transitioned into the role of brand design manager, leading the strategic development of the brand and key accounts across the interior division before moving to Camira where I am currently head of creative – transport.
“My vision is to create tangible impact, whilst driving meaningful change for people, profit and the planet by nurturing design and marketing. ”
What does your current role involve?
I am accountable for developing and implementing the five-year product strategy and setting the creative direction, underpinned by market and customer insight. I work cross-functionally with external customers and internally with sales, marketing, design and the product evolution and compliance teams, ensuring the strategy has a much more holistic approach.
What are your career aspirations?
My ambition is to become a board-level director with a vision to create tangible impact, whilst driving meaningful change for people, profit and planet by nurturing design and marketing through innovation and sustainability, at both organisational and societal levels.
Due to my growth mindset which integrates the creative and strategic business sides of my brain, I have a genuine commitment to life-long learning with the aim of making a positive difference in the world. I am currently back at university working towards three qualifications: my Post Graduate Diploma in Executive Leadership, CMI Level 7 Senior Leader and my MBA.
What are your biggest challenges being a woman in business?
It is important to acknowledge the progress women have made in the world of business, but there is always room for improvement. From my experience, it is essential to surround yourself with both male and female ‘cheerleaders’ in a conducive environment, regardless of your pursuits in life. This will not only nurture future generations of aspiring female leaders but enrich the diversity and inclusivity within communities and the business environment for all.