Women Leading The Way: An Interview with Nicole De Caires, Group Business Development Director at Oxford International Education Group

For the latest interview in our Women Leading the Way series, we chatted with the Group Business Development Director at Oxford International, Nicole De Caires. Following years of experience in the education sector, Nicole joined the company in 2018 as Head of International Partnerships, before progressing on to her current role. We took the time to reflect on her experience as a leader during Covid-19, as well as on a more general level.

From New Zealand to Taiwan and Germany, it has been widely reported that female world leaders have been more effective in tackling the coronavirus pandemic than their male counterparts. What do you think makes a good leader in the time of crisis?

I think there are many things that make a good leader, both through a time of crisis and the general business as usual 

• The bigger picture: A good leader should not only be able to clearly identify the problem but should have the ability to see a route to the solution 
• Collaboration – a leader chooses their team for a reason, and in times of crisis, working with that team to develop a plan of action supports that thinking of a united front  
• Communication – making sure that you take your team with you on that journey, be it good or bad 

• Innovative and agile – having the capability to think outside the box and the ability to execute an idea quickly and efficiently 

What are some of the challenges you’ve had, both personally and professionally this year?

I would have to say, without a doubt, the work-life balance.  

Being a successful working mom is not an easy thing to do on any given day. It brings with it an entire truckload of challenges of its own. Guilt that you are not spending enough time with your kids and worry that you are not seen to be spending enough time working.  

During the first lockdown, these challenges were even more apparent, what with kids at home and parents working from home. The need to juggle the time to support the family whilst remaining active in the workplace, driving results and being present was, and continues to be, incredibly difficult. Work and life blurred into one, the days became longer and the nights shorter.  

However, having said that, these challenges have brought us closer as a family. They help remind us what’s important in life, to enjoy the simple things, to be present in the moment, to be kinder because you really don’t know what someone else is going through and to laugh more. And I for one have learnt to be super-efficient and the world’s best multi-tasker! 

What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learnt in your career? 

Surround yourself with the right people. It is impossible to be good at everything, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. So, surround yourself with people that have the knowledge that you don’t, that are perhaps better than you at certain things. Work with them. Listen to them. Let them know how good they are, take them on that journey, let them be part of the solution to help deliver the best results, and you will have a team of people that are as passionate and engaged as you.  

What has been your most significant career achievement so far? 

I am not sure that it is my most significant achievement, but it certainly formed the basis for the direction in which my career continues to move.  

13 years ago, I began working at a University, unbeknownst to me that education would become my life. 5 years in, I discovered the wonders of the international office and that was where my journey really began. I met the most incredible people and worked in places I thought I would only ever read about – the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Hong Kong, China, Mauritius, and Trinidad, to mention but a few – and through this work, I really fell in love with what I did and what I continue to do today.  

International education showed me the world was open, that there are endless opportunities for those willing to work hard and that change is always possible. As a result, I still work in international education, albeit in a different role, but I still love what I do, which is a fantastic achievement in my books. 

Who has inspired you in your career, and why? 

The women in my life. Both then and now.  

Early inspiration came from my mother, my grandmother, and my sister.  

My mother was a single parent. She was hard working, passionate and driven in her field of work. She was relentless and refused to give up, no matter the challenges. She taught me to never accept defeat. That there was always a way to achieve your goal and that by working hard and always showing up, you were sure to succeed.  

My grandmother was a phenomenal woman, she lived a full life. She travelled abroad, worked in a profession that was, at the time, earmarked only for men and she was my biggest supporter. No matter where in the world I went, or what I was doing, she always pushed me to go for what I want and taught me that the sky was limit.  

My sister. She is my best friend and role model. To me she ‘has it all’. A successful career she loves, a beautiful, happy family, and a very busy life. She loves hard, be it her family, work, or friends. She is passionate, loud, and simply never stops. No matter what, she always shows up. She has shown me that, with hard work; a great attitude; the right people in your life and sheer determination, anything is possible.  

At present, the women I call my friends and colleagues continue to have a huge impact on my career – in an industry that is traditionally led by men, these women continue to grow and challenge the educational status quo. Working with these women, who are from different walks of life, with different educational backgrounds and vastly different approaches to work, continues to inspire me. We may have different opinions and disagree at times, but I have an immense amount of respect for them and hope that in some way I can support their growth and career journey as much as they do mine.  

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

Times have changed. The world now recognises that women have as much to add to the workplace as men do. You hear in the news how women continue to ‘break the glass ceiling’, how big companies are appointing more female CEO’s, etc.  There is far more support out there as a woman in business. Books to read, networks to join and training schemes to sign up for.  

However, having said that, achieving those leadership positions can still be incredibly difficult. Even with the support, you will come across several obstacles on your way up. Some of these because of the industry you are in, the colleagues you work with or quite possibly, because of you. Self-doubt, thoughts of ‘I’m not qualified to do that job’; ‘I don’t have enough relevant experience’, etc.  

Do not let it stop you. Do not allow these challenges to throw you off course. If you want that job, go for it. My favourite mantra is ‘fake it until you make it’. Say yes to more opportunities. If you don’t know how to do it, learn on the job. Work harder. Stay later. Be more visible, more vocal. Show those around you that, no matter the task, you are up for the challenge.