Today, we speak to Amanda Cousens, Sales & Marketing Director at Yellowstone Environmental Solutions Ltd, who are specialists in treating hazardous and non-hazardous, for her experience of women in water and also how Yellowstone Environmental Solutions provide and deliver innovative waste solutions.
Tell us about Yellowstone Environmental Solutions?
We are an innovative waste solutions provider operating our own treatment facility. We specialise in dewatering and reducing the volume of many waste streams. We have a tankering division a packaged waste collection division as well as a treatment and transfer station base in Shaftesbury, Dorset.
What inspired you to join the water/wastewater sector and tell us about your current role?
Sales & Marketing Director. I have worked in the waste industry for over thirty years in a telesales, field sales, national accounts and sales management role before accepting the director role. I have always been interested in the waste reduction element of the job but naturally want to protect the environment for future generations as well.
Do you feel that women are adequately represented in the water industry? If not, what are some of the ways we can make the workforce more representative?
Women are more adequately represented these days in the water industry but in the past this wasn’t the case. Women still need to prove that they can physically and mentally handle the job but if they are working for the right company, they should have the internal company support and opportunities for training, experience in place.
What are the benefits of having a clear diversity, equity, and inclusion company policy and does your current organisation has a clear diversity, equity, and inclusion company policy?
We do have a policy and I believe it encourages a stronger team ethos, everyone having the opportunity to voice their opinions and thoughts. This encourages group decisions so everyone is pulling in the right direction for the company strategy.
What steps are you taking to encourage women’s growth within Yellowstone Environmental Solutions?
I have always encourages the women i6 my company to speak freely and to give honest opinions. When they have done a good job, I always praise them and when something exceptional has been completed, I always reward them in some way. Having said that, I also do this for the men!
Do you feel encouraged to grow as a woman at Yellowstone Environmental Solutions?
I am a strong independent and driven person anyway but when I feel demotivated or concerned about a situation, I always take the take to review first and when necessary speak with one of my colleagues or bosses.
What are your hopes for the future of women in the water/wastewater sector?
I would definitely love to see more women entering into this sector but I fear it isn’t glamourous enough and I think some companies are still adverse to women being involved.
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