International Women’s Day: an interview with Sirma Karapeeva
To celebrate International Women’s Day we spoke to Meat Industry Association CEO, Sirma Karapeeva, about her role, the need to challenge assumptions, and champion women in the industry.
What does your job entail?
I am the Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA) where I manage a team that is responsible for servicing New Zealand’s sheep and beef processors, marketers, and exporters. We are the second-largest goods exporting industry in New Zealand, so while our team is small, our work is significant to New Zealand. At MIA we provide support, advice, and advocacy on behalf of our members on a wide range of topics, including trade policy issues, operations, market access, technical and regulatory issues, and innovation.
What attracted you to the industry?
I have always had an interest in global business and trading. My early career began in government where I was dealing with international issues, and from there became involved in negotiating trade agreements for New Zealand. Global trade is a fast-paced, exciting arena to work in, and I find immense satisfaction seeing the implementation of trade agreements and the value they bring to industry. It’s critical that business have good market access and- good international rules in place to enable them to trade and deliver economic value to the country. In New Zealand, trade and agriculture are very closely linked as clearly evident in the red meat sector. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this very important industry and am really enjoying my role.
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced and overcome in your career?
Every day can be a challenge, or an opportunity - it all comes down to your mindset. I learnt early on that bringing an open mind and positive attitude to work each day will set you up for success. Being mindful of different perspectives and spending time actively listening, enables you to find a solution to any challenge.
Throughout my career I also had to build the confidence to back myself, to know that I’m adding value and to have the courage to speak up. This has come with practice and also the understanding that we all have value to contribute.
Why are women in the meat sector so important?
Women in the meat sector are so important. It’s critical to have different perspectives in any discussion. I find that women’s perspectives are accompanied by patience, understanding and empathy. I’ve yet to come across a woman that rushes to a conclusion, instead I find that women generally weigh up the issues carefully and conclude with a practical resolution that meets everyone’s needs, while delivering results.
The meat industry is not alone in acknowledging that a workforce that is reflective of society is important. For example, our work at MIA is not just about supporting our members to export and advocating for sound domestic policies that allow the industry to proper. It is also about positioning the industry by telling our story to improve general perceptions and instill confidence in our industry. Our message needs to echo back the voice of our stakeholders, public, and country.
What is your advice to the industry to encourage more women?
A silver lining to come from Covid-19 has been the adoption of a flexible working environment. Work doesn’t have to fit between the 9am-5pm construct. From my personal experience, I give 110% when at work. But I am also a mother and a wife with family commitments. Having the flexibility to work around those has been critical to my job satisfaction and commitment.
Above that, we need to support women in their pathway to success. As an industry, we need to allow women to see themselves in senior roles, and to hear their voices in management and beyond. That way you will create aspirational role models for others to emulate. And there are some exceptional young women in the industry we must hold onto and grow for a sustainable future.
What is your advice to any young women considering a similar career?
If you’re passionate about the industry, go for it. Back yourself. We know that the red meat industry is still largely male-dominated though I sincerely believe that attitudes are changing, and I’m seeing more women in senior positions.
Again, I urge you to back yourself. Find people you can bounce ideas off, people to help you to calibrate your approach and launch forward in your career.
Why are you proud to be a part of Meat Business Women?
The Meat Business Network stretches across New Zealand and the globe. It’s an excellent example of when a community of women start sharing ideas, experiences and support each other to develop and take the next step. I’m proud we have this network in New Zealand and look forward to seeing it grow.