International Women's Day - an interview with Thalia

We are celebrating International Women's Day with an inspiring interview with Thalia, the passionate Owner and Director of Offiss.

Thalia leads Offiss with a profound belief in the importance of balance. Through flexible work days, a vibrant and positive environment, and wellness initiatives, she ensures her workspace meets the needs of everyone.

By prioritizing well-being alongside productivity, Thalia has fostered a harmonious environment where individuals flourish and grow. The ethos of her business is ‘Individual businesses growing together’, meaning ‘businesses collaborate and work alongside each other’ within Offiss.

We sat down with Thalia to discuss her career journey, the challenges and achievements of being a female leader, and her advice to inspire the next generation of women looking to become businessowners and leaders.

1. What has been your education and career journey to becoming the Director of Offiss?
      
      

I didn’t really do well in school– My parents thought I would struggle in larger classrooms, because I am half deaf, and so they chose to send me to private school so I was in smaller classes. In my later years in school I was encouraged to take college courses as part of an Apprenticeship programme, but that isn’t what I wanted and I worked hard to go to university and attended Sheffield Hallam. I achieved my bachelor’s degree and then last year also completed my Masters degree! I proved my teachers wrong.

Whilst I was at boarding school during holidays I grew up in offices with my hard working parents and saw the environment from a young age. I have fond memories of their boardroom; I had a cupboard with a TV, books, blankets etc and I would make a den under the table and we would have picnic lunches together.  As I got older I realised I wanted to create a different office environment and that is how Offiss was born.

2. What is your biggest achievement to date?
      
   Achieving my Masters degree while working as the Director of Offiss! Achieving everything I wanted has taken a lot of time, dedication and hard work, but I am so proud of what I have accomplished.  

3. What do you enjoy most about being a female leader?
      
      

Proving I can do exactly the same thing anyone else can do. It doesn’t matter if you are female or male, you can do exactly the same and I don’t need a pedestal because I am a woman. Women in business has definitely changed over the years, and whilst it is much more the norm, there is still so much more to be achieved.

4. What has been the biggest challenge of being a female leader?
      
      

Feeling like people are looking down on me because I am female and because of my age. I used to have the perception that people looked at me differently because of that. It’s only recently I have realised it is probably just in my head.

5. Is there a woman leader or mentor that has inspired you?
      
      

My Mum, 100%! My mum and dad’s hard work in their careers has also driven and helped me. My mum is my rock and has always supported me.

6. What advice would you give to women who aim to become the next generation of female leaders?
      
      

You can do whatever you want to do. Ignore anyone else and reach for your goals. Get rid of the barrier of being a female leader as that barrier is the only thing that will stop you.

7. What is your leadership style?
      
      

●       Promote work life balance

●       Work hard and play hard

●       100% effort

●       Communication

8. How do you inspire others in your organisation and network?
      
      

Inspire to collaborate – this is an important part of my Offiss ethos!

9. What is your International Women’s Day message?
      
      

My favourite quote “Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind, the race is long but in the end, it is only with yourself”.

It’s not a competition with others in business - it is a collaboration. Collaboration pushes businesses to go further.

We praise Thalia's dedication to nurturing a culture where women — and everyone— can pursue their passions while honouring the joys of life beyond work.

Happy International Women's Day!

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