From Education to Drainage Leadership
Philippa Aaron initially pursued a career in education, studying with the goal of becoming a schoolteacher. However, life took her in a different direction. Her father ran the Metro Rod Dorset & Portsmouth franchise for 25 years, and with her husband joining the business a decade ago, Philippa decided to follow in their footsteps. “If you can’t beat them, join them!”
Overcoming Industry Stereotypes
Entering a male-dominated industry presented challenges. “I used to get a lot of comments from male customers insisting they needed to speak to a man who understood drainage,” Philippa recalls. Determined to prove them wrong, she trained herself by spending time on the vans with engineers, building her confidence and knowledge. Over time, she became the go-to expert for many clients, shifting perceptions in the industry.
Inspired by Strong Role Models
“Philippa credits her late father, for shaping her work ethic and leadership approach. Martin Anderson was a huge inspiration for me, his dedication and leadership shaped the business, that I’m so proud to be part of today.”
My husband is also a major inspiration, “They’ve both shown me the value of hard work and perseverance,” she reflects.
Career Highlights
Winning ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ in 2022 was a defining moment for Philippa. “It felt like recognition for all the hard work we put in as a team,” she says.
Changing the Landscape for Women
Philippa has made a lasting impact by becoming the first point of contact for many clients, proving that expertise transcends gender. “I hope my role shows that women can thrive in any industry,” she says.
Advice for Future Leaders
My message to women aiming for leadership roles is simple: “Don’t give up. Challenges will always come, but perseverance makes the success even more rewarding”.
Defining Success
For Philippa, personal success is about a happy home and family, while professional success is about building a strong, united team.
“Success is when we all work towards the same goal and keep improving together. Success isn’t about fitting into expectations, it’s about creating a space where you can thrive.”
Lessons Learned
Philippa shows the most powerful lesson she’s learned. “Its tough but really try not to doubt yourself. Believe in what you know, even when others don’t see it yet.”
A Final Thought
“Women are needed in this industry. I hope more continue to push forward, because when we do, we change the game. Leadership is about integrity, knowledge, and resilience, qualities that have no gender.”
Philippa Aaron, Franchise Business Owner & Commercial Director at Metro Rod Dorset & Portsmouth
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