The Way I See It: Sharon White

I was born in London in the late 60s. My earliest memory was a seaside trip to Bognor Regis when I was three years old.

My mum was a dressmaker who worked in a factory and my dad worked for British Rail. 

When I was a child and was thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I veered between wanting to be a nun or a refugee worker!

I loved school. In terms of mentors, I had a number of teachers who were hugely important to me: Mrs Brown, one of my head teachers; Mrs Goodman, my A Level maths teacher and Mr O’Connell, my economics teacher who really encouraged me to go to Cambridge. 

In today’s society whatever product you are selling you should have an eye to the wider impact you are having in your community. I like to talk about this as common-sense capitalism.

Cambridge was a more mixed experience for me because it was such a culture shock. But it was a huge privilege to have gone there and it gave me opportunities later in life.

My decision to join the retail sector was based on the John Lewis Partnership’s corporate model – ie. employee owned and socially altruistic. I am really proud of what the Partnership has achieved over the past four years. I think it is really important to focus on what customers and Partners are saying, and not get distracted by the media.   

I loved last year’s John Lewis Christmas ad, The Beginner, which focused on a foster family and sparked a national conversation about how to ensure looked-after children reach their potential.  

I think all businesses need to combine purpose and profit. In today’s society whatever product you are selling you should have an eye to the wider impact you are having in your community. I like to talk about this as common-sense capitalism. 

In terms of overcoming gender and racial barriers, I think of Michelle Obama who talked about apparent disadvantages being actual advantages – that is my perspective too. I reached a stage, probably in my late 40s, when I got much more relaxed about who I am and what value that brings. 

Women in the public eye are perhaps subject to greater scrutiny than men – just because we are fewer in number.

I am never going to be the loudest person in the room. I am a listener. I like to bring people in and develop consensus without losing pace. 

Considering career challenges so far, I think every step has had different challenges and opportunities. Navigating the return to work with small children in my late 30s and early 40s was pretty tricky!

As a public speaker I actually speak very little on diversity and inclusion. I think it is an area where actions speak hugely louder than worlds. 

I was very honoured to be included in the New Year Honours list, more for my colleagues at Ofcom... and my Dad, who was part of the Windrush generation and was able to come with me.

I think women in the public eye are perhaps subject to greater scrutiny than men – just because we are fewer in number. 

There are definitely fewer women in business than where I worked previously. That needs urgently addressing – especially the paucity of senior executives. The position of non executives is much healthier.  

I was very honoured to be included in the New Year Honours list, more for my colleagues at Ofcom on whose behalf I really accepted the award. And my Dad – who was part of the Windrush generation – was able to come with me. That was pretty special.