TGtB Meets...Sarah Burgess - International Women's Day Special

Website Consultant by day, Rugby Player by night...we spoke to Sarah Burgess about her interesting double life.

Which woman would you compare yourself to?

Sarah Millican – for her love of trifles and cats.

What would you say is your most valuable skill and why?

Perseverance – I will always see something through, right to the bitter end! I also never turn up to a meeting without something edible to share..  

Why do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?

To appreciate the achievements of women across all sectors, whether it be sport, politics, education, health etc. We all think about figures such as Marie Curie and Eleanor Roosevelt, but I think it’s also very important to appreciate those working hard in our current generation, who will influence the next.

Do you have family (and/or children)? How do you maintain a work/life balance?

No. It’s tough fitting in everything in 24 hours – a 8-5 job, rugby training twice a week, CrossFit 3 times a week, setting up a new business and general rugby admin means I have very little time to sit down and do nothing with a gin and tonic! But I like it like that. I stay busy and fit and that means I really enjoy that gin when I get one!

Have you ever had to give up or miss out on anything in order to pursue your career?

Not really, but sacrifices have to made if you want to succeed.

Do you ever experience any discrimination in the work place because of your gender?

No, but men are often shocked when they hear I play rugby and lift the sort of weight I do. Some guys genuinely think that womens rugby is just a bunch of butch ‘girls’ smashing each other for the sake of it and so they’re often quite surprised to hear that it is competitive, and we’re not all 20st with a crew cut..

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to fellow females looking to get into your profession?

Take every opportunity you can – If you ever think ‘what if..?’, just do it.

Do men ever feel intimidated by your success?

Not that I’m aware of! They often spur me on to better myself further.

If you could have dinner with 5 inspirational women dead or alive, who would they be?

• Marilyn Monroe
• Michelle Obama
• Princess Diana
• Beyonce
• Nigella Lawson

As a successful female, where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

With a happy home, a flourishing business and with the ability to advise other young girls to succeed in whatever they so wish based on my own personal experiences.