IWD Spotlight: Maggie Simpson OBE – 30 Years of Impact in Rail
In an industry she’s called home since 1992, Maggie Simpson OBE is a consistent, strong voice for women. Now the Director General of Rail Freight Group and a Trustee for Railway Benefit Fund, she remains a champion for an industry “safety net” that truly reflects the society we serve.
An interview with Maggie Simpson OBE reveals the perspective of the woman keeping the UK’s goods moving. It explores her reflections on being a strong voice for women and her belief that the best leaders are never afraid to ‘peer over the fence’ to find success.
1. In an industry that literally keeps the world moving, what is the ‘unseen’ impact you’re most proud of making?
I love seeing projects that we have campaigned for delivered and working. If you go up the M1 motorway now, you can see several major rail freight interchanges that are helping companies make more use of rail freight every day, and I love knowing that I played a small part in making that happen.
2. Rail can be a high-pressure environment with deep-rooted traditions. What is one ‘rule’ you’ve had to break or a piece of conventional wisdom you’ve ignored to successfully carve out your own path?
People who work in rail are rightly passionate about it – so am I! But that can sometimes become inward-looking, so I’ve always tried to challenge people to look more broadly at rail’s place in the economy and society, to ‘peer over the fence’ at other sectors and see how rail is helping them to thrive.
3. We all have days where the challenge feels bigger than the reward. In those moments, what (or who) is your anchor? What keeps you steady and reminds you of your value in this industry?
Everyone needs to have some ‘glass half full’ friends on speed dial! And yes, I mean both the optimists and those who’ll meet you in the pub!
4. Railway Benefit Fund is built on supporting our own. On this International Women’s Day, we’re leaning into the #GiveToGain spirit, so as a Trustee, what unique value do you believe female leadership brings to our industry’s ‘safety net,’ and what have you personally gained from the experience?
It’s so important to reflect the society we serve, and to acknowledge different lived experiences. Being a trustee at Railway Benefit Fund has helped me grow as a person and develop my own leadership skills, as well as giving back to people in our industry who fall on hard times. I would really encourage everyone in our industry to step up and support this amazing charity, and also consider whether you could volunteer some of your time as a charity trustee.
