Celebrating the Women of Rhythm for International Women’s Day.

In the words of the great Queen Bey…who run the world? Girls! This is especially true at Rhythm, with our annual management team being made up of 59% women. We appreciate our female workforce every day, but on International Women’s Day we thought we’d show some extra love by asking four of our annual staff members who inspires them and what advice they have for the next generation. Check out their answers and some pics of our ladies ripping Japan’s famous pow!

Elyshia Toner – Director, Rhythm Hakuba

Elyshia Toner smashing pow in Hakuba

What’s some advice you’ve received from a female role model?

No specific advice… however… I feel incredibly fortunate that being surrounded by strong, talented, driven women paving their own paths in life/roles/industries, not letting anything hold them back, smashing goals, raising the bar, more often than not whilst multi-tasking with study, families, etc. has been the absolute norm for me.

Being surrounded by this mentality has ensured I have always felt motivated and empowered and has reinforced what I already know – women are capable of anything they put their mind to and I am capable of anything I put my mind to!

Elyshia with her husband Austin and daughter Mahalia.

What advice would you give a young woman who wants to work in the ski and snowboard industry?

100% go for it! There are so many opportunities and roles within the snow world, and at the risk of sounding cliched, it’s such a rewarding industry to be a part of. I have lost count of the amount of humans who planned to do the ‘one season’ and are still here, me included!

What’s best about working with a group of women who all love to ski and snowboard?

Camaraderie! Encouraging, supporting and motivating each other in the workplace and on the mountain and being able to represent women in both these places. Getting out there together on the pow days, the spring days, the BC days and of course sharing a wine or two after!

Sachiko Claydon – Accounting Manager

Rhythm’s accounts manager on her day off!

What’s some advice you’ve received from a female role model?

バランス。小さいころから特別なアドバイスを感じていたわけではないですが、最近は自分の好きなことを知ること、身体的・精神的な健康、活動と休息など、バランスをとれるようにすることが大事だと感じています。

What advice would you give a young woman who wants to work in the ski and snowboard industry?

自分の興味がそこにあるなら、遠慮することなく進んでほしい。どんな職種でも違った形で辛さもあり、喜びがあります。自分の情熱に追随することが大事。スキー・スノーボード業界ではたくさんのいい人達と出会えるチャンスが高い!

What’s best about working with a group of women who all love to ski and snowboard?

楽しみの共有。一緒に滑べろうと誘える仲間がいるのは心強く、うれしいです。

あとは、高めあい。刺激を受けることも多いので、逆に自分が相手を刺激できるような存在でいたいと思えます。

Sherry Yen – Marketing Manager

Sherry Yen – Stoked on powder days.

What’s some advice you’ve received from a female role model?

My mother’s dedication to her work as well as to her family is a quality which I have grown to admire. Being able to keep her personal and work life distinct shows a real sense of responsibility. Her leadership skills and perseverance was stretched to their limits as she precariously juggled the work of an employer and the life of a single mother. I continue to greet the future with the same kind of attitude and resolve that my mother has shown.

What advice would you give a young woman who wants to work in the ski and snowboard industry?

It’s the coolest job ever! You could be building skis and snowboards, a bartender at an awesome bar, instructing, making ski movies, work at the best rental shop or do countless other things that involve being outside in the mountains, living an active lifestyle and playing in the snow. I think it’s an epic and healthy way to make a living (of course minus the alcohol).

What’s best about working with a group of women who all love to ski and snowboard?

Being able to work with a group of women sharing the same passion of shredding POW in Japan and from all over the world is amazing. The best part is we can go for a morning shred together before work. I think it improves moods, lowers stress and improves overall job performance!

Hannah Gold – Retail Marketing and Design Assistant

Hannah Gold getting a few laps in before clocking on.

What’s some advice you’ve received from a female role model?

My biggest female role model is my mum, who literally is super woman. Growing up, I watched her constantly put other people before herself, which taught me that kindness is so important, and treating others with respect is Number 1. She is never judgemental, and her rational side has taught me the art of putting things in perspective. When I loose faith in myself, get stressed or worried about situations, she has given me the tools to take a step back, process it all and remind me that everything is going to be ok! ‘What would Caron say/do?’ is a phrase that I say on a daily basis, and if I grow up half the woman my mum is, I’ll be lucky.

What advice would you give a young woman who wants to work in the ski and snowboard industry?

DO IT! It was the best decision I ever made. For me, the most important part of working in this industry is being surrounded by like-minded humans. I appreciate so much being able to wake up and ride before/after work, it’s awesome!

What’s best about working with a group of women who all love to ski and snowboard?

Having a group of girl mates who you can shred with is awesome! It’s always a fun time riding with your girlfriends, pushing each other to try new things and having a little goss sesh on the lift is always fun 😉

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