How to be successful, chase your dreams, and thrive in what is perceived to be a male-dominated industry.

The self storage industry has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but times are changing. More women are stepping into leadership roles, representation at industry events and panels is increasing, and the industry as a whole is placing a stronger emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on influential women who have made a significant impact in the self storage industry. We explore their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, the people who have inspired them, and the valuable advice they offer to the next generation of women.

A career in self storage

Women in male-dominated industries continue to face significant challenges, especially in sectors such as construction. But is the self storage industry the same? We spoke to our influential women to find out what it’s really like working in the fast-growing sector.

“Early in my career I used to think about the fact I was a female in a predominantly male led industry, however as time went by I realised that perhaps the insecurities were my own internal ones! What people appreciated most of all was speaking to someone who was knowledgeable in their field, regardless of gender. This encouraged me to learn all I could about the industry and prove my value through my work, this in turn helped me to build my confidence.” – Sarah Manning, Managing Director at Secure Stores and Young Storage Network Board Member

“In a previous job, I was the only female team member, and my manager initially treated me differently when it came to physically demanding tasks. I knew I was capable, so I took the initiative to address it directly. I sat down with him, explained how his approach made me feel. It was a simple yet effective conversation that led to a change in his perspective. Later, at Squab, gender was never a focal point. What truly mattered was an individual’s work ethic and ability. This approach fostered an environment where success was based on merit rather than gender.” – Emma Banks, Self Storage Manager at Astwood Storage

“I’ve learned to embrace my presence and not shy away from speaking up or taking the lead. – Dorota Lesinska, Head of Design at Kuboid

“I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors, all of whom have been men. I’ve learned so much from them, from leadership skills to navigating challenges with confidence. That said, like many women, I’ve faced moments where I had to learn to speak up for myself and recognize that my input is just as valuable as anyone else’s. Over time, I realized that advocacy, confidence, and clear communication are key.” – Kristi Adams, Chief Marketing Officer at OpenTech Alliance

Creating a more inclusive industry

“One of the biggest challenges in fostering inclusivity revolves around maternity, adoption, and family-related leave. While I don’t have children myself, many of my friends have expressed concerns about delaying parenthood due to financial and career progression worries. Businesses should prioritise policies that support work-life balance and provide financial security for those planning to take family leave.” – Emma Banks, Astwood Storage

“I think all employees, regardless of gender, need support to help them grow. Those needs will be unique to the person. The biggest thing employers can do in my opinion is to regularly check in with staff members and listen to how they can support their growth and confidence and then act on this.” – Sarah Manning, Secure Stores

“Businesses should ensure the workplace is equal, so all employees are supported and offered the same development, learning and advancement opportunities regardless of gender. We should be judged on ability and experience, not whether we’re male or female.” – Helen Bourke, Operations Director at SSA UK

Chasing dreams and setting goals

“The most rewarding part of my career so far is becoming a brand ambassador for S Jones. When I first started I didn’t really know the industry nor did I know the product too well. I have really pushed through and found my niche, I like the platform and reputation I have built for myself, I’m proud of that.” – Charlotte Rainey, Business Development Manager at S Jones Containers

“Do your research. Continuously learning and staying informed about industry trends, best practices, and innovations makes you a more valuable asset to your company and the industry as a whole. Knowledge is power, and those who invest in learning will find doors opening in unexpected ways.” – Emma Banks, Astwood Storage

“Get out of your comfort zone!! When faced with a new challenge, fear can be the biggest obstacle so try to think of it as a development opportunity. By overcoming the fear, you could learn a new skill or improve your knowledge, which might lead to better opportunities in your career. It can be a great confidence boost too so the next time you’re faced with a similar situation, it won’t be as daunting. Set short and long-term goals, ask for help when you need it and don’t give up, even if it gets tough.” – Helen Bourke, SSA UK

“Raise your hand, take the opportunity, and just go for it. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and some of the best opportunities come when you least feel ready. Trust yourself, take the leap, and learn as you go!” – Kristi Adams, OpenTech Alliance

Finding inspiration and mentorship

“My biggest inspiration is my dad. He ran a company for over 3 decades and has retired early due to his success, he taught me a lot about business and making money. Even from a young age it was always ‘people buy from people’ and ‘be good to the people on the way up the ladder because you will meet them on the way down’. I appreciate working hard and enjoying it too. When he calls he ALWAYS asks, ‘did you make a difference today’ and I can’t say I always say yes but it keeps me on the ball at work and in personal life. – Charlotte Rainey, S Jones Containers

“Mentors come in many forms, and I’ve been fortunate to have had several guiding figures. Paul Whittaker from Flexiss Group has been a consistent source of support, advice, and encouragement. Although we don’t work for the same company, we collaborate closely within the industry, and his insights have been invaluable. I’d also like to give special mention to Sarah Manning and Jill Leckie – two inspiring women who exemplify leadership and support within the self-storage community.” – Emma Banks, Astwood Storage

“My old boss, Tony was a joy to work with. He allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone without micromanaging me, and without shouting if I made a mistake! As long as I learnt from any mistakes along the way, I was able to have complete freedom to grow and push the business forward. We also had a lot of fun along the way.” – Sarah Manning, Secure Stores

“Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working for a boss who was the calmest, most measured person I have ever met. He encouraged everyone to be the best they possibly could, ensuring that you were constantly moving forward and developing your skills. His door was always open for his sage advice, and he had many words of wisdom which have stuck with me, including “We are where we are” and “Use a sprat to catch a mackerel”. He gave you the encouragement and confidence to tackle unfamiliar challenges and was great at making you feel appreciated and worthwhile every day. It was a sad day when he finally retired, and looking back, it made me realise how lucky I had been to work for such an amazing boss who was also a true gentleman.” – Helen Bourke, SSA UK

“Beyond my professional world, my biggest inspiration has always been my mom. Her relentless work ethic and ability to persevere through challenges taught me the value of grit and determination. And of course, my kids constantly remind me of life’s most important balance—to work hard, but play even harder!.” – Kristi Adams, OpenTech Alliance

Work life balance

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that saying ‘no’ is okay. You can’t do everything, and setting boundaries is key to maintaining balance. I also find it helpful to have a clear goal each day for my top priorities—both professionally and personally—and making sure I actually accomplish those. It’s about being intentional with your time, so you can show up fully at work and be present in life outside of it.” – Kristi Adams, OpenTech Alliance

“Its OK to be selfish. I’ve always been a ‘yes’ person, but over time, I’ve learned to set boundaries. Now, I create a list of three key goals for each week and commit to them. This structure keeps me focused while allowing flexibility for unexpected challenges. Starting my new role at Astwood Storage in January 2025, I introduced a ‘Wish and Ideas’ board for my team, listing 20+ initiatives for business improvement. My goal is to implement at least one per week, keeping progress steady without overwhelming myself.” – Emma Banks, Astwood Storage

“I must admit I’m terrible at this. I don’t balance well, I work a lot and it’s my own doing as my hours are strictly my hours. I enjoy work it’s not a chore so I get home sometimes and do a bit extra. When I am on annual leave though my phone is off and I am completely disconnected. Nature and animals is my go-to. Being outdoors is just the best.” – Charlotte Rainey, S Jones Containers

“I find this tricky as I’m not a great example of how to do this effectively. I know what you should do, including prioritising, better self-care, setting boundaries, improving time management and delegating, but it’s still a work in progress for me!” – Helen Bourke, SSA UK

The power of networking

“My advice? Put yourself out there. Engage with industry events, introduce yourself to people, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn. The more visible and proactive you are, the more opportunities will come your way.” – Emma Banks, Astwood Storage

“Get out and about, support others with no expectation of anything in return. I like to support my industry friends and see them succeed. LinkedIn is my little hub for networking. Be genuine and be authentic – you won’t go wrong.” – Charlotte Rainey, S Jones Containers

Advice to aspiring women looking to grow in the self storage industry

“Self store is one of THE most helpful industries in the world. Connect, talk and get out there with the industry peers and that way you will evolve QUICKLY. Also, get in touch with me if it’s containers you need. 😉” – Charlotte Rainey, S Jones Containers

“There are so many opportunities in this industry, it’s like no other. Build your confidence by continuously expanding your knowledge, stay curious, ask questions, and learn from those around you. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to put yourself forward for opportunities.” – Dorota Lesinska, Kuboid

“Reach out and start conversations. Thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to connect with professionals in the industry. If self-storage piques your interest, ask people in the field if they’d be willing to share their experiences and insights. Additionally, focus on proving your value—not as a woman, but as a skilled and driven individual who brings something unique to the table. Your passion and dedication will speak louder than anything else.” – Emma Banks, Astwood Storage

“Be yourself. Secondly, listen and learn from others – the more you can absorb the more knowledgeable you will become. It’s a very friendly industry, and there are a whole host of people out there willing you to succeed.” – Sarah Manning, Secure Stores

“Already, we have many incredible and interesting women in the industry who are inspiring others. Be yourself, believe in yourself and be memorable. Make contacts and turn them into relationships, not just a list of names in your phone. Work hard, be proactive, invest in yourself, and seek out others by networking who can help you progress, but remember, you are the one who is in control of your career. If something isn’t working, you don’t need to change your goals just change direction and find another way of achieving what you set out to do.” – Helen Bourke, The SSA UK

“You’ve hit the jackpot! The self storage industry is full of incredible people who are willing to share their knowledge and support your growth. Take full advantage of that—listen, learn, and ask great questions. The more curious and engaged you are, the more doors will open for you. Build relationships, seek out mentorship, and don’t be afraid to take up space. This industry is evolving, and there’s so much opportunity for women to lead and make an impact.” – Kristi Adams, OpenTech Alliance

If you’re a woman in the self storage industry looking to connect with inspiring, career-driven professionals, join the Women in Storage Europe group. It’s a great space to share experiences, gain insights, and be part of a supportive network of like-minded women driving the industry.

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