In celebration of International Women’s Day yesterday, we shine the spotlight on four accomplished Allegion UK experts, Sue Corrick, Nicola John, Karen Trigg, and Samantha Fawn. Their specialist skills and technical expertise not only keep people safe but also continue to open new doors for women in the industry.
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements, raises awareness of gender inequality and fosters solidarity around the globe. This year’s theme ‘Give to Gain’ highlights the power of generosity, mentorship and collaboration to help women thrive and produce collective societal gains. Sue, Nicola, Karen and Samantha discuss the career challenges they’ve faced, how they’ve succeeded in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and share advice for young women beginning their careers.
Sue Corrick
As a Product Marketing Manager for door hardware, Sue is responsible for translating technical product capabilities into clear market propositions, managing product lifecycle, and driving go-to-market activity. The chance to work at the intersection of engineering, architecture and user experience to help shape products that improve building and fire safety, usability and performance first drew Sue to the field. She believes women should actively lift each other up through mentoring, amplifying voices and pushing for policies to remove barriers.
The International Women’s Day theme this year is ‘Give to Gain.’ Can you share an example when giving your time, knowledge, or advocacy produced reciprocal benefits for you, a colleague, a project, or the company?
‘I dedicated time to the Allegion mentoring program and a colleague who was eager to develop skills. By sharing my knowledge and offering guidance, I helped prepare and deliver a successful career development plan. The mentee's increased confidence led to taking on more leadership responsibilities. For me, this experience reinforced the value of investing time in others and seeing the positive impact of that growth.’
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt empowered as a woman?
‘In a mixed-league football cup match, we were struggling, and morale was low. As a goalkeeper, I needed to steady the team and keep us in the game. I took control of the back line, called positions clearly, coached teammates on marking responsibilities, and stayed calm under pressure. Late in the game, I made two key saves, including a penalty. We won the game and went to the next round. The coach and teammates began to rely on my leadership; younger players asked me for tips and coaching. That moment empowered me because it showed that competence and composure—not gender—earn respect, and it inspired me to mentor other girls to play confidently.’
Nicola John
Nicola is the Managing Director of FDM Training and Development and the newly formed Fire Door Association. She began her career in the training sector in 1994 and entered the construction industry as a director in 2000. Co-founding a door company in 2004 alongside a building maintenance company, Nicola has worked in Director roles in doors and the built environment ever since. She has now united her training and door industry experience to form and run FDM, the largest quality-based and practical fire door training centre in the UK. Nicola encourages all women to reach for the stars, work hard, and choose a career they are passionate about.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career, and how did you overcome them?
‘There is no challenge that you cannot overcome. Sometimes you need to use different methods for different situations, and it took me a while in my career to figure this out. The challenge is to see where you can add value and turn your weaknesses into strengths for future roles or your own development. I’ve worked in male-dominated boardrooms and workplaces all my career, and I have felt heard and seen for the abilities and strengths I can bring to a team.’
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt empowered as a woman?
‘My children and grandchildren will always be my greatest achievement. In work, seeing FDM come to life, the ideas become a reality, and the industry collaborating to improve the built environment through training and development is extremely empowering. The endorsements we’ve had this year have empowered me to believe in my values, to believe that I can make the changes necessary and that my team and I can achieve the goals we set for ourselves in relation to ambition and growth.’
Samantha Fawn
Samantha, a Business Development Manager specialising in commercial door controls, began her career in the door hardware industry 32 years ago. She’s pleased to see more women entering the industry, but still hopes for even greater representation, especially at events and awards. Her advice: seize all opportunities for training to build confidence and self-belief.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career, and how did you overcome them?
‘On a site visit ten years ago, there was an issue with fitting. I advised the fitter about what he should do, but he just shouted at me — swearing and shaking the ladder I was up at the time. I was petrified. I walked away calmly and told the site manager that I wouldn’t tolerate this behaviour. The fitter did as I advised in the end, but he simply wouldn’t take instructions from a woman. This affected my confidence at the time. I’m pleased that attitudes have changed overall since then and continue to do so.’
Could you describe a time when sharing your time, expertise, or advocacy resulted in reciprocal gains?
‘I’m proud to have mentored a third-year GAI student with dyslexia. I helped her study, and with my knowledge and expertise, she successfully passed her diploma exam. I also interpreted for her scheduling exam, which I’m pleased to say she passed.’
Karen Trigg
Next, we spotlight Karen, a Business Development Manager for the South of England who supports OEMs with specification, compliance and troubleshooting. Starting as an admin assistant 31 years ago, Karen soon developed a keen interest in specialist door hardware . Having witnessed the field’s evolution towards more female participation, she encourages young women to embrace knowledge as a foundation for confidence.
Can you share a moment in your life when you felt empowered as a woman?
‘I guess I’ve always felt empowered. Anything I have wanted to do; I’ve had a go at. I’ve never felt that my gender was a hindrance. I’ve also been lucky enough to have managers who have supported and encouraged me throughout my working life, but I’ve also always been keen to learn and extend myself. I think empowerment comes from lifting yourself and those around you.’
Which woman has inspired you the most, and why?
‘My daughter. She is amazingly level-headed. She has always encouraged me to pursue my goals and motivates me to be the best I can be.’
