Women’s Day 2024

To celebrate Women’s Day 2024, we’re putting the spotlight on women working at Swappie. In this series of interviews, you’ll get to know female figures from across Swappie’s business and find out how their work contributes to our goals – and what working in sustainable tech means for them.

Meet Manjinder Kaur

Swappie iPhones are refurbished by experts in Europe using our own 52-step process. It’s how we’re able to offer a uniqely high standard within the electronics refurbishment industry and makes sure that when you shop at Swappie you get exactly what you ordered.

Manjinder Kaur is a Senior Production Specialist at our Tallin OPS site and plays a fundamental role in this process. Read on to learn what motivates her and which crossover Indian acting star she admires!

Hi! Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell readers a little bit about what you do at Swappie on a day-to-day basis?

Hi, I’m Manjinder Kaur, specialized in repairing iPhones to ensure they are restored to top-notch condition for our customers. My role involves diagnosing issues, performing repairs, and ensuring that each device meets our high standards of quality and reliability. I’m dedicated to providing the best service possible and being part of our team’s success.

As we all know, Swappie is on a mission to make refurbished electronics mainstream. How does your work contribute to this objective?

By repairing iPhones with meticulous attention to quality, we ensure that each device we offer to our customers meets high standards. This quality work not only delivers a superior product to our customers but also encourages them to choose refurbished options over new ones.

Stats say the ratio of men to women is roughly 3:1 in tech. With this in mind, what drove you to pursue a career in the industry?

Despite the statistics, I was driven to pursue a career in the tech industry because I firmly believe in the power of women to succeed in any field they choose. Women have shown passion, breaking barriers and achieving great heights in diverse areas. I am confident that with dedication and perseverance, women can thrive in the technology sector as well.

What does being a woman working at a sustainable tech company like Swappie mean to you?

Being a woman working at a sustainable tech company like Swappie holds great significance for me. Contributing to creating a safer environment on Earth is truly fulfilling. I don’t perceive myself as inferior to anyone else in this field. My confidence and hard work have paved the way for my growth within sustainable tech.

How do you stay inspired in your work at Swappie? Any top tips for overcoming the everyday workplace challenges we all know and love?

Staying inspired at Swappie is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the abundance of opportunities to learn and grow within my role keeps me motivated. Secondly, the unwavering support I receive from my leaders provides me with the confidence to tackle challenges head-on.

Outside of Swappie, we’d love to know what gets you up in the morning! Whether you’re relaxing or getting energized, how do you spend your downtime?

Outside of Swappie, my mornings are driven by the discipline I’ve cultivated in my life. I prioritize maintaining a healthy lifestyle through nutritious eating habits and meeting nature, which enables me to pursue my passions and aspirations. Spending quality time with my child during downtime is a source of immense joy and fulfillment for me which infuses me with positivity, making it a truly rewarding experience.

And finally – could you name a woman who’s been a particular inspiration in your own life?

One woman who inspires me greatly is the Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, who has successfully transitioned into Hollywood. Her presence exudes an incredible aura, marked by her boldness, confidence, and unwavering work ethic. Her journey not only reflects her individual achievements but also serves as a source of empowerment for women aspiring to break barriers and achieve their dreams.

Swappie Spotlights: Meet Tiia Willman

Swappie has over 700 employees across Europe, representing more than 50 nationalities and serving over 1M customers. Tiia Willman is Head of Talent Acquisition at the company – read on to learn more about how she helps Swappie on it’s mission to make refurbished electronics mainstream and the special coffee recipe that makes getting started in the morning a breeze!

Hi! Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell readers a little bit about what you do at Swappie on a day-to-day basis?

I am Tiia, Head of Talent Acquisition here at Swappie. Me and my team are responsible for hiring talent from across the globe. In addition I work with employer branding topics and make sure as many people as possible know what a nice workplace Swappie is 😊.

As we all know, Swappie is on a mission to make refurbished electronics mainstream. How does your work contribute to this objective?

By attracting the right talent to join Swappie. It is imperative that we find talent that has the right skills to make an impact on our mission in their respective role and who also find our mission appealing.

Stats say the ratio of men to women is roughly 3:1 in tech. With this in mind, what drove you to pursue a career in the industry?

It is absolutely wonderful that technology is used at Swappie to make a positive impact on the environment – this resonates with my personal values a lot! The tech industry is nothing to be afraid of – it is a wonderfully data driven, impact oriented industry that has a bright future. It is nice to work in a field that is growing and evolving all the time.

What does being a woman working at a sustainable tech company like Swappie mean to you?

Generally speaking I find my work inspiring and important – every day I am proud to say I work at Swappie.

How do you stay inspired in your work at Swappie? Any top tips for overcoming the everyday workplace challenges we all know and love?

It is very easy for me to stay inspired here since I basically believe I am saving the planet 8 hours a day. It is a no-brainer for me to work for a company where I can take my 15 years of experience to something that is bigger than me and contributes towards a more liveable planet for next generations.

Outside of Swappie, we’d love to know what gets you up in the morning! Whether you’re relaxing or getting energized, how do you spend your downtime?

I am a morning person. I usually wake up around 5am, and by 7am I have already been to crossfit and I have my laptop open with a huge mug of my special coffee to keep me energized for several hours (it has 1 tablespoon of butter and a dash of heavy cream in it, in case you were wondering!). During summer time I spend all my free time on a golf course, it is the perfect sport to forget about work stress as the only thing that stresses me there is how bad I am at golf 🤣.

And finally – could you name a woman who’s been a particular inspiration in your own life?

It is really hard to name one, because every woman that I have ever met inspires me somehow. For some reason it never ceases to amaze me how women are able to be so strong but empathetic, so flexible but assertive, and so fierce but loving at the same time.

International Women’s Day is a global event dedicated to honoring the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It also serves as a call-to-action for gender equality and women’s rights, as another opportunity to raise awareness about issues women face worldwide and to celebrate their accomplishments.