Celebrating International Women’s Day: Christine Razey, Operations Director at Nexus Business Centre

To mark International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting inspiring women making a difference across Dorset’s business community. Christine Razey, Operations Director at Nexus Business Centre, has built a career around supporting businesses to grow while championing teamwork, resilience and opportunity. With experience spanning hospitality, theatre and serviced offices, Christine shares what drives her, the lessons she’s learned along the way and what this year’s International Women’s Day means to her.

Tell us a little about yourself

Razey by name, crazy by nature – I’m someone who never stands still and is always looking for ways to improve and support others. I’ve been married to my husband for 27 years and we have three wonderful children aged 31, 22 and 16.

 

Tell us about your business or career and what you do

I’m currently the Operations Director for a privately owned, family-run business – Nexus Business Centre – which provides serviced office space for more than 50 businesses, alongside an on-site café that is very popular with both clients and visitors.

 

I’ve worked within the serviced office environment for the last eight years. Before that, my career was in hotel, theatre and catering management.

 

What do you love most about what you do?

Seeing our clients’ businesses grow and celebrating their successes. It’s incredibly rewarding, especially when you’re working alongside such an amazing team and supportive clients.

 

What are you most proud of, either in your business, career or personal life?

Until 2018, I dedicated much of my spare time to running a voluntary children’s marching show band for 18 years. The group was entirely self-funded and eventually became bronze European champions.

 

When I founded the band, my aim was to create a space where all children could access new opportunities – whether learning a musical instrument, developing drill skills, gaining confidence or simply experiencing the value of being part of a team.

 

Through this work, I witnessed first-hand some of the challenges children and families face, from poverty to abuse, and it profoundly shaped my understanding of the world. It remains the most rewarding role I have ever undertaken. I’m also proud to serve as an ambassador for the Kids Out charity.

 

And of course, I’m incredibly proud of my three children and my husband.

 

Have you faced any challenges along the way, and how have you navigated them?

Never give up. Keep going and remember that life and business are journeys – things will get better. Always believe there is more to care about and more to achieve. And it’s good to be nervous sometimes.

 

Is there a woman who inspires you, and why?

In a previous role, I worked with a Vice President who led more than 1,400 business centres across Europe. Despite the scale of her responsibilities, she always made time to connect with the teams on the ground.

 

She worked in an environment where senior leadership was heavily dominated by men, yet she stood firm, led with conviction and never lost sight of the people delivering the work every day. Her resilience, authenticity and commitment continue to inspire me.

 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you this year?

More women are leading companies, breaking barriers and driving meaningful social change. Although many women step back at times to raise children, it is absolutely possible to be a mother, a wife and a business leader. Today is about celebrating women and their achievements.

 

What advice would you give to your younger self or to other women starting out?

Always have a trade or skill you can fall back on. Learn as much as you can and remember that work-life balance is key.

 

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I once took to the skies above Gloucester in a tiny two-seater plane as a passenger, joining the National Aerobatic silver medallist for a thrilling aerobatic flight. Fearless at times!