THE BIG QUESTIONS
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL TITLE?
I'm a coach and a speaker. I run a company that is a collective of people and ideas about empowering women.
WHAT DO YOU DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?
What a hard question! I asked myself 'what do you want to do?' when returning back to work after kids. I knew that it had to be something really compelling because being a mum is such a privileged (and hard) role. So I try and ask myself that each day. I try to work as much as I can from my sense of desire and passion. I'd hate to be doing something just because I had to do it.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO DO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD AND WHAT CHANGED?
I did want to write a book from a young age. A dream that I have started realising. I aim to have my book written in 2018.
WHAT ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
I have a degree in Textile design.
WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Do a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life.
WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL AND WHY?
Sheryl Sandberg wrote Option B after the death of her husband. She fearlessly goes after life, being a mum and being a role model. She is also super honest and I really like that in people.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR CURRENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT?
The commute up the stairs is really short!
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT YOUR DAILY WORK ROUTINE IF YOU COULD?
Lots more people. Solo entrepreneuring is lonely; I'm looking forward to recruiting some team members.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Coaching coaches and speaking at events that empower people to be their best selves.
DO YOU FEEL YOU CAN BE THE SAME PERSON AT WORK AND IN PRIVATE?
h my! The whole basis of what I do is integrity. It all falls apart if I can't be the same person at home and at work.
WHERE AND IN WHAT ROLES ARE WOMEN IN THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT YOUR COMPANY?
It's far too small and informal to have roles. I have some amazing women in my tribe who inspire me. They are finding their passions and living honestly and courageously. I love coaching, chatting and meeting up with them.
DOES DIVERSITY MATTER TO YOU?
Absolutely. I'm rubbish unless I'm around people who are different from me. Being really honest anyone who is dissimilar to me (the way they think, feel, dress, their beliefs and values etc) is intimidating. I fight the urge to need to be right. But I love the way others who are very different can open my eyes up to new ways of seeing and being. So I'm dealing with my fear and embracing difference. It would be so dull if everyone were like me!
HOW GOOD IS YOUR WORK LIFE BALANCE?
I have never had as much free time on my hands as I do at the moment, and I have never been working on so many of my dreams.
WHAT QUALITIES DOES BEING IN YOUR ROLE NECESSITATE?
A big heart and robust inner world. That's coaching speak for being brave, loving to myself and sticking to my values no matter what.
ANY FINAL COMMENTS?
Coming to the end of what you think you can do isn't really an end; it’s a beginning. The beginning of realising your bigness if you are prepared not to be in control.