SISTA TALK NEWS

2 | WWW.SISTATALK.CO.UK | MARCH 2012

IN THIS ISSUE

FORWARD 3. THERESA MAY MP

The Home Office Ministerreveals her thoughts on whyInternational Women’s Day isimportantforeveryone.

SPECIAL 5. BARONESS VERMA OF

LEICESTER KeeptheFlameBurning.

7. INDIA MARTIN GARY Sharesallwhat’sbestinher life.

UNSTOPPABLE 8. 18 impressive women from the

worldofbanking,thechurchandbusiness share what motivatesthemandkeepsthematthetopoftheirgame.

FEATURES 37. FIND YOUR FEMININE WHY

Dion Johnson on why we dontneedballstosuceed.

38. GOT A MINUTE? Suzanne Simmons Lewis on

overwhelmed professional to apeakophile.

39. LEADERS BEWARESherry Dixon dishes the dirt ontheriseoffemalebullyingintheworkplace.

40. WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK?

ClaireBeeganonlettinggoofthestuffthatweighsyoudown.

41. WHAT’S MONEY GOT TO DO WITH IT?

LisaParsonsongettingthemoneyyouneedforyourbusiness.

41. STRESS FREE WEALTHMargot Toppin explains whystresscouldpreventyouclaimingyourwealth.

SPOTLIGHT 42. Spotlighton6emergingbusiness

leaderswholive,loveandthriveinbusiness.

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10

19

41 43

22

MarvereneColeonwhymorewomenareturningtobeer.

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MARCH 2012 | WWW.SISTATALK.CO.UK | 3

I n t r o d u c t i o n f r o m T H E R E S A M AY M P, H o m e S e c r e t a r y a n d M i n i s t e r f o r Wo m e n a n d E q u a l i t i e s .

In t e r n a t i o n a lWomen’s Day is aday to celebrate allthat women have

achieved in business,in public service andin society. Events willbe held in countriesaroundtheworld–fromArmenia to Zambia – tomarktheoccasion.It’s right that we celebrate the

progress women have made. Wenowhavemanywomeninpolitics,inbusiness, incharities, inscienceandinthearts.Womencontinuetoplaya central role inmany communities- leading action to sort out rundown areas, taking a stand againstviolence,helping to inspire thenextgeneration. Women are makinginroadsineveryareaofsociety.

Butdespitethisdramaticprogress,women today still face barriers tosuccess. So in the current tougheconomic climate many peopleare asking what we can do to keepimproving the position of women.I believe there is action that theGovernmentcantaketohelpwomenand there is action thatwomencantaketohelpthemselves.

The top issue that women tell ustheyfaceisbalancingworkandfamilylife.Sowearehelpingwomentotakeonthatchallenge inthreekeyways:increased support for childcare,greater flexible working and moreflexibleparentalleave.

Onchildcare,we’reprovidingmoresupportbyextendingtherightto15hours free education and childcareeach week to 260,000 two yearolds. That’s on top of our existingcommitmentof15hourseachweekfor all 3 and4 yearolds.UnderourUniversal Creditwelfare reformswearealsoextendingchildcaresupport,for the first time, to those workingunder16hoursperweekandwe’remaking available an extra £300millionforchildcare.

As well as helping with the costsofchildcare,Ialsowanttochallengethemyththatitisonlymothersthatneed to, or benefit from, workingflexibly.Researchshowsthatflexibleworking is good for both businessand families. So we will extend theright to request flexible working toeveryone. This will help families tobalance their work commitmentsand their caring, and it will allowbusinesses to benefit from a moremodernandflexibleworkforce.

I also want to revolutionise ouroutdated system of maternity andpaternity leave. The current systemjust reinforces the old stereotype

that when a couple start a family,womenshouldstayathomeandlookafter the children and men shouldgoouttoworkandearnthemoney.Under our proposed new system offlexibleparental leave,bothparentswillhavethechancetochoosewhatis right for them and what is rightfortheirfamily.Thatwillmakearealdifferenceforworkingwomenanditwillmakearealdifferenceforfathers.

There are otherwayswe can helpas well. For those on the lowestincomes, we are taking 1.1 millionof the lowest paid workers out ofincome tax altogether, more thanhalf of whom are women. And tohelp women reach the top of theladder,we areworking to getmorewomenon to theboardsofour topcompanies.

Ialsowanttodomoretohelpthosewomen with the ambition and theideas to start their own business.That is why I launched a schemeto train and recruit 5,000 businessmentors as part of awider packageof support for women who wantto launch or grow a new business.The Department for Businesssubsequently announced that anadditional10,000mentorswouldberecruited to support entrepreneurs.The training and support materialsfor all mentors reflect the specificneeds of women, covering issuessuchasraisingconfidence,accesstofinance,andworkingfromhome.

“So I believe we have a good story to tell on what we’re doing to support women who want to get into work, get back into work, who want to get on in their careers or who want to start their own business”.

But alongside these policies ofpractical support, I believe we alsoneed to do something less tangible- we need to give women theconfidence, the inspiration and theambition to aspire to success. Thatmeans tackling the sexualisation ofchildhood, where too many younggirls now grow up wanting, not tobecome successful female athletes,politicians or business people, butglamour models or reality TV stars.It means encouraging women tobecomeapprentices,ortostudythecoursesatA-levelanduniversitythatwill allow them to succeed in ourglobalised economy. And it meanscelebrating female role models inallwalksof life. In thatway,wecangive all women the belief that theytoocangoasfarastheirtalent,theirhardworkandtheirabilitieswilltakethem.

Iwouldwelcomeyourhelpandyourviews on how we as a governmentcanhelpallwomenachievetheirtruepotential.

Theresa May, MPHome Secretary and Minister for

Women and Equalities


There’ssomethingintoxicatingaboutanideathatrefusestolaydormant.WhenIdecidedtoputthismagazinetogether

to celebrate International Women’sDay; I am ashamed to confess that Ididn’t give it a second thoughtaboutproduction timelines, long standingdiary commitments and the stress Iwasgoingtoputonmydreamteamtogetthispublished.

A few heated emails and wordslater,weunleashedthesamuraispiritwithinusandset towork toproducethis awesome magazine. I am stillblown away by the women who

were prepared to share their stories,breakthroughs,words ofwisdomandinsightswithus.Butmoreimportantly,producing this magazine reinforcedthat belief that when we are on‘flow’, you cannot keep goodwomendown irrespectiveof theirworkloads,pressures and that wretched saying‘worklifebalance’.

In their own amazing way, eachwoman featured in this newsletterare helping women smash throughthe barriers and glass ceilings thattrytoholdusback-oneJimmyChoostilettoatatime!WhobettertowritetheforwardthanBritain’sleadingladythe Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP whoexplains why every woman mattersand I thought we’d add the wordsof the First Lady who are on pointexplaining the role of women duringthis worldwide mancession we findourselvesin!

Of course, I am blown away by thenumberofwomenwhoagreed todointerviews at short notice and whenyoureadtheirstories,youcannothelpbut be inspired as they speak theirtruth.

I recently read that if we continuetowaitforperfection,nothingwillgetdone. This iswhy it’s important thatwe value our own journey becauseprogressstartswithonestep.

Baroness Verma of Leicester is astrong advocate for equality anddiversity and she has taught me(amongst others) the bigger thedream,thesmallerthefirststep.Therace for change is not for the swift,but for thosewho canendure. Readhow she broke traditional norms toexpressherinnerblissandlivelifeonherterms.

Writing this magazine meant I gotto hang out with and talk to someamazingSheroes.

Ingenious thinkers, who areunleashing great imagination andvision, as they transform the waywomen are seen and treated inbusiness,politicsandtheworkplace.

Forall thosewomenout therewhofeel they don’t have a voice and lifehasnotpannedouthowyouexpecteddon’t give up hope, you just have tore-adjust yourplansandget todoingwhatmatterstoyou.

I am pleased to include a sectionshowcasinga groupof youngwomenwho have an exciting and refreshingapproach to running the business oftheirdreams.Manydidnotstarttheircareersrunningabusinessbutdecidedto choose a purpose to decide howthey wanted to live life in the now.Thesewomen are unhindered by therulesandbeliefsthathavecrippledtheconfidenceofmanywomenwhowantto feel enthusiastic andmotivatedby

life. These emerging leaders andpioneers got their big idea off theground and really are teaching usthatwecanhaveitall!

Each year the challenges to startandgrowbusinessesaregreater;butwheneverIdoaprojectlikethisIammorecommitted tohelpingwomenfight systematic discrimination,inequalityandrampantsexisminmyown small but significantway. ButI reallyhavetosayamassivethankyoutoallthepeoplewhoIhavemet,workedwithandmore importantly,whocontinuously come together intheir own uniqueway tomake theworldabetterplaceforwomen.Yes,wehavealongwaytogoespeciallywhenwe hear of the shocking riseof rape, domestic violence and thestruggleforthemostbasicfreedomsbutitsgoodtoknowthatmoremenarejoiningustobattleinequality inallitsuglyforms.

As Nick Clegg, the deputy PrimeMInister said at the recent IWDReception at 10 Downing Street“women’s issues aremen’s issues!”It was a great honour to catch upwith Baroness Scotland of AsthalabouttheGlobalFoundationfortheElimination of Domestic Violence,whichshefoundedin2011.

Whatever you are doing today, Idon’tthinkyoucanjustflickthroughtheseextraordinarystories.Sitback,turnoffthephoneandbepreparedto be inspired, motivated andempowered.

“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me

with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness

but still I care, I’ll rise.” MayaAngelou

M ES SAG E F RO M T H E E D I TO R

Sonia Brown MBE and Baroness Soctland outside No 10 Downing Street

SISTATALK Sheroes

CelebratingEnterprise,DiversityandLeadership

inActionwww.sistatalk.com

MANAGING EDITOR

SoniaBrownMBE [email protected]

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

[email protected]

WEB DEVELOPERDwayneFerguson

www.newmediastar.co.uk


Each one of us will havesomeone, that one person thatwould have been the triggerfor whywe choose to dowhat

we do. Whether as a challenge orsheer inspiration, you see in a personsomething you want to emulate orcompletelyrejectandthereforechange.

I am a person that has existed in theworld of small business from the ageof nineteen, I was a bright cookie andwanted to go to university but culture,tradition call it what you like, limitedmy choice to an arranged marriage,motherhood and supporting myhusband. In fact it has turned out thatI have a great supporting husband andhavemadechoicesthatalthoughattimeshigh risk, have resulted in remarkableopportunities. The same applicationshelpedme succeed inpolitics.Differentchallengesbutsimilarsolutions.

I look at my gender and am alwayswowed at how good we are at usingnaturallyoursoftskills,communicatingiseasywhenwe feel confident about oursubjects but recoil into uncertainty andinsecurity at things that are unfamiliar,there lies the difference betweenmostwomenandmen.Thethoughtoffailureprevents us from taking the next step,the unknown space and therefore wefindourselvesunconsciouslylimitingour

choices. That is why it is so importantto network, build up friendships, learnfrom others experiences and exchangecontacts.

My mentors have been people that Ihavemetontheway,particularlyifIlookatmylifeinpolitics.IknewthatIwasn’tgoing to standback and let the choicesthat women have, be determinedwithout them and I knew that withwomenattheheartofdecisionmaking,decisions taken would be different,makingtheworldweliveinamuchmorebalancedplace.

The great strength my mother gavemewasinbelievinginmyselfandwhilstI challenged almost everything myfatherstood for in relationtoa femalesposition in the household, he taughtme to fight forwhat I saw as right andstandupforothers.Wearesurroundedbyphenomenalfigurestheymaynotallleadmultinationals, head companies orbepoliticiansbuttheyarethere.

Whether it is watching the impactof people like Michelle Obama, HiliaryClinton or Sonia Gandhi or those likeSonia Brown, Ruby McGregor Smith orKanyaKing,allfantasticfigurestowatchandlistentoo.Whatdotheyallshareisaselfbeliefandconfidencetoseeavisionthrough.

I have always surroundedmyself withpositivethinkers,thosethatdotomakethings happen rather than those thatjusttalkaboutit,IalsoknowthatwhilstImayhavecertainskillsandcontactstheywill never be enoughon their own andtherefore I have never been shy to askothers for theirnetworks andof courseI have never minded looking stupidbecauseIdidn’tknowsomething,betterthatthannoteverhavingthecouragetoask.

Igrewupwithagreat love forhistorybecause through the layers of historyyou can find inspirational women havechangedthefaceofhistory,QueenJhansiin India, IndiraGandhi, Emily Pankhurstand the Suffragettes are just a few.Mygreatestjoyistoreadaboutordinaryandextraordinarypeoplethathaveimpactedonthe livesofotherssuchasmyfriendwhoinhersixtiesisagreathitamongstdisengagedyoungsters justbecause shehas thepatience to listenandwin theirtrustormymanagerwhoseasinglemumandisdeterminedthatherdaughterwillhavebetterlifechancesthanher.

“Careers are built on opportunities, confidence and belief. Those that succeed do so because they are always

prepared to go the extra mile. Women are necessary for economies to really flourish and grow, the shift in the numbers of women in paid employment, managing or leading business is on the rise. Globally there is shift taking place and women are at the heart of the shift, success is always achieved when causes and issues become a united mission”

AsagirlborninIndiatoworkingparentsthatcametotheUKin1960withaninemonth baby and three pounds in theirpockets,myparentstaughtmenevertofear the unknown and that failing waswhenyoumadeyouraspirationstolowthat you settled for a very low secondbest.

Recognition and awards help confirmthat what you are doing is beingrecognised by others, it is importantto receive recognition and equallyimportant to recognise others andcelebratetheirachievements.

IknowIhavethepowertochangelivesandsodoyou.

Baroness Verma is using her position to create postive and lasting change for women across the world

B A R O N E S S V E R M A W h y a l o v e o f h i s t o r y a n d g o i n g w i t h l i f e ’s t w i s t s a n d t u r n s h e l p e d h e r f i n d h e r t r u e c a l l i n g a n d m o r e .


Creating new jobs and newopportunities in a fiercelycompetitiveworlddemandspolicies that encourageand support American

innovation and ingenuity. So I’mpleasedthat,onabipartisanbasis, theSenatehaspassed themost significantpatent reform in over half a century.Thislong-overduereformisvitaltoouron-goingeffortstomodernizeAmerica’spatent laws and reduce thebacklogof700,000 patent applications – whichwon’t just increase transparency andcertainty for inventors, entrepreneursand businesses, but help grow oureconomyandcreategoodjobs. Iwantto thank Senators Leahy, Grassley andHatchfortheirleadershiponthisissue,andI lookforwardtoworkingwiththeHouseofRepresentativestopasspatentreformlegislationIcansignintolaw.

MRS. OBAMA: Oh, well. I’m done.I don’t have to do anything else.(Laughter.)

MRS. OBAMA: Oh, my goodness. Iloveyouall.Thisisanexciting,excitingday -- exciting. We had a fabulousmorningattheStateDepartment.AndIhopeyouallarehavingjustalotoffunherethisevening.

WearejusthonoredanddelightedtohaveyouheretocelebrateInternationalWomen’s Day and Women’s HistoryMonth here at theWhite House. Yes.(Applause.)

IhavetostartbythankingAissatouforthatbeautiful,beautifulintroductionand for all her hard work. C’est trèsbien. Merci. (Laughter.) We have togive her another round of applause.(Applause.)

AndalsoShannonforherinspiringwayofbeing, and for introducingour choirandforherextraordinaryachievements.Solet’sgiveheraroundofapplauseaswell.(Applause.)

And I got to hear a little bit of thatfabulous choir, the Washington

PerformingArtsSociety.(Applause.)Wehavetothankthemforthatinspirationalperformanceaswell.

And I know that we have so manywonderfulpeoplehere.WehavesomemembersofCongresswhoarehere--Iseesomefacesscatteredaround.AndIwanttothankallofyouforalltheworkthat you do, the leadership that youprovide, the time that you have takenout in your lives tofight for the issuesthatmeansomuch,notjustforwomenandgirlshereinthiscountrybutaroundtheworld. Weareproudofyou. Iamproudofyou.Thankyousomuch.

And finally, I want to recognize allof the extraordinary women whoare gathered here tonight, becausethere are so many sprinkled about,including our wonderful Women ofCourageAward recipients,allofwhomI got to spend timewith earlier today.(Applause.) These are women whoworktirelessly,allofyou,everyday,tomakenotjustcountriesmorefair,moreequalandmorefree,butoftenmanyofthesewomenriskthemselvesandtheirfamiliestogetthisworkdone.

We have young women here likeShannonandAissatouwhoare servingas peacemakers and ambassadors andcommunityleadershereinAmericaandaround theworld. And I see somanyactivists and advocates, pioneers whohavedevotedtheircareerstoimprovingthelivesofwomen.Wearecelebratingyoualltoday.

And tonight, I just want to say to allof you that your journeys, that yourachievements and your very presencein this room are a perfect illustrationof the progress thatwe’vemade sincethis daywas first celebrated 100 yearsago. We’ve come a long way, ladies!(Applause.)

And we are celebrating thoseaccomplishments here in America.Women are now the majority ofgraduates of colleges and universities.We make up nearly half of America’sworkforce.Wegottogetpaidmoreforit.(Applause.)Butwedo.Womenarethrivingineverysectorofoursociety.Weare leading businesses. We’re serving

at the highest levels of governmentand thearmed forces. We’rebreakingbarriersandsucceeding incareers thatour mothers and grandmothers nevercouldhaveimagined.

And as more opportunities havebecomeopentowomen,thathasn’tjustenrichedourownlives.Asweallknow,it’senrichedthelifeofthisnation.Andthat’soneofthereasonswhywehavetodothis,becauseweneedtoremindourselves and our country that we’rehere because of us. Because we as anation benefit from every girl whosepotentialisfulfilled;fromeverywomanwhose talent is tapped. We benefitas a nation. We as a nation benefitfromtheir intelligence, fromtheirhardwork, from their creativity, from theirleadership.

And that’s not just true here inAmerica. Time and again, we haveseen that countries across the globeare more prosperous, they’re morepeacefulwhenwomenaremoreequaland have the rights and opportunitiestheydeserve.(Applause.)

And that iswhywomenandgirls area core focus of America’s engagementwiththeworld,includingourdiplomaticand development work, and our worktopreventandrespondtoconflict.Andthat’s why here at home we continueourworktoclosethepaygaponceandforall,togetthatdone.That’swhywecontinueourworkhereathometobringwomenintofieldslikemathandscience.Keep studying your math. (Laughter.)We’re still under-represented. So westillhaveworktodo.

“We continue our work to promote entrepreneurship and workplace flexibility so that women can contribute as fully as possible to our economy. And while we’ve made some important strides, all of you in this room know better than anyone else that this work is far from finished. We have so, so much more to do. You all know better than just about anyone that change is hard, and change

is slow. Many of you might not win the battles you’re fighting or see the progress you’re fighting for in your lifetimes. You know that. But I’m thinking tonight of a quote from the author Alice Walker, who once wrote, “So our mothers and grandmothers have more often than not anonymously handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see.”

And that is why all of you keep onfighting. That’swhyallofyoukeeponleading and working toward a betterday forallofus. Youdo it so thatourdaughtersandgranddaughtersand,justasimportantly,oursonsandgrandsonscanhavetheopportunitiesthatmanyofusonlydreamedof. Youdoitbecauseyouknowthatyourworkcouldbe thespark or that seed for thedreams andaspirations of girls like Aissatou andShannongenerationsfromnow.Thisiswhywedothiswork.Wedoitforyou.Wedoitforyou.

So I want to close tonight by simplysayingthankyou.Thisisasmall--verysmallway forme, formyhusband, forthisadministrationtoletyouknowjusthow proud we are of all that you dofor women and girls. Our work is sofar fromdone. But 100 years ago,wewould have never imagined that we’dbestandinghereintheEastRoomoftheWhiteHouse--(laughter)--celebratingthisdaywiththisadministration.Sowehavereasontocelebrate.(Applause.)

Sothankyouallforyourcommitment.Thank you for your passion. I am sohonoured to have you here tonight.Enjoy. Eat. Drink. Dance. I amonly standing on your shoulders. Sopleaseenjoy, andGodbless. Wehavemore work to do. Thanks so much.(Applause.)

R e m a r k s b y t h e F i r s t L a d y

a t I n t e r n a t i o n a l W o m e n ’ s D a y

R e c e p t i o n .


India Gary Martin is one of those women who

enters a room and immediately takes centre stage. She’s the ‘got to know’ person because when she talks, across the world, people listen to what she has to say.With over 20 years experience in

Financial Services spanning over 3continents working at some of theworld’s leading financial servicesfirms including, Deutsche Bank,LehmanBrothers,RBSandJPMorgan;it’sfairtosaythatIndiaGary-MartindeservedherplaceonthePowerListforthepastthreeyearsasoneofthe100most influentialblack leaders intheUK.

his power player exudes fierceand fabulous confidence inbusinessand this US native is successfullychallenging and demystifying thetraditional male bastions in hersectorwithoutstandingcommitmenttochampioningdiversityissuesintheworkplace. This was demonstratedwith great results in her previousroles at the Royal Bank of ScotlandGroupandLehmanBrothers.In2007,IndiareceivedtheWomeninBankingand Finance award for OutstandingContribution to Diversity and theEuropeanBankingTechnologyawardfor Best Female Technologist. As

Managing Director at JPMorgan,she is responsible for managingthe strategic agenda for the 13,000person Technology & Operationsdivision of the Investment Bank.She still continues to contribute todiversity initiativesatJ.P.Morganbyleveragingbothherprofessionalandnetworkexperience.

InherroleasPresidentofthewellrespected City Women’s Network- the premier network for seniorprofessional women in London;she has spearheaded a number ofdiversityandleadershipprogrammesthat have kept its members at theforefrontofthewomen’sagenda.Inaddition to these remarkable roles,India has undertaken a number ofcharitable and mentoring activitiesthat encourage leadership skills inyoung people. She is the Chair ofthe Board of Trustees of LEAP, acharity that provides education andemployment training for peoplefrom disadvantaged communitiesandalso runs amentoring circle foryoungpeople.Lastbutnotleast,sheisalsoamemberoftheTiffanyCirclefor theBritishRedCross,agroupofprominentwomenintheUKwhoarefocused on philanthropy and whosupport specific British Red Crossprojects.

SO WHAT KEEPS THIS TRAILBLAZER THE BEST?BEST -WAY TO KEEP MOTIVATED WHEN YOUR DIARY IS OVERFLOWING?

Ibreakdowntheworkthat Ineedtodointobitesizedactivities,alwayskeepingtheendinsight.Itiseasierformetofocusonthetaskathand.If I trytofocusoneverythingthat Ihaveonmyplateallatonce,Icouldeasilybecomeoverwhelmed!

BEST-CAREER WIN?

Mybiggestwinisknowingthatthepeople who work for me respectand trust my vision and leadership.It’s easier to build successful teamsif people respect and trust you.Theywill go that extramile for youoften outperforming objectives andexpectations.

BEST-ADVICE TO YOUNG WOMEN LOOKING TO GET AHEAD IN THEIR CAREER?

Be deliberate about the choicesyou make and don’t be haphazardabouthowyoushapeandplanyourcareer path. That’s not to say thatyoushouldn’tbeflexiblebuthavingaclearplanmakesabigdifference.It’salsoreallyimportanttobeauthentic.Beingwhoyouaremakesyouuniqueand makes defining your ‘career’identityaloteasier.

BEST-HIDDEN TALENT?

Ilovetocook!Imakeagreatoxtailand butterbean stew which is afavouriteoffamilyandfriendsalike.

BEST - HOLIDAY TO RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES?

WehaveahouseinFrancewhichisinthemiddleofnowhere–thereareno street lights and so the stars arebright. Ournearestneighbours liveona farmwherewepurchase freshproduce, and meat. Staying theremeansIgettogoonlongbikerides;eathealthy,freshfoodandtaketimeoutfromthebusinessoflifewithmyfamily. It’s great to be still, and cutmyselfaway.

BEST-PERSONAL CHARACTERISTIC FOR SUCCESS?

Always do what you say you aregoing to do and be a person whostandsbyyourword.

BEST-BOOK?

I KnowWhy the Caged Bird Singsby Maya Angelou. This is a classicthat every person should read. Iread it for the first timemore than20 years ago and find that it is stillasrelevanttoday.Thebookexploresthecomplexitiesofgenderandracialprejudice but also the importanceandstabilityofdeepfamilyties.

BEST-WAY TO MAKE YOU LAUGH?

Iam laughingall thetimebecauseI find humour in most things. Ifyouareableto laughatyourself it’scontagiousandeveryonearoundyoulaughs.

BEST - ADVICE YOUR MOTHER GAVE YOU?

She said that I can be whatever Iwant tobe anddowhatever Iwantto do. She always challengedme totakeactionandmakeithappen…andstilldoes!

BEST-ADVICE TO YOUR SON?

My best advice is to rememberthat he has a mother, sister, auntsand grandmothers. Women are anintegral part of his life. He shouldalways treat women as he wouldwant the women in is life to betreated.

BEST BUSINESS WARDROBE STAPLE?

A femininedark suitwith LaDiosastatementjewellery!

BEST-WAY TO KEEP GROUNDED?

Tospendqualitytimewithmyfamilyandclosestfriends. It’s importanttorememberandnurturethoseclosesttoyoubecauseifyoueverloseitall,theywill be all youhave to supportandraiseyourspirits.

IndiaMartinGarywaslistedoneofthemostinfluentialblackwomenintheUK. Let’s Talk Best Life Ever

With the Amazing INDIA MARTIN GARY



This edition of Sistatalk gaveme the opportunity tointerview what I can onlydescribe as an amazinggroup of sHeroes from a

wide range of backgrounds and sectors.Thesearenoordinarywomen.Theyaretheinfluencers;thedoers,thetrailblazersandemergingleadersinawiderangeofdisciplines, sectors and industries andthey kindly gave up their time to sharetheirsecretsforsuccess.

These savvy, intelligent women are

breaking the mould and transforming

the way we work and run businesses.

They have defined how they work

and set a powerful course of action to

unapologetically get to the top of their

profession or sector. They were happy

to share their insights, strategies and

thoughts on how women can continue

to grasp opportunities and success to

transformtheworldwelivein.

Wherewomenhavemadegreatstrides

in some areas of politics, business,

economicsand theworkplace, thisdoes

not mean we must rest on our laurels.

There is little doubt that we are living

in challenging and difficult times; but

we cannot allow this to stop us raising

awareness to defy the inequality that

exists inmanyhomes, communitiesand

societyatlarge.

Thesewomenopenlyacknowledgethe

bigchallengesthatneedtobeovercome

but they share with us how they are

breaking new grounds and challenging

theobstacles that stand in theway that

womendothingsintheworkplaceandin

business. Theyareworkingontheback

of the feminists who have demanded

further change throughout history to

battle sexism If you are serious about

understanding what it takes to be a

true power player in your sector then

you cannot afford to miss one single

interview.

There is much heated debate about

whether women help each other; I

was delighted to hear so many of the

women talk about helping the talented

womencomingupthroughthepipeline.

Whether it’s through mentoring or

sponsorship; thesepowerfulwomenare

committedtogivingbackandhelpingthe

next generation of leaders and thought

leaders to excel in their field.Wemust

continue to raise their aspirations and

ambitionsandencouragethemtoandbe

inspiredbyrolemodels,coachingandby

eachother.

Mostofourwomenstressedthatitwas

important to take risks in their career,

becauseformany,itledtoopportunities

that if they had remained cautious and

fearful,wouldhavepreventedthemfrom

beingwhere theywere today. It’s also

about reclaiming your power. Women

don’twanttorehashwhat’swronginthe

workplace or barriers to business over

andoverandoveragain.Theyarelooking

to collaborate to find proactive and

practical solutions for making changes

quicker and faster without singing the

‘victim’anthem.

Resilienceiscrucialatthemoment.It’s

not the amount of times that you are

knockeddown,buthavingtheconfidence

and tenacity to get back up and start

again. This iswhy it is important forus

to extend our sphere of influence and

relationship webs, so we get support

both insideandoutsideofourcompany

orbusiness.

It’s not just aboutwomen steppingup

and developing more flexible working

conditions in the workplace. With the

hustle and bustle of today’s society, it’s

quiteeasytotakeourveryexistencefor

grantedandforgetthataroundtheworld,

where there has been progress, many

women have not achieved better levels

of equality. This is why it is important

toraiseawarenessandtellthestoriesof

womenwhoarehavingaprofoundeffect

andimpactonourlives.

Don’t just read about these women,

talk them up and make sure you let

everyone know about our inspirational,

hardworking leaders. Beproudof them

because they deserve to be honoured.

They are the women we want our

daughters and other young girls to

emulateas they forge theirownpath in

theworld.

ACHIEVING SUCCESS

ON THEIR OWN

TERMSSonia Brown

MBE, talks to 18 Unstoppable

Women who are putting

their careers, organisations

and businesses in the spotlight.


BrendaTrenowden is theHeadofUK&IrelandwithintheBankof New York Mellon’s GlobalClient Management Groupwith global responsibility

for a number of the firm’s Platinumclients. Brenda sits on the EuropeanOperating Committee and also on theSteeringGroupfortheinternalWomen’sBowstringNetwork.

BrendajoinedBNYMellonin2011fromLloydsBankingGroupwhereshewastheManaging Director and Global Head ofBanks within the Financial InstitutionsGroup. Over thepast 22 years,Brendahasestablisheda strong track record inbuilding international businesses andteams, and managing complex clientrelationships across the globe. She haslived and worked in North America,Europe and Asia and has worked forsome of the world’s largest financialinstitutions.

Brenda graduated with an honoursBachelor of Commerce degree fromQueen’sUniversity inCanadaandhasaCharteredFinancialAnalystdesignation.She is a member of the WorshipfulCompany of International Bankers,a Director of Herstmonceux CastleEnterprises and of the UK SupportFoundation for the Asian University forWomen.SheisalsoontheBoardoftheCityWomen’sNetworkandontheGlobalCouncil ofQueen’sUniversity School ofBusiness.

How and why did you choose your career path?

WhenIwas inhighschool, Ididn’tsetouttohavetheinternationalcareerthatIhave,andIdidn’tplantobeinFinancialServicesorBanking. I grewup inNovaScotiaandhadalwaysplanned togo toLawSchoolandsettledownandhaveafamilythere.However,Iwasveryopen-mindedandopportunisticwithbothmyeducationandmycareer.Ihadaseriesof great mentors and mind-openingexperiences that led me to go awayto business school in Ontario, to joinand later become the President of theInternationalAssociationforStudentsinEconomics andCommerce (AIESEC) andas a result I took an AIESEC internshipinHongKongwhen I graduated. Goingaway to university openedmymind tothe possibilities outside Nova Scotia.Going to Hong Kong whet my appetitefortravelandinternationalbusiness,andI think Iwas justmore in tunewith theopportunitiesthatcameupinthefuturewhich led me to a career in EmergingMarketsandpostingsinLondon,Dhaka,SingaporeandParis.

What was the best piece of career advice you received?

ThebestpieceofadvicethatI’vehadisthat in a big organisation, your number1 job is always tomake your boss lookgood; if you don’t understand this orcan’t live with it, your career won’tprogressinthatrole.

What has been your biggest challenge to success in your career?

Mybiggest challenge to success inmycareer has been to take more controlof things and to proactively pushmyself forward. Formany years I tooka job,worked hard and expected to bepromotedandsuitablyrewardedformyefforts. While I have donewell, I haveoftenbeendisappointedwhenmyhardworkhasnotbeenrecognisedinthewaythatIexpectedorthepromotionhasnotalwayscomeasquicklyas Iwouldhaveliked.WhatIunderstandnowisthatnooneisgoingtolookoutforme,promotemeormanagemycareerotherthanme.

Managing teams andworking in largeorganisations over the past few years,I have observed that women are oftenabit slower to realise this thanmen. Ithinkmen are oftenmuchmore awareof organisational dynamics. They findsponsors more easily and they seemto be more comfortable listing theirachievementsandpromotingthemselvestoseniormanagement.Womenhavetolearntodothisaswell.

What was your career tipping point?

Mycareertipping pointwasmaking amajor change from equity broking to asenior management role in corporatebanking.UptothatpointIhadspentmywholecareeronatradingfloorwhichwasaverydifferentenvironmenttoworkingfor a large corporate bank. I learned alot about managing people who wereunlike me and motivated by differentthings.I learnedaboutgovernance,risk,andmanagement best practices. Mostimportantly, I developed organisationalawareness and learned a lot aboutpoliticsinalargeinstitution.Ididn’thaveanyexperienceinbankingorinmanagingsenior bankers, but I did have a lot ofexperiencemanagingclientrelationshipswith sophisticated investors and also inmanagingbrokers. Aseniormemberofthebanktookachanceonmeandgaveme a lot of responsibility and it was asteeplearningcurve.Itworkedoutwelland my career really developed fromthere.

What should women be doing more of to succeed in their career?

Womenshouldbemoreconfidentandlearn to promote themselves, womenshould actively seek out sponsors, andmost importantly women should reachdown and pull up, encourage, inspire,andsupportotherwomen.

What should women be doing less of in their career?

Women should stop trying to be likemen,womenshouldstopbeingsohardonthemselves-theyaretheirownworstcritics, and they should stop feeling soguilty about having careers andmakingsacrificesathome.

What do you see as the powerful emerging trend in professional life at the moment?

In my experience, one of the mostchallengingtrends inprofessional lifeatthemomentisinformationoverload.Thehuge amount of information availablethrough 24/7 news services, socialmedia, emails,websitesand technologyin general means that people arebecoming overwhelmed and constantlyfeelingtheneedtoworklongerhourstostay on topof it all (or in fact to neverturnoff).In2010,EricSchmittsaid‘Every2dayswecreateasmuchinformationaswedid from thedawnof civilisationupuntil2003.’Weneedtolearntoharnessthe technology rather than to let itshackleus.

What number one thing should women speak out about regarding careers?

Women should speak out about thechallenges they have faced in theircareers(bothpersonalandprofessional)and how they have overcome them.They should talk about their successesand how they achieved them, and theyshould be role models to inspire andencourageotherwomen.

How important is peer networking for women in leadership?

Peer networking is absolutely criticalfor women in leadership. For variousreasons, many women do not take thetime to build professional networks.Women value relationships and areusually good connectors, but they maytakealongtimetobuildasmallnumberof deep relationships. Men often buildbroaderandmore shallow relationshipswhichgivethemabroaderpoolofpeopleto call upon when needed. Womenmay also be reluctant to hang aroundafterwork for a drink as the burden ofgettinghome for thenannyor tomakedinnermore often falls on the woman,whereasmenrealisethatit’spartofthejobandnetworksarebuiltthroughtheseinformal gatherings. These networkswill provide information flow, insight,influence, collaboration, and potentiallymentoringandsponsorship.

How important is mentoring for women in leadership?

Mentoringisimportantbutsponsorshipiscritical.Thedifferenceisthatamentorwill give you advice and feedback, buta sponsorwill advocateon yourbehalf.Various studies have been done whichshow that women tend to have morementorsandmenhavemoresponsors.

Happiness, well being or better childcare provision?

Happiness is always a top priority forme. That being said, I couldn’t haveonewithout the other two - if I wasn’tconfident that my children were well

cared for or if there were well-beingissues,Iwouldn’tbehappy.

What is important to for achieving greater impact in your career - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

Award ceremonies are important, butformepersonallyitwouldbemastermindgroups. Once again, the two go handin hand – one lays the groundwork forsuccessandtheothercelebratesit.

One to watch ?

Richard Branson – he’s created afantasticbrand,asaregularcustomerofVirgin Atlantic, the service is second tonone,andhisemployeesreallyseemtoenjoyworkingforhim.

Your ideal circle of 6 for dinner?

Queen Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill,Margaret Thatcher,Warren Buffet, AynRand,W.SomersetMaugham

Must read book?

A must-read book that I recommendto everyone is The Four-Hour WorkWeek by Timothy Ferris. It makes youask yourself what is it that you wantout of work and out of life and why? Must have career tool?

My must-have career tool for me ismy iPad. I get all of my newspapersubscriptions on it, I have all of mybriefing notes for clients meetings andbusinesstripsonit,researchandreports,presentations,etc.Ialsouseitforbothpersonal and business emails, for socialmedia, referencebooks, formygroceryshopping,personallists,etc.

What is the must do social media activity for greater impact in your career?

Ihaveyettoworkoutwhatthemustdosocialmediaactivityisforgreaterimpactinmycareer.IamonLinkedInandhavealotofcontacts,butIdon’treallyuseitotherthantokeepintouchifIdon’thavesomeone’semail.IuseFacebookformyfriendsandfamily,andIamjuststartingto use Twitter. We have implementedan internal version of social media likeFacebookinourcompanywhichhasyetto fully take off, but I think that it willreplace email once people start to useit. In themeantime, I still use text andemail.

Advice to your 8 year old self?

itwouldbesimilartotheadvicethatIgivemychildren-findoutwhatyouarereally passionate about and follow thatpassion, don’t try to be something thatyouarenottopleaseotherpeople,treatothers as youwould like to be treated,don’tbecomplacent-youneedtoworkhardtobesuccessful inall thatyoudo,andremembertosmileandhavefun.


BrendaTrenowden,BNYMellonManagingDirector,hasbeenvotedinasthenewPresidentforCityWomen’sNetwork(CWN),thepremierorganisationforseniorprofessionalwomeninLondon.

Why is the world a better place because of what you do in your career?

Why is the world a better placebecause of what I do in my career?

Aside from the necessity of financialintermediation, I like to think thatI have had an impact on all of thepeople that I havemanaged, coached,mentored, sponsored, etc. Oneofmycolleagues describes me as a HarryRedknapp-type manager in that I

work hard to find the strengths inmy‘players’ and to really encourage andsupport them to bring out the best inthem. I get a real buzz out of findingsomeonewhohas beenoverlookedorhas suffered a crisis of confidence andthen helping them to overcome it and

really succeed. Oneofmyfirstbosseswas a fantastic inspiration to me andhe really encouragedmeand gavemeconfidence.Ihavealwayswantedtobeabletodothatforothers.


Barbara Moorhouse is theChief Operating Officer atWestminsterCityCouncil.Shejoined Westminster in 2009,initially with responsibility

for finance and policy. The role wasexpanded to Chief Operating Officer inJuly 2011. In addition to managing arange of corporate activities, Barbara isthe senior office lead for the VoluntaryandCommunitySectorforWestminster.

After leaving Oxford University, shespent20years intheprivatesector inavarietyofstrategicandcommercialrolesin the IT, Business Services andUtilitiessectors.

In 2005 Barbara moved to the publicsector, joining the Ministry of Justiceas Director General in 2005. She wassubsequently promoted to becomeDirectorGeneral,CorporateResourcesattheDepartmentforTransport.

She is currently a Non ExecutiveDirectoratOfficeforPublicManagementand a Member of Financial ReportingReview Panel. Previously she has beena Council Member for CIMA and NonExecutive Director with Child SupportAgency.


Ididn’thaveafixedcareerplan;itjustcame about by accident. When I leftuniversity I wanted to be in industryandcommerce.Idon’tknowwheretheidea came from:my fatherworked in atelephone exchange, my mother was aself-employed dressmaker and my twoelder sisters had gone into teaching.Maybe I just wanted to do somethingdifferent.

My first job was with TI Groupas a trainee accountant. In thosedays TI Group was a big “blue chip”manufacturingcompanymakingallkindsofindustrialproducts.Ireallydidenjoythe early stages of my career gettingto understand the different activitiesand companies in the group. In thosedays we made steel bars, bicycles, carcomponents and precision engineeringparts-arealmix.

I believe that people like to work forcompanieswheretheycanidentifywiththeproductsandservicesthattheysell.Theyarehappiestwhentheycanseeanendresult-theproductontheshelvesortheir servicemakingadifference to thelifeofsomeone.

Itbecomesarealchallengetoachieveveryhighlevelsofmoraleandmotivationin teams of employees who cannotsee the connection between their jobsand the roleof theorganisation. Largepublic sector organisations can havelots of process “stuff” that feels verydivorced from real outcomes. Also, Ifind it really irritatingwhenpeople talkabout “back office” work as if it isn’timportant.Allstaff-front,back,middle,up/down-needtoseethevalueoftheirrole and its relationship to thework oftheir colleagues and the aims of theorganisation.

When I domy team “CoffeeBreaks” Ispend some time linking our work andtheissuesthatareinthenewsandpublicdebatetohelpputthingsincontext.


The piece of advice that I need toremember most is “it’s not what youknow,it’swhoyouknow”.

Likemostpeoplewhoareachievementoriented,Ihaveatendencytojustfocuson completing the task at hand anddriving to delivery the goals I have setmyself.Thismeansthateventhoughyouareworking hard and doing a good jobin your role, there is a danger that youstay“belowtheradar”asyoudon’tgettime to be involved in wider activitiesorbecomeknownwithinyoursectororprofession. I think it’s more commonforwomen to fall into this trap as theydon’t always see the importance of, orareuncomfortablewith,selfpromotion.Merit is not always recognised orrewarded in busy organisations, whereeveryone has their own priorities andagenda.Womenneedtolearnhowtoflytheirownflagmoreoftenandgetnoticedinthewiderbusinesscommunity.

Thisfocuson“who”not“what”andnotgettingtoosuckedintosortingoutalltheproblem areas is not natural behaviourto me but as I get older and wiser, Iunderstandtheimportanceofgettingthebalancerightbetweendeliveringfortheorganisationandtellingmystory.


I like the challenge of starting a newrole in a new sector. However, mostrecruitment tends to focus on peoplewithrelevantexperience.Ihaveusuallyfound that it is “reading across” frommy experience in one environmentto another that helps me to seeopportunities to do things differentlyand make significant improvements.However, it’s difficult to change sectorand be promoted at the same time. Ifyouwant tobeaCEOorCOO inanew

sector, employers see you as high riskbecause you don’t have a track recordtheyunderstand.

I have found it incredibly rewardingtohaveworked indifferent sectors andorganisationswithverydifferentcultures.Not only does this satisfy intellectualcuriosity, but it creates a different andveryflexibleskillset.Iamoftensurprisedatthepoorlevelsofunderstandingbytheprivate sector of the public sector andthe pressures and constraints it faces.The connection between voting andinfluencing the world isn’t considered.Manypeoplesimplydon’tknoworcarehow government works, although thatdoesn’t stop them criticising everythingthatisdone.

Equally, many in the public sectorare very suspicious and critical of theprivate sector. I often hear “its allabout profit”. Well, in most of myprivate sector companies,whilstwedidmeasurefinancial results,wealsocaredaboutcustomerservice,qualityandourreputation as a supplier. I remembertheexcitementofwinningabigcontractwhen the team had worked hard toput the customerproposal together - itwasn’t“allaboutprofit”itwasalsoaboutthepleasureofbeingpartof awinningteam.


I have a had a few tipping points - inbothdirections!

Mybig career lowwaswhen Imovedtoa job thattickedall thecareerboxes- even though I had bad vibes aboutthe role and theorganisation. I shouldhavelistenedtomyintuition.Whentheparent company reorganisedus,my jobceased toexist. At thattime, I thoughtmycareerhadtippedontoadownwardcurve.However,Ispentseveralmonthsworkingasaninterimmanagerlearnedalot,rebuiltmyconfidence-andthenmy“dreamjob”turnedup.

That upward shift was becoming CFOofa“risingstar”technologycompany.Ispent5years in IT,workingallover theworld,doinglotsofmergers/acquisitions,investor relations, big commercial dealsand a fewfinancial rescues. Itwas theperiod2000-2004,whenthesectorwasa roller coaster ride from stock markethighs to the shock of shrinking salespipelines.

Thelasttippingpointwaswhenwesoldthetechnologycompanytoacompetitor.Once the deal was complete, I decidedI wanted to do something completelydifferent-andIjoinedthepublicsector.

I joined the Ministry Of Justice asdirector general and then moved intoDepartment for Transport spending

BarbaraMoorhouse,CEOWestminsterCouncil.


4-5 years in central government. Afascinating insight on how governmentworks-thereweregoodandbadbits.

Imovedtolocalgovernmentin2010asChief Operating Officer atWestminster.Centralgovernmenthasallthebigissueson its plate, but as a senior official itcanbehardtofeel thatyouhavemuchpersonal impact. Local government isstillworkingonthemixofeconomicandsocialpolicy,butitisclosertooperationaldelivery. Being atWestminster is greatas we are engaged in the big policyquestionsandwedeliverourservicesinoneofthemostinterestinganddynamicpartsofthecountry.


Irecognisethatthereisstillalongwayto go for women to succeed in greaternumbers in the modern workplacebut we certainly won’t succeed bycomplainingaboutnotgettingafairdeal.Some meetings that I attend seem todescendintoasenseofvictimhood.Weneedtofocusondefiningandpushingforaction on solutions rather than gettingemotionalaboutalltheinjusticeswearefacing.It’snotpersonalitsbusiness.

When I started work, I would haverejectedtheideaofquotas.NowIbelieveinthemgiventhelackofprogress.Iseelots of able, impressive, senior womenwhohavecommonsense,goodpersonalskillsand lots tooffer. Yet, Iamalwaysreading that the problem with quotasis that “there isn’t the supply”. I thinkthere isan interestingproblemhere: ifyou only want to appoint women whoareCEOs,haveboardexperiencealreadyorhaveworkedforaUSbank,ofcoursethere will be “a supply problem”. Thepoint is that, for women and men,wider skills and experience need to beconsidered.

TheDaviesapproachofwavingthestickofquotastoencouragebetterresponsesisworthtrying,butitneedsastricttimelimit. If it isn’t working, I would takethatasevidenceofa lackofwillingnesstochange-unlesssomeonecangivemesome better justification of the “supplyproblem”.

Quotas matter because increasingwomen’s representation will onlyprogresswhenthereisasufficientcriticalmassofwomenwhohavesucceededtochange the terms of debate, shift theculture and model new approaches.For lots of reasons,wewill neverbe at50/50: I think the research shows thatwomen do make different life choicesand face different trade-offs. However,a sensible quota level that requires asteadyincreasewillmakeadifference.


Sometimes, looking for too much.Business organisations have lots ofpriorities. Whilst I am in favour of apracticalagendathatsupportswomen’sprogresstherewillbelimits.Businessescan’tbe fully family friendly - therearelots of other issues that conflict. Weneedtogetthebestfitwecan.

Nothing can get people - women andmen-outofthetrapthatthereareonly24hours intheday. Weallhavetrade-offsbetweenwork,family,relationships,hobbies, commuting, sleep. These areourchoices-governmentandemployerscanonlydosomuch.

What do you see as the most powerful emerging trend in professional life at the moment?

We are going through a hugetransformation in public services.People understand that governmentfinancesaregoingtobeunderpressureforsometime.Withanagingpopulation,changing social trends and greaterconnections in international politics;many of the accepted approaches andinstitutions will have to change andthiswillhaveanimpactontheordinarycitizen.

This means we need to think in amore creativeway about howwe keeppeopleoutofpoverty;provideadequatehealthcareservicesandensuretheyhavea dignified quality at end of life. Youcan tell I read politics, philosophy andeconomics at Oxford - and I still find itfascinating.


TheLordDaviesReportwasanexcellentstart at looking at increasing femalerepresentation on boards. However,westillneedquotasbecausepromotionbased on merit is not getting us theresultswewanttoseefastenough.

The old boys’ network continues toflourish and keep women out of keyroles,consciouslyorunconsciously.Weneed to findmore robust and practicalstrategies underpinned with evidencebased research that focuses on thebusiness case. This is the onlywaywewill break down the barriers that stopus reaching our full potential in theworkplace.


Peernetworking is vital for leadershipbecause it helps women to build their

understandingoftheworld.Itenhancesyourknowledgeonhowpeoplethinkandbehave.


Mentoringhelpsallofustolearnfasterandbetter.Itmaybemorevaluableforwomenwhohaveahigherclifftoclimbintheircareer.Whyspendyearsmakingmistakes in the careerwildernesswhenyou can benefit from the knowledge,insightsandexperienceofsomeonewhohas made it. A good mentor will helpyou to develop the necessary skills andcapabilities required for successquickerand easier than if you had to do thisalone.


Male or female, finding happiness isdowntous!

What is important for achieving greater impact in your career - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

As I say above, the “right” answer isaward ceremony,but I going tobe trueto my soul - a mastermind group. Agreat discussion on an interesting andimportantissuewithfinemindsisajoy.

One to watch

Not a popular choice in the currentclimate,butIhavealwaysthoughtEmmaHarrison(nowexchairmanofwelfare-to-workcompanyA4eandexBacktoWorkTsar) very interesting. Harrison hadan interest in tackling unemploymentthroughnewmethodsandcommitmentto change. She took a massive socialissue, helped a number of people toimprovetheir lifeandturnedthis intoaprofitablebusiness. As aprivate/publicsector cross-over, I think this is goodmodel. There are still lessons to belearned-fromwhatwasgoodaswellaswhatwentwrong.

Your ideal circle of 6 at dinner?

My circle of 6 would be the “worldexperts” on things that shape ourworld. The politics of theMiddle East,the development of Islam, the rise ofChina, managing the worlds forests,how to drive effective internationaldevelopment, reforming themedia. Itmightneedalotmorethanonedinner!

Must read book

Recent and relevant is “Freefall: FreeMarkets and the Sinking of the GlobalEconomy”byJosephStiglitz.

Must have career tool and why?

A great sense of humour becauseit keeps you sane and smoothes thewheels!


Do as I say not as I do on this one,because professional demands mean Ihaven’t committed the time or actionto utilise the different social mediaplatforms that helps you to connectandbuildrelationshipswithpeopleonaglobalbasis.Peopletellmeit’simportanttobeonallthemajorsitesandkeepyourprofileupdatedandrelevant. Iamsuretheyareright,butIhaven’tdoneityet.


Becomeavet.


I feel very strongly that all peopleworking in thepublic sector should feelthattheworldisabetterplacebecauseof the work that we do. We are alsothankful to the private sector that isgenerating the wealth that pays for usto carry out this important role. Whatfrustrates me is the constant ‘slagging’match between the private and publicsector.Itisjustignorantandshowshowlittle people understand how amoderneconomy works. We need thrivingand efficient public and private sectororganisations - they go together ratherthanconflict.

Why is celebrating International Womens Day Important?

To highlight the accomplishments,journey and achievements of women(knownorunknown).

Also, whilst those of us in westernsocieties are right to drive our agendaforbusinesssuccess,itisalwayssoberingto remember the realitiesofhowmanywomenliveandtheproblemstheyface.I travel a lot on holiday to experiencedifferent countries. My recent visit toCambodia-alovelycountry-highlightedthe many challenges that young girlsface in gaining some control over theirdestiny.IhopethegirlmyhusbandandI sponsor through “Plan UK” will havebetter life choices because of theworktheydo.


Joyce Fletcher is NationalWomens Ministry Directorwithin the Church of Godof Prophecy since October2010. She leads this area of

ministrywithapassionforaddressingtherealissuesfacedbywomeninourcommunities. She hasworked in theNational Health Service for nearly 30years within the Nursing profession.She has worked in various roles andnow works as a Deputy Director ofNursing within the NHS. She has abackground in Mental Health nursingandhascontributedataNationalLevelwithintheUK.Sheengagesinworkingin the voluntary sector as vice chairof a local community organisation inthe area of BME mental health andoutreachservices. Shehasadditionalinterests and responsibilities withinprofessional regulation and policydevelopment. She is married with 4childrenandcontributestoschool lifeworkingasaSchoolGovernor.


To be completely honest, I enteredinto the Nursing profession havingcompleted my training as a DentalNursebytheageof18.BythistimeIfeltthatIneededmoreofachallenge.Nursing just seemed to be the nextstep for me. I felt that there wouldbe many opportunities to develop acareer within Nursing as there wereso many branches of Nursing bothwithinandoutsideofHospital.ImadethedecisionofacceptingaplaceasastudentnurseafterprayingandaskingGod to help me in making the rightdecisioninmynextsteps

What was the best piece of career advice?

ThebestpieceofCareersadvisewastobeopportunisticandnotbeafraidtotakerisksandrisetothechallengesthatwillpresentthemselvesinlife.


I hadalways grownupwith the selfconfidenceandknowledgethatIcouldachieve anything I putmymind to asa child; during my adolescence andtheearlypartofmycareer.However,events occurred that shook thisconfidence and I had to re-establishthisbeliefinmyself. NowIknowthatdespite setbacks, I have the ability toriseandachievemyambitionsinlife.


Ihavehadto faceanumberofverytough challenges through a range ofexperiencesandexposuresbothinmyNHSroleandotherrolesIhaveoutsideofthiswork.Thishashelpedtodevelopboth new competencies, strength ofcharacter, emotional resilience andintelligencewhilst developing awiderrangeofskills.Youthenbegintofeelthat if you can swim in thedeependyoucancopeinarangeofsettings.


Ifyouareawomanoffaith-trustGodandputhimfirst ineverything (Ifnottryit)!

Defineyourownsuccesscriteriaandremembertokeepdevelopingyourself.Don’t be afraid of trying new thingsand going into unknown territories.

Believe in yourself and surroundyourselfwith likemindedwomen (andmen)seekingoutamentoratpointsinyourcareerthatyoufeelyoumayneedthatsupport.


Women must stop comparingthemselves to others and beingapologeticaboutbeingsuccessful.Weneedtotrynotbetooinwardfocussed.It limits your thinking, creativityand ability to innovate. Don’t be sointensive that you neglect yourself,family andpersonal (outsideofwork)aspirations are not achieved. Butmore importantly don’t doubt yourabilitytoachieve……andbesuccessful


TheuseofIT;socialmedia;thedigitalage; use of networks - are powerfultrendsinprofessionallifethatweneedtomaximiseratherthanbeingafraidof.Whenusedtoitspotentialcansupportand take forward any individualsbusiness,innovate,generatecreativityand develop new cutting edge ideas.Developing partnerships around theglobebecomespossiblethroughthesemediums.


NoBoundaries,Nolimits.’‘Nothingisoutofbounds.’


Peer networking is the absolutenumber one priority. You reallyneed the support of other womenin leadership roles. This providesthe ability to share ideas, providecritical challenge, run ideas past;benchmarking etc. Why reinventwheels ( exception being areascommerciallysensitive)


In my first leadership role I hada mentor. I could not have madethe jump into leadership withoutmentoring. This is a crucial aspectofdevelopmentforwomeninleadership.It is also helpful to engage womenfrom other areas and specialities tobring about different perspectives.However, I dounderstand for some itisoftendifficult tofindasuitableandtrustworthymentor.Anareawereallyneedtodosomeworkin.

One to watch?

NelsonMandela- notawomanbut- I lovetheresiliencehedisplayed;hefoughtforwhathebelieveinandneverlookedback.


• Friend confidant – you can givethemtheeye–theyknowhowtoreadnonverbalsigns

• Someonewhocantalkthetalk–Iamnotalwaysagreattalkerandittakesthepressureoff

• Someonewhoisalaugh-thiscanbemyselfattimesbutnotalways.

• Good balance, males /females (dependingonthetypeofevent)

• Someonewhotellsitasitis–nomincingofwords(sortsthewaiterout andwill tell you the truth ifyoureallylookgoodornot)

Must read book?

‘Our Iceberg Is Melting ‘ By JohnKotter


A range of tools are necessary.Mine is the Bible – always seekGodsguidanceinyourchoiceofcareer.


Beclearwhy;whatthepurposeisandthe desired outcomes for the use ofsocialmedia.Makeyourchoicebasedonthis.


Explore; try new things; enjoy newexperiences–widenyourhorizonandPLAYMORE!


Dedication, passion; determinationanddrivearenoteasytofind. This ishow I feelaboutmycareer. Ensuringpatients havegoodqualityservicesisattheheartofwhatIdo.

Working with women, developingwomen in leadership; mobilisingwomen and seeking to address therealchallengesfacedbywomenisalsoa key; underpinning the developmentmotto I have running through myministry.Weare‘WomenofFaithandImpact!’

WomanofFaithandImpact:

MinisterJoyceFletcher


Carole joined the BBC in1963asacopytypistintheSouthampton newsroomandmovedontobecomean assistant producer

at the new local radio station inBrighton.Afterawhile,shesays“IgotthewonderfuljobofproducingRadio4’sflagshipdiscussionprogrammeAny Questions?”

CarolelefttheBBCin1990,notquiteknowingwhattodonext,andmovedto a small flat in London’s CoventGarden. There she began holdinginformal salad lunches, invitingmany of the people she hadmet onprogrammes at the BBC. Soon shefound she was being asked to puttogether lunches on some particulartheme for different corporations andorganisations and she soon becameknown as a networker of influenceandwroteabookaboutit.

Five years ago themarket researchcompany YouGov plc approachedCarole to form a joint ventureYouGovStone Ltd,andestablishathinktankpanelofopinionleaders.

These events get people to tellus what they think on all sorts ofissues and thenuse that research asa basis for debates and discussions.Three years ago Carole foundedTheStoneClub, bringing memberstogethertohearexpertsonissuesofall kinds. In2010 she soldher stakeinYouGovStonebutremainedaspart-timechairman.


Ididn�t. Iwas luckytoseethe jobadvertisedas a copy typist atBBC inSouthampton. I was very shy, buteventually became so interested inthe job I overcame that shyness. Istarted to keep a lookout for otherinteresting things at the BBC andwhenlocalradiowassetupIappliedtobeajuniorproducer.


Tacklewhateverisinyourinboxthatday;itisaseasytodoitnowaslater.


To set up a limited company at65 years old and learn how to be aManaging Director in the corporateworld.


Moving from a secretary to anassistantproducerwhereIcouldmakeproductiondecisions.

What should women be doing

more of to succeed in their career?

Saying ‘yes’ rather than ‘no’ tochallenges – they will find they cancope; stretching their potential bygetting involved in things outsidetheir immediate work interests andattending debates and discussiongroupstolearnmoreofwhatisgoingonintheworld.


Saying �no� to challenges/notfocusing so hard on some particularjob that you cut out other options/feeling jealous of others: only everfeelcurious.


Building a portfolio career ratherthan working in a full-time staff joband starting-up as an entrepreneurwithanewidea.


Unfairnessinopportunitiesandpay.


It’s an essential to your career,not an add-on. Learn from otherswhenever you can and ask those ontheladderofsuccessforadvice�mennotjustwomen.


Thisis importantbutyoushouldbein charge of your own progressionthroughlife.Don’trelyonhavingyourhandheldallthetime.

Happiness; well being or better childcare provision?

Happiness cannot be directlysought; it�s a by-product of doingsomethingwhere you can takepridein what you are doing. Wellbeingcomes from helping others achievesuccess. Better childcare provisionmustbeagoodthing,buthowisittobepaidfor?

What is important to for achieving greater impact in your career - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

Award ceremonies can be a boostifyouwinandanachievementifyouareshortlistedandexperiencegainedif you don’t achieve either. It wasn’t

anOscarIcouldtakehome,butIwasrecentlydelightedtobenamedbytheInstitute of Directors ‘Britain’s bestconnectedbusinessWoman’.

One to watch?

Yourself,makesureyouarekeepingtothebeliefsandprinciplesyouknowareatyourcore.

Your ideal circle of 6?

MichaelPalin,everyone�s favourite�tolearnfromhistravelexperiences;Terry Smith, Founder Fundsmith� to learn the secret of businesssuccess;Baroness(Helena)Kennedy,apoliticianwho cangive insight intothe law and how it affects women;Kate Robertson, Co-Founder of OneYoung World, an organisation thatgives a platform to young people tohave their say on important issues� they could be the world�s futureleaders; the comedienne SandiToksvig, to keep us from takingourselves too seriously and myhusband the television journalistRichard Lindleywho never ceases toinspireme.

Must read book?

DaleCarnegie’s‘HowToWinFriendsAndInfluencePeople’.

Must have career tool?

Pen and paper and a pocket toput them in - tomake notes so thatyou can later remember what youpromisedtodoanddoit!


Meeting people and exchangingideas–aswellasgossip!


Thiswasmydarlingmama�sadvicetome.Sheneverhadthemoneytogoto university but shewas thewisestwomen I have ever known. Forgetabout yourself, she would say, andalways look around the corner forsomethingnewand interesting.Takelife by the scruff of the neck, andknow you will cope whatever thesituation. Seize the moment whenopportunitiescomeyourway�tofailis always better than never to havetried.


It’s a bit bold to claim that theworld is a better place because ofsomething you have done, but thatshould be your aim. I believe verystrongly indeed in networking and Iwork hard at encouraging people tocometogethertogiveeachotherthebenefitoftheirexperienceoflife:ifinmycareer IhavehelpedpeoplewhoareperhapsasshyasIusedtobetodothatthenIwouldfeelpleased.

CaroleStone:PuttingNetworkingattheheartofbusiness

“The most common way people give up their power is by

thinking they don’t have any. ~

Alice Walker ~”


Marcela is a highlymotivated anddynamic seniorbusiness banker,with a proven

track record of delivering resultsin a multitude of internationalenvironments.

She is currently the ExecutiveBusiness Manager to the ChiefExecutive Officer at Royal Bank ofScotland (RBS), where she has beenresponsibleforidentifyinganddrivingnew ventures and transformationprojects for the Corporate BankingDivision, across 39 countries. Overthe last 2 years she has developednew business with significant valuetothebank,theircustomersandthecommunities they serve, leveragingher global perspective and in-depthknowledge and experience in flowbusiness at a local and internationallevel. She plays an active role aspart of the CEO ExCo team, in themanagement and shaping of theDivision,toensure itsbusinessplansaredelivered.

MarcelajoinedRBSfromABNAMROBank,afterprogressingfromlocal,toregionalandtoglobalresponsibilities,moving from Colombia to Brazil,Miami and the UK where she iscurrentlybased.

MarcelahasanMBAandcompletedtheExecutiveAdvancedManagementProgramme at the University ofNavarra,Barcelona.

MarcelaistheChairforWeConnectEuropeandactsasanadvisorfortheRBSFoundationinIndia.

How And Why Did You Choose Your Career Path?

The path has been one where Ihavehadsteppedoutofmycomfortzone to reach the position I am intoday. Realising that you are goodat some things is not enough if youwanttomakeasignificantimpactandgain more knowledge. Happiness,contribution and the ability tomakesurethatIcanmaximiseprogressarekey.

I startedoutasacorporatebankerin a small, regional bank in LatinAmerica and had a wide range ofresponsibilitieswhichIreallyenjoyed.I had an opportunity to meet theCEO of ABN AMRO and I decidedthat I wanted to work for a largerorganisation,where I could leveragemy strengths and competenciesto contribute to a wider agenda.Persistencewaskey.ABNAMROhasanFTEfreezeatthattime.Thetrade

offwasmovingfromacorporateroletoaproductroleinglobaltransactionbanking. Not an easy transition, butIknewIhadtheabilityandtherightattitude to be part of a successfulteam; I justhadtotransferkeyskillsandadapt.

I believe if you are doing yourrole well, then opportunities willcomeyourway. Butyouhave tobepresent toknowwhat isgoingon inyoursector. Ifyoudon’tknowwhatis going on, you are not part of therelevantconversations,whichmeansyou won’t be able to ask the rightquestions. This is why networkingis so important. You must be ableto identify the opportunity; ask the(right) questions and then makesure you move from awareness toexecution.


“Step out of the boxing ring.” Myprevious boss was a brilliant andsuccessful lady focussed on the bigpicture. She thought I was verystrategic;hadtheability toprioritisewellandseeopportunities.However,when thingswere not going to plan(whenyouarelosing), itwassifficulttomaketherightdecisionsbecauseofamixofamixofemotions,competingfor attention, Stepping “out of theboxingring”wouldbringbackclarityandbigpicture thinking to the issueathand.Youwon’t losetractionandyoucanmobilisemoreeffectively.


I see myself as resourcefulindividual;afighterandanoptimisticentrepreneur. Ihaveachievedmanysuccessfulmilestones inmy career. IhaveexploredandlearnedandIhaveputthebarquitehigh. Yet, inbeingaccommodative in my progressionI may have been complacent in themagnitude of the progress. Justbecausea role soundedgood, doesnot mean I should not have askedformore…., I should have asked formore!

I am a natural high achiever andtake great pleasure in exceedingexpectations by over delivering. Wehave to continuously challenge andmove from good to extraordinary,making sure we do not leave valueon the table, including value forourselvesandourprogress.AlthoughI have defined and learnt and overdelivered in contribution, I need toredefinewhat progress I could have

leftonthetable.


Ihavebeenfortunatetobeexposedto many positive and differentexperiences, especially because Ihavetravelledaroundtheworld. Somy tipping point is now. I want tomaximise my progress during thisnew phase in my career. It is aboutbeinghappy,contributeandmaximiseprogress,now.


InColombiathefocusisnotonthegender agenda but on education. Ifyoucontributeyouwillberewarded.Womenhavetobelieveinthemselves.Wehaveallachievedasetofskillsandabilities that make us who we are.Wehavetostopcomparingourselvesto other people and believing weare not good enough, we just havedifferenttransferableskills.

Wemustnotputalimitinthewayofourprogress.Weshouldbelievethatwecan‘doit’and‘whatdoIneedtomakeithappen?’e.g.isitknowledge,attitude, preparation, education orpractice-butthestartingpoint is tobelieve you can do it, then find outwhat you need to do to accomplishyour goals. Women must believe,adapt, engageand contribute to thestrategic agenda of the organisationtheyworkfor.

What should women be doing less of to succeed in their career?

Britain has great traditions but wehavetoaskthequestion,isitlimitingthe pace of progress for women.Whenyoulookatthepipelineofnewtalent coming through companies,wemust stop over generalising thatwomen lack confidence. It’s aboutcreating the access for women toprogress. I believe it is the role oforganisations, management andleaderstocreateaccesssotalentandcontribution is recognised and hasspacetoflourishintheorganisation.

Saying that, women need to beaskingandaspiringformorebecausethebest female contributors in yourorganisation ask for more; believethey deserve more; they know howto adapt, engage and contribute indifferentenvironments.

Stop listening to negative people.Womencanhave it all andwemustaimforallbecauseitisnotunrealistic.

As a mother, I would never tell mychild that it’s unrealistic for him toachieve his dreams so let’s removethat disempowering belief. Womenshould aim for all and clearly definewhatallandsuccessmeanstothem.The starting point is yes, I can haveandthenhowto.

Thestrongestpressurecomesfromwithin ourselves and although welistentopeople,wemustfilterwhatwillhelpustogetmore.Weneedtostopclippingourwings.Weneedtoremovethecultureofvictimismandfind tools that empower and createpracticalstrategiesforchange.

Attitude is critical to acceleratechange. If you feelavictimhowcanyoudeservethebest?Ifyoubelieveit’s difficult, it will be difficult / Theseedforsuccessistherightattitude,believingyoudeserveandyoucan

What should women speak out about regarding their careers?

Their contribution, the skills theycan transfer and the value they cancreate.

What do you see as the most powerful emerging trend in banking at the moment?

I believe that banks will becompeting against mobile andinternet giants in the future. Goingbacktobasicsiscrucialandredefiningtheywayweinteractwithcustomersandthecommunitieswesupport, iskey.

We will have to keep askingourselves what isthevalueweadd;howrelevantwearetoourcustomerneedsandhowwewillcontributetomaketheirbusinesssustainable.

Toimproveboththebottomlineandcorporatesocialresponsibilitywewillneedanewmindsetanddifferentsetofskillsforsuccessfulleadershipandmanagement. Before the downturnwe had a flat environment and webecame Masters of the Known.Today we are operating in a morevolatile and dynamic environmentwhich requires a different skill setand competencies.. We need to beresourceful, flexible and adaptable;continuously learning and curious;respectful and able to bounce backandstopseeingmistakesasfailure.

Our success will not be measuredby our line managers alone, but byour customers our people and thecommunitieswesupport.Outcomeswillbebasedonthevaluewecreate.


What is the biggest misconception about women in banking?

That maternity leave explains thepoor progression rates and lownumberofseniorwomeninleadershiproles.Itgoesbacktoaccess.Fromaleadership perspective, managementmustnotassumethatallwomenwillhave no more ambition once theyhaveachild.


Peernetworkingiscrucial.Itisaboutconversations and opportunities.Networking is about having therelationships and support systemsthat help you to engage, adapt andprogress. Mentoring should bestrategic, defined and tangible. It’saboutcareerpathprogression,onthejobtrainingandcoaching.

Womentendtotradeoffnetworkingwithhomepresence. Mengototheright places, find the right peopleand network instinctively. We needto translate thisbehaviourandmakeit work for us. If women have to bepresentandbepartofconversationsthatwillhelpthemtobesuccessful.

Happiness, wellbeing or better childcare?

Happiness is about equity andaccess.Ifyouarehappy,youwillfindaway tomake thingshappen. I seechildcareasalogisticissue.

What is important for achieving greater impact in your career – award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

The mastermind and awardsapproachmightbelimited.Itisaboutmaking sure we identify the rightchannels to ensure contribution isrecognised.Ifyouknowwhatyouaredoingwhoelseshouldknowaboutit?

Thequestioniswhatdoweneedtodototogettheresultwearelookingfor? What type of channels do weneedtoleverage?

One to watch?

Iadmirepeoplewhocanbreak themould to add value. Peoplewhoarenot afraid to say they don’t knowbut they can make it happen. It’sthe behaviours that I admire; thebehaviours that challenge processes,traditions and norms that impedeprogress. I respectpeoplewhohavethe courage, attitude and abilities to

innovateandcreatevalue.

Must have career tool?

Education. It gives you theopportunity to choose what youwant todo in your career andhelpsto challengeyourbeliefs and tofindnew ways to contribute. Educationiscrucialbecause it’s the foundationofunderstandingpeople,behavioursandhowwecontributetotheworld.Education will help you to ask therightquestions.

Must do social media activity?

Be relevant, be present. You canbe vocal but if you cannot makea relevant contribution then yourparticipationisirrelevant.

Advice to your 8 year yourself?

Two things - What would youattempttodo ifyouknewyoucouldnot fail and doing the same thingin the same way and expecting a

differentoutcomeismadness.

Why is International Women’s Day Important?

We all need to remember thatwith all our successes, there is alarge segment of women aroundthe world who do not have accessto the economic, social and politicalopportunities that we experience.We have to remember we stillhave a responsibility to continue tocontributetoequalityforall.

MarcelaNavarroisastrongadvocateforequalityforall.


Award winning businesspioneer Dounne movedtoBritainfromtheIslandofTrinidad

Her career startedas a Bacteriological and ChemicalLaboratory Technician. In 1986, shetook up martial-arts and within 6months left her violently abusivehusband and home; moved into aCouncil flat with her children andstarted a new life as a single-parent.With no formof business experience,training, qualifications or finance,she then started GRAMMA’S® HerbalFoods from her tiny kitchen. Within3 months, Dounne single-handedlynegotiated her now famous HerbalPepper Sauces into prestigiousdepartmentstores-Harrods,FortnumandMason,Selfridges,HarveyNicholsandothers.Twoyearslater,theywereproudlyontheshelvesoftheUK’stop7 supermarket chains. A feat neverbeforeachievedbyanysmallbusiness-owner; which instantly opened themainstream doors for other womenandminoritybusinesses.

Dounne went on to be honouredas a true pioneer: voted one of the100 greatest and most influentialblack people in British history forthe 2000 millennium archives: Shewas made a Member of the BritishEmpire for outstanding service to theBritish Food Industry and her nameis recorded in the American ChiliInstitute (Hall of Fame) for creatinginternational awareness of the healthbenefits of ‘Hot Peppers and SpicyFoods’: She has received 10 nationalawards including the 2011 Award forHuman Rights: plus 2011 Award foroutstanding contribution to NaturalandComplementaryMedicine.

Why did you set up your business?

Iinitiallysetupmybusinesstofirstly,secure the future of my children and

myselffutureandsecondly,toeducatethe nation on the health benefits of‘natural foods and traditional self-healingpractices’;basedontheancientholisticprinciplethat“natural foods are meant to feed and heal!”Myproductsare used as key tools to emphasisethe importance of healing the mind,bodyandspiritthroughtheprovisionsof nature and home-cooking; and theessentialroletheseplayinmaintainingoverall(wholebody)health.

What was the best piece of business advice you received?

ThebestpieceofbusinessadviceI’veever receivedwas fromthe lateAnitaRuddock, who had sold the majoritysharesinherbusiness‘TheBodyShop’to raise money for expansion. Theshareholderseventuallytookcompletecontrol andbought her out. Itwas adecisionshelivedtoregretandadvisedmetoneverrepeatthesamemistake.

What has been your biggest challenge to success in your business?

My biggest challenge to success isworkinginamaledominatedbusiness-worldwhere‘women’(especially‘blackwomen’) are never taken seriouslyand their presence and achievementscontinue to remain invisible. Thiscreates additional problems whendealingwithFinancialInstitutionssuchasBanksandInvestors.

What was your business tipping point?

Thebusinesstippingpointwasgettingmy products into all the Departmentstores throughout the UK; plus thetop 7 Supermarket chains (Tesco,Sainsbury, Waitrose, Asda, Safewaynow called Morrison, Wm. Low inScotland,Co-Op);obtainingthelargestnational distribution with listings inover700stores.Inthosedays,a‘black’business (if extremely lucky) would

onlybelistedin1to2storesandalsorestrictedto‘black’areasexclusively.

What should women be doing more of to succeed in their business?

Tosucceedinbusiness,womenneedto be more confident (i.e. believe inthemselves and know that they havetheability toachievetheirdreams).Aknowledgeoffinance(money impactseverypartof abusiness. Therefore, itisvitaltoknowhowto‘keepthebooks’and ‘control the flow of cash’) andunderstand your. Target audience (it’simportanttoknowwhoyouplantoselltoi.e.customers).

In business, women should be lessfearful as this hinders progress andultimatesuccess.

What do you see as the most powerful emerging trend in business at the moment?

In today’s climate of growingrecessionandfinancialcrisis, Ibelievethe biggest and most powerfulemergingtrendinbusinesswillbeTHESURVIVORS.Putsimply,itisnolongeraboutthetypeofbusinessbutthe‘willtosucceed’andabilitytoremainstrongthatmatters.Anybusinessthatadoptsthissimpleprinciplewillstandthetestoftime.

What number one thing should women speak out about in business?

Women should speakout about thecultureof‘financialinequalities’withinthefinancialestablishment.


Peer networking for women inleadership is important as it providescross-oversupportforeachotheratalllevels.


Mentoring is equality important aspeernetworking.Itwillhelptoteach,advise, encourage and share yourexperiences as a means of helpingothers overcome obstacles andsucceed. I believe in the old adage“The more you give – the more you’ll receive”. So mentoring is mutuallybeneficial.


‘WellBeing’encompasseseverything(‘the feel good factor’ brings joy,greaterhappinesswhichcould leadtoamorefulfillinglife).

What is important to for

achieving greater impact in your business - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

To achieve greater impact in mybusiness, it’s extremely important forme (as its creator) to stay groundedandfocussedonthebiggerpictureandultimate‘longterm’vision.

One to watch?

The only one who inspires meis GOD; as he/she is the absolutedemonstration ormirror image ofmylimitlesscreativepotential.


MysixidealdinnerguestswillbemyGrandmother(wisdomonlife);MotherTeresa (humility), Mahatma Gandhi(spiritual balance), Sojourner Truth(courage), Mohammed Ali (fearlesshumour) and Dr. Martin Luther-King(peacefulvisionary).

Must read book?

‘A Mission of LOVE’ (my secondpublication), which reminds us thatour ‘life’s story’ is intrinsically linkedwithour‘life’spurpose’.Thisbookhasbeen adopted by Coventry Universityas course study text in leadership,entrepreneurship, personal andspiritual development, natural healthand social responsibility. It providesa mind blowing in-depth insight intohowyoucantakestepstoreclaimyourauthentic Divine-self and become thetruemasterofyourowndestiny.

Must have business tool?

My must have business tool is‘the internet’ because it’s the mostcost effective tool to independentlypromote,marketandsellmyproductstoaninfiniteaudience.

What is the must do social media activity for greater impact in your business?

AsIrunbothaHerbalFoodbusinessand Health campaign, my must have‘social media’ is ‘Facebook’ to keepsupporters up dated and also to helpspreadtheword.


Love and be true to yourself; stayhumbly confident in the knowledgethat you are blessed with untold‘natural talents’. The world is youroyster,sogoout,livelifetothefullestandexplore, but always remember toshareyourgiftswithothers.

Always keep ‘both feet’ on theground; ‘both hands’ in the air and‘both eyes’ on the sky. Believe in theuniversalCreator;understandthatyouare LOVE and an integral part of thisgreatuniverse.

DounneAlexander:JoiningHandsinHealthacrosstheworld.


VotedasoneofBritain’sTop100WomenEntrepreneursby realbusinessmagazinein 2008, Claudine ReidMBE is considered to be

one of the most inspirational womenof the time. In addition to her role asDirector of PJ’s Community Service; arenownedsocialenterprisespecialisingin services to enhance and transformcommunities; Claudine also supportsorganisationsandindividualstodeveloptheir social enterprise and developsocialimpactstrategies.

As a result of the recognition for herachievements in social enterprise,Claudine has been a former CabinetOffice Social Enterprise Ambassador;appointed to the National SocialEnterpriseExpertPanelforGovernmentOffice of Civil Society; Trustee for theNurture Foundation, an internationalCharity working to support andempower parents in DevelopingcountriesandsatontheEthnicMinorityAdvisoryBoard for theDepartment forWorks&Pensions-

In recognition for her commitmentto Social Enterprise Claudine receivedan investitureon theQueen’sBirthdayHonoursListis2008.OtherawardshaveincludetheCroydonBusinessChampionAward2008forcommitmenttoBusinessin Croydon, Ethnic Minority Businessaward, PROWESS award nominee forFemaleSocialEntreprenueroftheyear2008.


We wanted to add social andeconomicvaluetothecommunityusinganentrepreneurialmethodology


Work hard, but don’t neglect yourfamily


Worklifebalance


Networkingiscriticalifpeoplewanttosucceedintheirbusiness.Itsimportantthatwearemeetingothersthatmaybedoingthesameordifferentoroperatingin a different sphere of influence. Thiswill help develop learning. We needto do more partnership working, inordertobuildcapacityandbuildrobustorganisations. Finally we need totake time out fromworking “in” thebusinessandwork“on”thebusiness

What should women be doing less of in their business?

Women need to stop working andtrying to do everything alone. Its nothelpfulorhealthytotrytoconsistentlytrytofindsolutionsforyourbusinessbyyourself.


Socialmedia


Balanceandpersonalmanagement


Very important we must learn fromeachotherandthosewhohavegoneonbeforeus,learnfromtheirexperiences


Happiness for me is about havingbetter childcare provision and wellbeing–thatmakesmehappy

What is important to for achieving greater impact in your

business - award ceremonies or mastermind groups

Mastermind groups because I lovelearning

One to watch?

SoniaPoleon.Througheverychallengeoflifeshehaspushedpastthehurtandmadesomethinghappen


Patrick Reid - My Husband, myinspiration,supporterandmotivatorandbestfriend;TylerPerry–Ilovehisdrive,determinationandtenacity, I can learnfrom him; Rev Celia Apeagyi –Collins–Mymentor, full of spiritualwisdomhelps me remain balanced; BaronessHowells – her knowledge, wisdom ,eleganceandpoise isadmirable;SeritaJakes – she is an elegantwoman thathas stood by her husband and familyand not lost her identity, she is abrilliant business woman in her ownright;BishopNoelJones–thewayhowhe applies knowledge and wisdom iscontagious&humourisinfectious.

Must read book?

LivingAboveTheLevelOfMediocrityby Charles Swindoll. This book totally

changed my life and made me thinkabout life in a different way and thelegacythatIwanttoleave.


Makesureyouspeakup!

Why is the world a better place because of what you do in your business?

Weaddsocialandeconomicvaluetothecountry.Since1992PJsCommunityServicehasprovidedover800jobsinthecommunity, worked with marginalisedfamiliesandchildrenatriskofexclusionand failing in the education systemhelping them re-integrate into theschoolsystemandaccessothersupportservices that will enable them to bepart of society. PJs Community Servicehasempoweredindividualsandgroupsand organisations to start businessesandmakeavaluablecontributiontotheeconomy. We have demonstrated theabilitytobalanceheadandheart.Heartsayswewanttoimpactthecommunityand provide services that impact life.Headsayswemustbalancethesystems,strategy and structure, skills and staffthat will allow us to fulfil the heartfunctions.

ClaudineReidMBEonenterprise,jobsandwellbeing


Deb Leary OBE putting the feminine back in technology.


I’m Deborah Leary OBE, CEO andFounder of Forensic PathwaysLtd, an international companyspecialising in data analysissolutions in the area of Due

Diligence and Risk, Business andCriminal Intelligence, in addition tothe development of forensic products/services.

I also run a consultancy practicesupporting businesses in businessstrategy,developingbrand,CSRpoliciesand international trade, in additionto investing in new start-ups andtechnologies.

IamPresidentoftheBritishAssociationofWomen Entrepreneurs, a founder ofCommonwealth Businesswomen, Chairof theMidlandsWorld Trade Forum, aDirector of the European Network ofWomen in Leadership, Deputy DirectoroftheUnitedNationsUKGlobalCompactNetwork,DevelopmentCouncilMemberof the YoungVic theatre, Fellowof theRoyalSocietyforArtsandaMarie-CurieFellow.

IwasawardedanHonoraryDoctorateby Birmingham City University, March2012 and in 2009 was voted one ofBritain’s top 100womenentrepreneursby Real Business Magazine. I wasawarded an O.B.E. by the Queen in2008. Other awards have included theJoyce Award 2009, for commitmentto the British Association of WomenEntrepreneurs, FCEM InternationalWomanEntrepreneuroftheYear2007/8,EuropeanWomanofAchievement2006andBritishFemale Inventorof theYear2005.


Iwasn’tintendingtostartabusinessatall.However,Icameupwithanideaforanewpieceofequipmentforcrimesceneinvestigation.WhenIfirsthadtheideaIthoughtIcouldjustlicenceittoanothercompanyandgetaretainerandcarryonwith my plans to become a universitylecturer and author. However, it soonbecameapparentthattheonlywaytheproductwouldreallygettomarketwasifItookfullresponsibilityforitsevolutionandsoIsetupForensicPathways.That’snow12yearsago.Ialwayssaytopeoplethe ‘eureka moment’ isn’t when youhavetheidea,it’saboutthemomentyoutakeresponsibilityforit.


Knowyourfigures


Wespecialiseindisruptivetechnologies

–innovation.Educatingthemarkethasbeen the biggest challenge. We areoften asking people to change thewaytheywork.Wehavetoshowthemthatwearenotonlysavingthemmoney,butalsoimprovingtheirworkingconditions.The challenge is with the publicsector procurement where there is adisconnect between the end user andthe procurement departments. Newcostsavingtechnologiesarenotgettingthrough because other companies areonthe‘procurementbooks’andsotheygo to who they know. We have hadinstances where we can’t sell direct totheclientbuthavetogothroughathirdparty because they hold the contractfor I.T. They then increase theproductprice to include their market up andimmediately the client is paying more.Notonlythatbutthethirdpartydoesn’thave an understanding of the product.It’salltooslowandblocksinnovation.


We’ve spent a good number of yearsin R&D developing new technologies.Thishasbeenamajorinvestmentwhichisnowbeingrealised.2011hasseenusbringthesetechnologiesthemarketandgoforoptimisingsales. 2012isalreadyourbestyearever.


Going global – internationalisationand promoting themselves as a brand.There needs to be a focus on financialunderstanding from both a businessand personal wealth angle. Finally,theyneedgreaterunderstandingabouttheir relationship with money which isessentialtounderstandingyourattitude

torisk.


Limiting themselves – act big you’llbebig. Also thinking that theyhave tounderstand every element of businessinordertosucceed–ifyoudon’tknowsomething find someone who does orlearn.


Sectorsfocussingondata,managementofandanalysisof,whetherit’sbusinessorsocial.


Challenges relating to procurement(this isn’t justawomen’s issue– it’sanSMEissue)

“Peer netbsolutely essential. As ourbusinessesgrow,sodowe. Icall it the‘Madonna effect’. As our businessesgrowwe have to change. We have togrow and be ahead of the business sowe have the skills, tools and mentalagilitytogivethebusinesswhatitneedsanddeserves.Havingapeergroupthatchallenges our thinking, provides usaccesstootherswhohavegonebeyondwhereweareandgivesusguidance tothatweareallpreparedtotakethenextleap.Alsoitallowsustoinvestinotherswhoarecomingthrough.”


I believe it’s essential. We shouldall ensure that we have a mentor thatchallengesus.Beinginbusinesscanbealonelyspace,evenmoresowhenyouhaveateamaroundyouwhomyouareresponsiblefor.Havingsomeoneyoucantalktowhocanofferalternativethinkingis importantandwhomost importantlyofallwill listen.Oftenhavingsomeonetolistentousallowsustoworkthroughourchallenges.


Happiness, because if you focus onhappinessyourspiritwillbestrongerandyouhaveabetterchanceofmaintainingpositive health and you’ll be betterplaced tofind solutions to challenges–ofwhichchildcareisone!

What is important to for achieving greater impact in your business - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

Awards are nice to have, butmastermind groups help you grow andlearn.

One to watch?

My daughter is definitely one towatch. Lizze and her business partnerhave been in business for two yearsstraight from leaving university. Theircompany Kindred Sole has in that timesold shoes all over the world and wasvoted the top 10most influential retailbrand on Twitter last year. They havejust won Highly Commended Brandof the Year in the Footwear IndustryAwards. Buildinganon-linebusiness ischallenginginthatyouhavetobuildrealtrustbeforepeoplewillbecomfortablewith thebrand. Their skill atbranding,customer care, attention to detail andthewaytheyusesocialmediatoitsfulleffect is fantastic. She’s taught me somuch! A shameless www.kindredsole.complug. Inadditionmyson’spartnerKimberley has the most fantasticgraphic design company and is alreadydeveloping her business internationallyandworkingforanumberofcorporates.www.graphicdesign-birmingham.co.uk.Both young women are only in theirearly20’sandarealreadymakingabiginternationalsplash!


Stephen Fry – simply funny andintelligent; Eve Arnold who sadly diedin January aged 99. Eve was a worldtravellingphoto-journalist. After takinga sixweek photography course in NewYork she began her career in the inthe 1940s working for publicationsincluding the Picture Post, Time andLife. She photographed celebritiessuchasJoanCrawford,ElizabethTaylor,Jacqueline Kennedy, Malcolm X andMaggie Thatcher aswell as people justgoingabouttheirdailyjobs.Thereasonfor here special place inmy list is thatthis is the job I wanted when I was atschool, but limiting beliefs stoppedmefromdoingit.Herworkisacelebrationof a fantastic life. Freddy Mercury forhis outrageousness; Emily WildingDavison, suffragette – so that I couldask her thoughts on how far we havecome; Lizze Leary, Director of KindredSole – cause she’s the next big onlineretail thing;MarthaLaneFoxtodiscussthe challenges and power of digitalconnectivityandherwordsofwisdomonbuildingatechnology/servicecompany.

Must read book?

Mine once I’ve got it to publication‘Eureka and Beyond’ – keep youreyes open for it. Seriously though –Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It’s gotlove,passion,obsession,issuesofbeingdifferent,standingoutfromsociety.It’sametaphorforbusiness!

Must have business tool and why?

Ipad – I’d be lost without it (thanksSteve Jobs!) It means I’m continuallyconnectedbothintermsofbusinessandsocially.GivesmeaccesstoeverythingIneedquickly.


Continuing to develop our Twitteractivity andbemoredisciplinedoverallwithoursocialmediapresence.


Don’t be afraid, there’s always asolution.


We’re in the business of protectingpeopleandoftenthemostvulnerableinoursocietiessoIthinkweallcontributetomakingtheworldabetter,saferplace.Alsowehaveasayingthat‘It’sthewayyou do business, not the business thatyou do that you will be rememberedfor’andsohowwedobusiness,howweengagewith our people and the globalcommunity is important, as is makingmoney sowe can continue to invest inour people, our technologies and ourcommunities.


Vanessa Vallely is thefounder of leadingwomen’s networkand website ‘We Arethe City’ which serves

an audience of over 70,000 CityWomen. She also co-founded theCity wide diversity network, TheNetworkofNetworkswhichincludesthe Diversity heads and heads ofwomen’s networks from 45 FTSEfirms.

On a professional level, Vanessahas been in Banking and Finance,specialising in IT and Operationsfor the past 22 years. She hasheld a number of senior positionsacross the City, most recently ChiefOperating Officer at a leading retailbank. Vanessa recently completedher corporate education at theChicagoBoothUniversity.

Vanessa was awarded theChampion forWomen award at the2011WomeninBankingandFinanceawards. She was also identified bythe Financial News as a Top 100Rising star under 40 in 2010 and asone of 100most influentialWomenin Finance for 2011. Vanessa hasalso received her first global awardfromTIAW,whereshewasnamedasoneof100Womenmakingaglobaldifference.

Aside from her professionalresponsibilities, Vanessa is alsoa Non-Executive Director for theNational Youth Music Theatre andThe Prostate Cancer Charity. Dueto her family heritage, Vanessa isalsothePearlyQueenof theCityofLondon


Ididn’tchoosemycareerpath, itsort of choseme. I startedworkedintheCityat16. Iusedto lookoutof the window of the 17th floor oftheTowerblock I lived in andpointto, what was then, the Nat WestTower and I told my mum I wouldworkthereoneday–Ididitwasmyfirstjob!Atjust16Igotonthebuswith 15p and a bit of ambition andheadedintotheCitylightstofindmyfortuneandbuildabetterlifeformeandmymum.WhenIgottotheCity,Ididn’tfitinatall. IwasaHackneygirl with not many qualifications, abroadEastendaccentandnocollegeoruniversitynetworktosupportme.I alwayswanted towork in a bank,so I worked my way up through anumberofjobstillIeventuallygottoan IT company. The company gaveme lots of opportunities towork atdifferent client sites, in particularlybanks.Myplanwasalwaystogetonto a financial services account andgetthefinanceexperienceIneeded.Once IhadagoodyearonmyCV, IknewthatBankswouldconsiderme,andtheydid.

IlefttheITCompanyandwenttoworkdirectlyforanInvestmentbank.Rollforward,15yearsinbankingandfinanceholdingtitlessuchasHeadofBusinessManagementandCOO.


That your boat doesn’t come in,youhave to swimout to it–advicegiven to me by my Nan and latermandated in a poster I saw at myfirstjobinterview.Ilearntatayoungagethatopportunityisthereforthetakingateveryturn,youjustneedtoseeit,chaseitandmakeithappen.Iamtruebelieverthatwearemastersofourowndestiny–everymorningI wake up and say to myself “whatshallIachievetoday?”Ihonestlyfeelliketheworldismyoyster.


Early on it was overcoming theprejudicesofmysocialandeconomicbackground. I was very aware thatI was different, I thought different,I acted different. Nowadays, this isacceptable as we understand theneedfordiversity,buttheneveryonewas expected to fall in to line, lookthe same, think the same, act thesame. Lateroninmycareer itwasmore about being a female in verymale dominatedworld. I spent thefirst5years trying tobe likeaman,acting like aman and showing littleemotion.It’sonlyinthelast5yearsthatthepennydroppedandIrealisedthatactually,itsOKbeingme,beingaWomen, thinking like I do, wearingwhat Iwearand if Iwant todisplayemotionduethefactIampassionateaboutsomething,thatisOKtoo.


Reaching COO at a major retailbank. Itdidn’tendwellasIworkedfor a bully, and I called it and left5 months later. Even that was alearning experience, as I didn’tbelieve such fossils still existed.Securing that role after 16 hours ofinterviewswasawonderfulfeeling.IalsorealisedatthatpointthatIdidn’twanttogoanyhigherandthatifeverIweretobecomeaCEOitwouldbefor a charityandnotabank. I aman individualwhogetsthe jobdoneandwhocansitbehindsomeoneandmake them hugely successful, andI actually enjoy playing that role. IrealisedthatifIwastogoforthebigofficeandthebigchair,thatIwouldhave to severely compromise myfamily time and some of the thingsI lovedoing,likemycommunityandcharitywork.Ithinkwhenyouhit40youlookaroundandyouappreciatelifealittlemore.Workisamassivelyimportant aspect of my world, andI don’t doubt I will always be insenior roles in the City, however Inow appreciate balance, so if a jobdoesn’toffermethatbalance,Idon’ttakeit.


Women need to network(internally and externally); Takethemselves out of their comfortzones (regularly) and publicise theirsuccesses.


Women need to stop doubtingtheir abilities; hiding the fact theyhave a life outside of work (e.g.children, other interests etc.) andlettingthechapstaketheglory.


“The most powerful emergingtrend in professional life at themoment is the whole Women onBoards thing. We have done thisonetodeath.Iamatruesupporterof gettingmoreWomen on boards,however I don’t believe we canfix theproblem in thenear term. Ibelieve that we, as female rolemodels should focus our energy onhelping the generations below usobtain the skills they need to reachseniorpositionsandmakeachoiceastowhethertheywishtobeonboard.IbelieveIfwecontinuetolabouronthis point with every event, everyarticlewearelosingthegenerationswho don’t see board positions intheir immediate future. Let’s focuson our young women and plug thegaps we have in middle and seniormanagement positions as overtimethis will be the catalyst for morewomeninseniorpositionswhoreachboardlevel.”


Their successes. People don’tknowwhat youare truly capableofunlessyoutellthem.Don’tseeitasbragging,seeitasraisingawareness.You are chief marketing officer ofyourownbrand,sogosell.


Soimportant.Itshouldbethetopline on your career plan. Take thetimeout tonetwork,not just insideyour organisations but outside. AnumberofpeopleIhavemetthroughnetworking have become significantcontacts for me, either in termsof my own success or the successof those around me. When goodturns bad, having a good networkofcontactsisinvaluable.Don’teverbe one of thesewho rests on theirlaurels thinking that all you need isthe immediate circle of colleaguesaroundyou.Investtimeinmeetingnewpeople,helpingandconnectingthem where you can. Above allmake sure you maintain thoserelationships.


Extremely important. I havehad 12 mentors in my career fromvarious industriesandfromallpartsof the globe. These have beenextremelyuseful tomewhenIhaveneeded advice, or a place to soundmy ideas. I also have a rule that Iwill not mentor anyone who isn’tmentoringsomeoneelse,otherwise,my experience and their learningstops at that point – we need toensure there is a cascade of skills,advice and support. Everyone hasthe capacity to mentor, to shareexperience, to encourage and toopendoorsforotherindividuals.Itisan extremely rewarding experience,whenyouseesomeofyourmenteesgoon to greater things,win awards(SorryRonke Lawal, had tomentionyouhere),thenyoucan’thelpbutbeproud that youmay have helped insomesmallway.

Happiness, wellbeing or better childcare provision?

Can’t we have them all !!! Forthe greater good it would have tobeChildcare. Havinghad2childrenand runningavirtual10year familyprogramme plan of dependencies,constraints and navigating aroundkeymilestonesandtryingtobalanceacareer,Iabsolutelybelievethatthegovernment could do more (eg taxbreaksonchildcare costs)andfirmscould do more (e.g. flex working).Managingacareerwithkidsistough,especially ifyouareasingleparent.Ifthecorporateswanttoretaintheirwomen, they have to realise thatthe old schoolmodel of presentismdoesn’tworkinmoderndaylife.

What is important to for achieving greater impact in your career – award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

Awards are good for profile andfor recognition of what you haveachieved. Mastermind groups arepure gold as they are a chance foryou to leverage ideas, collaboratewith others. I have seen manysmall networking groups reap hugesuccesses, as everyonewhoattendsistheretohelpothers.

One to watch?

Ronke Lawal – Chief Executive oftheIslingtonChamberofCommerce–thisgirlisamazingandIaminaweofherachievementstodate.Iknowthat she is going to go on to makea realdifference in theworld. I amhonoured to be on team Ronke asoneofhermentors.

Your ideal circle of 6 at dinner and why?

AnitaRoddick;becauseshewasaninspirational business women who


stood by her own moral compass.Madeline Albright, because I agreewithher,thatthereisaspecialplacein hell for a woman who doesn’thelpotherwomen– Iwould love totease more of those nuggets fromher. Nicola Horlick – because she isarolemodel in theCityandgodhasshebeenthrough it– Iwould liketoknowhowshehasremainedtostrongandcontinuestopickherselfupaftereachfall.CaroleStone,becausesheisthenetworkingqueenextraordinaire,averydearfriendandsomeonewhoI never fail to learn from. OprahWinfrey,because Iam just inaweofhereveryword,Idon’tthinkshewillever realise justwhat an impact shehas had on society and finally mymum, because without her I am anempty shell. She taughtme how tobestoicandinstilledmyvaluesetandwork ethic. She alsomakes amean

dinnersoshecouldcook.

Must read book?

Toomanytomention,butabookIalwaysgivetomymenteesis“OhthePlaces You’ll Go” byDr Seuss. It’s akid’s book that has a lot ofmeaningif you are embarking on a journeyonanysort. Othersare,TheTippingPoint, by Malcolm Gladwell and “ToBig to Fail” which focuses on theLehman’scrisis.


A good LinkedIn profile, a decentCV,agoodheadshot,ashortbio,yourelevatorspeech,let’sstartthere.


LinkedIn, I love it, I teach it, Ievangelise about it. There is noone you cannot find on LinkedIn orwho can’t find you. Invest time inoptimisingyourprofile, this isn’t justyour CV on line, this is your shopwindow. Twitter is another greattoolforresearchandtohangoutwithlikeminded individuals. I contributeon Twitter, but rarely share a strongopinion. Facebook is great forfamily and close friends, but bringsnothing to my professional table. Iwould never have work colleaguesconnected to my Facebook account,as this is somewherewhere I get totrulybemeandnothing I saywouldbemisinterpreted.


It’spuppyfatandinafewyearsitwillgo.


Notatall,theworldisabetterplacethrough my work in the communityand awareness campaigns I run forCharity. For the kids I help and thepeopleImentor.LastyearItravelledtoTanzaniawith3ofmymenteesandmy10yearolddaughter. Itwas themostrewardingexperienceofmylife,I sincerely hope that I have startedmyowndaughterontherightpathtogivebackintheworldwhereshecan.

“If your boat doesn’t come in,you have to swim out to it” saysVanessaVallely,Founderof www.wearetheCity.com


A highly successful buy-to-let property investor,Caroline is currentlymaking a name forherselfinthemediaasan

inspirationalspeakerandphilanthropicentrepreneur. From a rollercoasterchildhood in her native Zambia tomedia limelight inher adoptedhomeEngland, she combines family lifewitharapidlyexpandingPropertyandMentoringbusinesses.

CarolinewasfeaturedonPC4’s‘TheSecret Millionaire’ a program whereshe went toToxteth,Liverpool. Asadirect result of her experience, notonly has Caroline given money andongoing business support to twocommunityprojects;shewas inspiredto help aspiring entrepreneurs taketheirideasfromConcepttoCashin90Days!

These programs are designed toequipaspiringentrepreneurswiththenecessary skills, tools and strategiesto establish a successful businessusing proven business models. Herworkshops bring about immediatechanges and long-term results. Shealso speaks at Business conferencesand seminars alongside some ofBritain’s topbusiness brains includingDragons’ Den stars Peter Jones andJames Caan, and the inventor of theWorldWideWeb,TimBernersLee.


Iwastiredofnothavingachoice inmyfinanciallife.Iwantedachangeoflifestyle and tomake a difference. IwenttoaconferencehostedbySteveBolton, the multi-millionaire founderof the fastest growing premiumfranchise in UK history - PlatinumProperty Partners and saw a greatopportunity to get into business andchangemylife


Lovewhatyoudoandbelieveinwhatyoudo.Passioniskey!


The property sector is a very maledominated industry and the men atthetopofthegamewerenotusedtodealingwithanAfricanwomenlookingtogrowasubstantialportfolio. Therehave been examples where peoplehave tried to undermineme becauseofmyculture,genderandthefactthatIhadnotrackrecord.


WhenIgotintopropertyinvestmentthe market was easier to borrowmoney to purchase properties.However, when the market andeconomy changed we had to put uplargersumsofmoney. Insomecasesmy capital input went up to over£100,000. I then decided to workwithinvestorstohelpmetogrowtheportfolioinamoreinnovateway.


Women need to be more savvyabout finding circles that inspire andempowers them for support. It’simportant to learn the skills andunderstandwhatcompetencesittakesto build a successful business. Weneedtobetterleverageourabilityandskillstomultimanagetasks


Wehavetostopnetworkingwithouta clear strategy. We need to change

ourmindsetfromsmallthinkingmicroto big business; so stop focussing onminoractivities.


Britainhasanagingpopulationwhichthe government are having greatdifficulty supporting at various levelse.g. health, nutrition, housing andmedical.

Where the government struggles tofindqualityservicestomeetthediverseand unique needs of this population,there are great opportunities forentrepreneurs toprovide theservicesandproductstomeetthisgap.

On another note, the world is aninformationindustryandpeopleneedotherpeopletosupportandinterpretthe information to interpret in theirbusinessororganisation,Thisisgreattimeforpeopletoleveragetheirskillsand expertise to provide informationsolutionstotheircustomers,suppliersandstakeholders.


Women need to speak out abouttheir ability to get into big businessnot just micro business. We needto change the perception of seniorwomen in engineering, constructionand property development – thinkhotels,conferencecentresandairportsinstead of just houses. With greaternumbers of women leading thesetypesofindustries,itwillrevolutionisehowweareseen inbusinessandwillgive usmore influencewhich createsa greater platform for other womencomingupbehindus.


I call this precisionmarketing. Thismeans by being more strategic,it allows you to find the rightniche in a community, share, up-skill and build relationships tomaximiseopportunities..


Mentoring is vital for businessgrowth. I am a great believer instandingontheshoulderofgiantsandbeingaccountabletothem.Mentoringallows you to share their wealth ofknowledge as well as to learn fromtheirmistakesandsuccessresources.

What is important to you for achieving greater impact in your business - award

ceremonies or mastermind groups?

Without a doubt, its mastermindgroups. There is something dynamicthathappenswhenagroupofpeoplecome together to share ideas anddifferent aspects to look at businessissues. A good group will help youto strengthen your business; bringa greater sense of accountability forsuccess whilst tapping into a wealthof range of skills, backgrounds andexpertise that will help you to growbothpersonallyandprofessionally.

One to watch?

DrPat Franciswho is changing livesglobally by inspiring, educating andempoweringpeople.


Mike Marsh, Dr Pat Francis, GayleTzemach Lemmon, Richard Branson,Amanda Wells Wendy Simpson(Australian,businesswoman).

Must read book?

Micheal Gerber E-Myth. Rich DadPoor Dad and The Richest man inBabylonbyGeorgeSamuelClason


Marketing and Sales Strategy Plan(tool) which enables you to stayfocusedoneffectivemarketingefforts


Staying relational by giving valuableinsights about business and people’swants needs, desires, value andlifestylestotailorneeds.


Caroline,youcanbe,do,have,whatyouwant-allthingsarepossible!


Moreandmorewomenare tappinginto their potential and creating theirworld of possibilities. Most peoplehave no confidence for so manyreasons and I aim to create a nonthreatening environment for otherwomentolearnhowtostart,runandmanage a successful business. It’snot just about inspiring women, butequipping and empowering womenwithalltheskillstheyneedbyholdingtheirhandastheycreateandexecuteall the possibilities to live a moremeaningful and fulfilled life throughenterprise.

CarolineMarshisusingherConcept2Cashstrategytohelpwomenbuildbiggerbusinesses.


Charlotte Vere is theFounder of Women On…, an independent, not-for-profit think tank andcampaign group which

researches and promotes policyideas for the economic and socialadvancementofwomen.

Before setting up Women On …,she was the Finance Director of thesuccessfulNOtoAVcampaign in the2011 referendum, and she stood forthe Conservative Party in the 2010GeneralElectioninBrightonPavilion.

Prior to becoming involved inpolitics, Charlotte was the CEO ofBigWhiteWall,asociallyresponsiblebusiness spearheading the provisionof mental health therapies online,and the Finance Director of a digitalrecruitment company. Charlottehas anMBA from Kellogg, a leadingbusiness school in the US, and adegreeinBiochemicalEngineering.


Looking at the debate aroundwomen,Ifeltthatitwaspolarised.Onone hand you have radical feministsdemanding special treatment forwomen because they have ‘sufferedat the hand of patriarchy’ forgenerations. Ontheother,youhavethose who say that the state hasno role in families and that womenneed to just get onwith it. WomenOn … stands between those camps.Our goal is to harness the incredibleeconomic and social potential ofwomen by fighting for targetedsupport,butneverattheexpenseofmen.


Being in politics, information iscriticaltomydailylife.UnderstandinghowtouseGoogleReaderandTwittereffectivelyhastransformedmyaccessto the right information at the righttime.


Women have been portrayed asvictims and lesser beings for so longthatmanypeopleassumethatWomenOn… ismoreof thesame. It isnot.Itrecogniseswomenasthetalented,educatedandskilledbeingsthattheyareandcampaignsforchangesothatwecanharnessthispotential.


We conducted a six month pilotto see whether our ideas have any

resonance.Theextraordinaryinterestwe had from themedia gave us theconfidencetocontinue.


Women need to try to reallyunderstand the power of the digitalenvironment and social media.Different elements ebb and flow.FacebookhasprobablypeakedwhilstTwitter and LinkedIn haven’t, - it isimportant to keep abreast of wherethe opinion formers are – becauseeveryindustryandsectorhasopinionformers,notjustpolitics!


I am not a fan of doing less ofanything, unless of course it issomething that doesn’t work – buteach business will be different intermsofwhatthat‘thing’is!


Changes inthedigitalenvironment,withoutadoubt.


Women as talented and capableindividuals succeeded on merit.Quotasandspecial treatmentshouldgo against everything a businesswoman believes in and we need tostand up and say so. Only thenwillwewinbacktherespectofmen,andbe able to achieve positive changetogether.


It is very important – it’s good toknow what’s going on and who isdoingwhat andwhy – and it’s goodtohaveagossipeverynowandagaintoo.


Somewhat.Somewomen(andmen)feel that theyneedamentorandallpowertothem. It isnottomymindessentialforeveryone.


All three! Sorry. But good childcareisthepracticalsidetohappinessandwellbeingforthosewithchildren.Thatdoesn’t mean that the Governmentshould provide it, not pay for it, but

we must recognise that childcare isoneofthebiggest,ifnotthebiggest,barriertowomensucceedingtoday.

What is important to for achieving greater impact in your business - award ceremonies or mastermind groups

A little bit of everything never didanyoneanyharm.

One to watch?

MatthewHancockMP–bright,openminded and forward thinking. WeneedmoreMPslikehim.


David Cameron – I would like tobendhisearonafewthings;JohnnieDepp–tolookat;RubyWax–toinjecta bit of humour;DanHodges – Left-leaning Telegraph blogger for a fewfireworks; Louise Mensch MP – formore fireworks; and I guess me, asthereareonlysixchairs!

Must read book?

TheReaderbyBernhardSchlink


Mobile WiFi – gets you connectedwhereveryouare.

What is the must do social media activity for greater

impact in your business?

Twitter is themost remarkable tooland woefully underused by most inbusiness. It is not about Tweetingwhat you had for breakfast, it isabout sharing the best nuggets ofinformationforyourindustry�ifyougetitright,itconnectsyoutowhat�sgoingon.

I use Tweetdeck which gives me aseriesofcolumnswhichfilterTweetsaccording to my interests � I mightchoose tofilter foraparticularwordI am interested in, for example, thisweek it is �childcare� or I mightchoosetofollowaparticularhashtag.I follow a small number of veryeffective tweeters and I haveabandofhardyfollowerswhoseemtostickaroundtohearwhatIhavetosay.

It is also, without doubt, the bestsourceforbreakingnews.


There might be years when youmess around rather than workinghardatschool.Trytoavoiddoingthat!


If we can harness the potential ofwomen, the world just HAS to be abetterplace!

CharlotteVere,founderWomenOntalkstalent,

educationandskills.


MelanieBryantOBE,founderofWhyNotChangeishelpingwomentoshatterthebarrierstosuccess.

Recently described as“inspirational” by the PrimeMinister David Cameron,Melanie is a multi-awardwinningsocialentrepreneur.

Renowned for her ‘stunninglyeffective’ work as a positive changespecialist,publicsectortenderexpert,community champion, high growthmentor; and entrepreneurshipambassador; in just 2 yearsMelaniehas taken WhyNotChange from afledglingconcepttoanawardwinningreality.

Her awards include Excellence inPublic Sector Procurement 2012/13Finalist (National GovernmentOpportunities); Big Society Award2011 (Prime Minister); Britain’s

Top Real Role Model 2011 (AmwayUK); Outstanding and High ImpactAwards 2011, 2010 and 2009; GEW(Kauffman Foundation) and BestSocial Enterprise Partnership Award2010(WestLancashireCVS).Her accolades include One of

just 50 appointed UK FemaleEntrepreneurship Ambassadors;Member of the Greater ManchesterPoverty Commission; High growthprogramme tutor (ManchesterMetropolitanUniversityandGoldmanSachs); Social enterprise mentor(UnltdConnect);NamedasoneoftheTop 300 social enterprise influencersonTwittergloballyandnamedasone

oftheUK’stop50changeradicals.


I’m the accidental entrepreneur.OvertheyearsI’dbuiltupareputationas global change specialist andexpert bid writer whilst working insenior executive positions. To be agood change specialist you have tobe constantly looking for ways toconstructively challenge the statusquoandfindingnewinnovativewaysto engage people to make changehappen.Tobeagoodbidwriteryouhave to understand what the client

wants andbe able to articulate yourdifferentiators within a constrictiveresponseformat.

Latein2008Iwasveryunexpectedlymade redundant (the company Iworked for in the UK closed down)andsoattheheightoftherecessionat a time when organisations werenotrecruiting I foundmyselfwithoutajob.

Never one to sit still I immediatelystarted looking for another job butalso volunteering for local charities.I quickly found thatmy change skillswere much needed by charities,


socialenterprisesandtheSMEbusinesscommunity, and within a couple ofmonths WhyNotChange was up andrunning.


Be the best you can possibly be ateverything you do and always go theextra mile. Plus an African proverb–“Ifyouthinkyou’retoosmalltomakeadifferencethenyou’veneverbeentobedwithamosquito.”Adailyremindertomakeitapositivedifference!


As a social enterprise balancing paidwork with philanthropic work – I stillfindithardtosayno–butthemorepaidwork Idothemorephilanthropicworkwecandeliver–avirtuouscircle.


Therehavebeenanumber.

Asanaccidentalentrepreneurthefirstwas the point at which having spenta few minutes enthusing about thework I’d been doing my well meaningparents asked me how my job huntwasgoing. IrealisedthatIactuallyhadone–onethatI loveandthatmakesarealdifference–andmentallyfromthatpoint onwards I sawmyself as a socialentrepreneur.

The next would be discovering thatskillsthatItakeforgranted–particularlyPublicSectortendering–areactuallyinhighdemand.Ideliveredsometrainingon tendering andmuch tomy surprisefound myself inundated with bidwork– andmore to thepointwinningsubstantialandmuchneededcontractsfor charities, social enterprises andsmallbusinesses.

The third would be each time I’vewonanawardorbeenhonoured–witheach comes a tremendous sense ofresponsibilitytoliveuptoit.Assomeonewho is known for infectingotherswithenthusiasmtoseeanddeliversparklingnewpossibilities,Itrytocreatepositivetippingpointopportunitiesforothersonadailybasis!


Have more confidence. Each yearI organise the North West Women’sEnterprise Day which is attended byover250enterprisingwomen.Eachyearwe ask ‘what’s your biggest barrier tosuccess?’Eachyearover90%ofwomen– including thosewho are by anyone’scriteria already very successful – put

lackofconfidenceintheirtop3!

Women need to take more risks.This isn’t about being foolhardy butabout looking for opportunities andinstead of asking ‘why?’ thinking ‘whynot?’ Some of my greatest successand personal satisfaction have comefrom doing things that other peopleconsidered‘risky’.Andfinally,weneedto share experiences and ask for help.Collaborationisastrengthmanywomenhavebutdon’tleverage.


Womenneedtostoptryingtocompetelike a man...or anyone else – be you,unique! Don’t ignore your feminineintuition, it’s usually right – and you’llsleep better at night! Stop judgingourselvesbyotherpeople’smeasuresofsuccess. Decidewhatreallymatterstoyouandusetheseinstead.


Iseetwo-collaborationandcustomerexperience.

Inarecentsurveyover90%ofseniorexecutives identified that customerexperience is the next big competitivebattleground and this means thatcompanies will need to look ateverything thatmakesupacustomer’sexperience – every interaction theyhave whether physical or virtual. Toget this right they’ll also need to lookat everything that makes up theirteam’s experience too. This can leadto delighted customers and happystaff – win/win. This is where smallercompaniescanreallyshineandeasily.

Collaborationisatrendatmanylevelswhether it’s collaborative consumption(e.g.carshareschemes)orcollaborationbetween companies. My businessmodelisbuiltaroundcollaborationandIknowhowwellitworks.


Depends who they are speaking to,wheretheyareintheirbusinessjourneyand what their business passions are.At the moment I’m talking about whydoing good is good for business – andtherearemanylayerstothis!


Itdependsonthetypeofnetworking.I love meeting new people, learningwhat they do, sharing experiencesand offering useful connections. Idetest forcednetworkingwithmultiple

businesses pushing their 60 secondsalespitches.

Often my best ideas and contactshave come from sessions that aremore around an issue of commoninterestandwitharoomofpeoplewhoprobablydon’tqualifyas ‘peers’ in theconventionalsense.It’salwaysgoodforleaders to challenge themselves andspendtimewithmanydifferenttypesofpeople.


When done well mentoring is afantastic opportunity for both thementorandmentee.It’salsoimportantto remember that you need differenttypes of mentors at different times inyour life. I have had 3 great mentorsovertheyears,startingwithmyprimaryschool teacher, and I am grateful toeach for the constructive (and oftenuncomfortable!) challenge theyprovided.

Ihavebeenprivilegedtomentorsomeamazingpeopleover theyearsandamcurrentlyanUnLtdConnectmentor forsocialenterprises.

Happiness, wellbeing or better childcare provision?

Happiness.Whenyou’rehappyyou’rebetter able to be well and to addresschallengessuchaschildcare.


Both in different ways. I need mymastermind group to challenge andencourage me. I have a wonderfulset of people who do this for me indifferentcombinations. Awardsontheother hand are external recognitionof achievements which help withcredibilitywhenmeetingnewpeople.

One to watch?

Tessy Britton – check out her SocialSpacesprojectsandCommunity LoversGuide to the Universe book series(whichIameditingaNorthWesteditionfor)tofindoutwhy.


• Myhusband–hisgiftisanabilityto make every single person feelspecial,plushealwaysmakesmelaugh.

• Oprah Winfrey – a self-madewomanwhodidn’ttake‘no’forananswer,plusshemusthavesomeamazing stories and experiencestoshare

• Michelle Obama – behind everygreat woman...plus I hear thatshe’stremendousfun

• TerryPratchett– Iabsolutely lovethequirkyslightlyoffkilterworldshe creates through his books (soclever) and could spend many ahappy hour discussing Mort andthewitches!

• Captain Jack Sparrow (JohnnyDepp’s character inPiratesof theCaribbean)–knowshow topartyeveninadversity

• Me–ofcourse!

Must read book?

TheWisdomof TeamsbyKatzenbachand Smith. I read this around15 yearsagoandIstillrefertoitnow.

The Angel of the Rain – a children’sbook–whichremindsuswhathappenswhenwe don’t do the right thing andhowtoputitrightagainwithsomehelpfromourfriends.

Must have business tool

Equipment: my laptop – I couldn’tmanage without it. Technique: stop,start,continue–worksineverysituation


Linkedin for online businessnetworking and Twitter for thoughtleadership.


If you thinkyou’re too small tomakeadifferencethenyou’veneverbeentobedwithamosquito!–AfricanProverb.Life is all about experiences – these,and what you do with what you learnfromthem,arewhatmakeyouaricherperson-whateverthepharaohsthought(IwasmadaboutEgyptologyat8)youcan’t take possessions with you, sodon’tletotherpeopledistractyouwiththemGrowuptobethekindofwomanthatwhen your feet hit the floor eachmorning the devil says ‘oh crap she’sup!’Whateverthestyliststellyou...youpersonally can never wear too muchcolourortoomanysparklythings!


Our entire business is built aroundenabling others to make a positivedifference in their businesses,communities and lives. If everyonemade just 1 small positive difference,imagine howdifferent ourworld couldbe.


LeighAshton,CEOtheSalesConsultancylivesbythisquotefromDonaldTrump.“Ifyou’regoingtobethinkinganyway,youmightaswellthinkbig.”

LeighAshtonisthefounderofTheSalesConsultancy.Shehelpssalesprofessionalsandbusinessownerssellmore,particularlywiththepsychologicalaspectofmakingpositivechangesintheirattitudeandapproachtoboosttheirsales!

Shehasbeeninsalessince1983andasayoungsalesmanagerbecameincreasinglyfrustratedbytheinconsistentperformanceofhersalesteam.Thisreallyinspiredhertogoandfindoutwhythishappens...andshefoundthatwhatgoesoninaperson’sheadhasthebiggestimpactontheirsalessuccess.Companiesturntoherwhenthey’vetriedeverythingtoincreasesalesproductivity...andthey’restillnotgettingtheresultstheywant.Sheisknownforincreasingsales

from20%toover100%withsustainableongoinggrowthwellafterthecompletionofherprogrammesandleavespeoplefeelinginspiredandmotivatedtotakeaction!



Youcanloveandbetalentedatwhatyoudobutyouneedtobegoodatsalestomake your business grow, last andbe profitable. Focusing your effortsontalentaloneisnotenoughtomakeyour business successful. All youwillcreateistheworld’sbestkeptsecret.

I was driven to help small businessownersgaingreateraccesstohighlevelcorporateexpertiseanddevelopment.I understood that they could neverafford to payme the salary I earned,but if I devised a one day trainingprogrammeoverasetperiodoftime,Icouldachievemorewiththem.


I live by this quote from DonaldTrump.“Ifyou’regoingtobethinkinganyway,youmightaswellthinkbig”.

This piece of advicemadememovebeyondwhereIwaswhenIstartedoutinbusiness.Inthebeginning,Istartedofffocussingonhelpingsmallbusinessowners but now I have taken mybusiness philosophy and programmeto wider and more diverse audienceglobally.


The biggest challenge has alwaysbeenfinance.It’saboutmanagingcashflowand knowingwhere tomake thebiggestimpactwiththemoneyIhave.Mycolleagueisamultimillionaireandhe said tome “it doesn’tmatter howbigyouget inthebusinessworld,youwillneverhaveenoughmoneytodoallthethingsthatyouwanttodo”sonowIworry lessaboutmoneygetonwithwhatIcandowiththecapitalIhave.


My business tipping point camewhen I finally got the right team ofpeople around me. Over the years,I have employed a lot of people buttheynevergavemetheresultsthatmycurrentteamdo.Theyareanamazingand talented group of people madeup of permanent staff, freelances andsupplierswhoknowhowtogetthejobdone.


Women should be speaking outabout the fantastic and life changingwork that they do and making surethe world hears their message. Toomanywomenplaysafeand toosmall.

IknowthatbecauseIwasoneofthosewomen. We need to recognise thatwehave a lotmore power and talentthanwegiveourselvescredit for. Weneed to leverage our skills, expertiseand approach to life and createmorebusinesses.

Nowthegovernmentarecalling forwomentohelptojumpstartandmovethe economy forward which makessense. Every woman can play a partbecausewe are best placed to do so.Weallrunhouseholdsandrunningtheeconomyisnodifferent.


They should be doing less of thedoing and more of the overseeing.Thisisbecausewomenthinkthattheyhavetodoitall.It’sthesuperwoman,nurturing martyr syndrome whichmakesthembelieveitmightbe‘quickertodoityourself’.Thismodelonlyworksfor a short period and not the longterm. Women business ownersmustunderstandthat isOKthat thepersonwon’tundertakethetasklikeyou;butitwon’tbewrongjustdifferent.Aslongastheyachievethegoal,stepbackandrelaxandunderstandthatitisOK-trustthe jobwillbedone. Thatwasa reallearningcurveformeasamanagerofmy business. I had to remember tofocus on building the business ratherthangettingthejobdoneifIwantedtosucceed.


In business it’s all about buildingpositiveengagementandrelationshipswithyourclients,staff,andsuppliers.Bycreating longevity in our relationshipswe will create a long lasting businessand the money will follow it. If youfocusonapositiveoutcomebothwaysthen you don’t get the ‘them and us’syndrome.Yougetunityandwithunityyougetmuchmorepower.


Women need to speak out aboutthe importance of empowering otherwomenwhilsthavingthecouragetodowhatyouarepassionateabout.

It’saboutlookingforwardandtakingthe long term view about success.The government and a great manybusinessesareonlyinterestedindoingthings thatbringaquick result. But Ibelieve if you do things more slowly,investthetimeandresourceswithabitmorepainatthebeginning,youwillgetthebigwin.Irememberanexperimentwhereagroupofchildrenwereplaced

inaroomwithchocolatebars infrontofthem.Theyweretold,iftheydidn’teat thechocolate for15minutes theywouldbegivenanotherone (reward).When the researchers returned, theones who couldn’t wait missed theopportunity of getting twice as muchchocolate.

Well we seem to be living like thatnow. . Everyonewants thingsnow. Ibelieve if you wait a bit longer anddefer your gratification (a contract for£2,000)andspendmoretimeplanning,researching, testing and evaluatingyour client, you could offer a bettersolution, thus increasing your ordervalue(£5000+)andgettingmorerepeatorders.Thinkaboutthebiggerpictureandgoforthelongtermgain.


Peernetworkingisvitalforachievingopportunities, learning, support andhavingmorefun.


I activelypromotementoring. It’s allabout learning from others who havealreadydonewhatyouwanttodo.Youdon’t have to reinvent the wheel. If iwant todo something Ifind someonetomentorme.Ifittookthem20yearswhywouldItake20yearstolearnthesamething,whentheyarepreparedtoshowmehowtodothismorequickly.


Happiness, because you can onlybe happywhen the dots are lined upand things are in place. With morehappiness, it means you will havebetterchildcare.

Everyonehasadifferenthierarchyofhappiness needs and motivators. Weallknowwhenourhappinesshasbeenviolatedornotbeingmet.Ifhonestyisa corevalue, thenyouwill havegreatdifficulty working with dishonest ordeceptivepeople. Thechallenge is tounderstand our values and align ourbusiness goals accordingly to ensurewe get what we want out of selfemployment.

What is important to achieving greater impact in your business - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

A mastermind group is importantbecauseyoucanlearnvaluablelessonsandstrategies fromothers. If theyaregood they will hold you to account,point out areas of weakness that

ultimately become opportunities forimprovement.

One to watch

Ihavecomeacross2womenwhohaveinspired me recently. Kemi Lamiyanwants to create a bigger connectionwith the African Diaspora throughfashionandAdeleTheronwantstohelpwomenovercometrauma.Shehasjustpublished her first book “The NakedDivorce” which aims to help womenovercome the trauma of divorce andsheintendstowritemore.


AnthonyRobbins (I lovehispersonalpower philosophy); Albert Einstein(wacky but brilliant); TheodoraRoosevelt (her wisdom); MalcolmGladwell (a genius who analysesinformation and allows it to makesense to the rest of the population.He’saboutwhat,howandwhy thingswork); J K Rowling (amazing talent toconnect with people of all ages) andRichardBranson(gogettingattitude).

Must read book?

The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity byCatherinePonder.


Awinning“cando”mindsetbecauseno matter what’s in your personalsuccesstoolkit,yourdestinedtofailureifyouarenotactionorientated.


Be on all of the major social mediaplatformsandupdatethemeveryday(moreifyoucan)


Dreambigandjustdoit!


Thepeople Iworkwith learnhow tobelieveinthemselves.

Why is International Women’s Day Important?

It’safantasticsteptorecognisingthepower of what women do. Womenneedtorememberthatwhateveryouthink you are; but you are so muchmore than that. Remember thateverythingthatyouwantisoutsideofyourcomfortzone.Sostepbeyonditoften!


Marcia Lewinson is aCEO of a WomenActing in Today’sSociety9 WAITS)a Charity based in

Birmingham.

During her time at WAITS hasdeveloped Active Citizenshipprograms, Community OrganisingCourses which support women tobecome involved in descion makingstructures, as well as developingcommunity based groups providingservicesandcampaignsoncommunityissues

She has developed and managesWAITS women support DevelopmentProjects supporting BAME WomenaffectivebyDomesticAbuse.

Marcia is an Adult Education Tutor,trainerinCommunityOrganising,SoftSkills, leadership development andDomestic Abuse. An effective PublicSpeaker and social entrepreneur.Marcia has worked in the Voluntarysectorfor18Yearsastwosonsandisagrandmothertoseven.


IdidnotsetouttohaveacareerintheVoluntarySector;Mybackgroundwas in administration. When Ifoundmyself single after 10 years ofmarriage, I wanted to do somethingthatenabledme tobeathomewithmy two sons. So I enrolled on anaccesscourseasthecollegewasclosetohomeand I couldfit it aroundmychildren. It was whilst at College IbeganvolunteeringatWAITS. At theendofmy coursemy tutor asked if IhadthoughtaboutgoingtoUniversityandencouragedmetoapply.Iappliedto various courses from Social workto Black History applying to fiveinstitutions. I was then accepted by

all five institutions and then decidedtodoaYouthandCommunityDegreeastheuniversitywasnearhome.Thecourse fitted into my voluntary workandfamilylifeandmysenseofjustice.I felt very fortunate to be able tocoverallmypriorieswithsomethingIenjoyed.


My Tutor at Fircroft College whorecognisedmyablitesandencouragedme to go on to higher education,she was the first professional whoencouragedme not to acceptmy lotinlife.


Enabling WAITS and sustainingWAITS intheeverchangingvoluntarysectorwhereresourcesarebecomingscarcer and scarcer. This has meantchanging my mind set from relyingon funding and donations to findingnewwaystogenerateearnedincome.WAITS has done this by developingWAITSCommunityServices.ProvidingtraininginsoftskillsdevelopmentandBAME Domestic Abuse, Research,and consultations to the Public andPrivatesector.Ourlatestventureisinproviding supported accommodationtoBAMEwomenaffectedbyDomesticAbuse and involved in the CriminalJusticeSystem


Believe in themselves; have a goodsupport network and follow thebusinessPlan


Multi tasking– concentrateononethingatatime.Alsostartchasingthemoneyandnotopportunities


Womenhavetheskillsandcapacitytodoanythingtheywantandshouldnotlookathavingcarersintraditionalrolesorsectors.Wearenotallcutouttobeinthecaringprofession.


Peer networking is important it isencourages learning, gives space todevelop ideasandgainconfidence inwhatwedo.


Mentoringisanefficientwaytoworkthrough problems and issues thatpreventyoufrombeingeffective.


Havingalloftheaboveis importanttohelpwomentobeeffectiveinwhatthey are doing. Without childcare itisdifficultforwomentoworkoutsidethehome.Italsorestrictswomenfrommoving away from traditional rolesand work in the same environmentas men. A Female MP could notparticipate in latenight sessions thatusual happen in the middle of thenightiftheydidnothavechildcare.AfemaleLorrydrivercannotdoherjobwithoutchildcare.

What is important for achieving greater impact in your career - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

This is a difficult one, awards aregoodforraisingyourprofile,howevermastermind groups are like food forthe soul. I think mastermind groupsthesewillleadtoawards

One to watch?

My Mother who is no longer withmeInspiresmeeventhoughsheisnothere.Icannotimaginehowharditwasforwomentocometoanewcountry,build a life, raise their chidden andhavecareersmymotherwasonesuchwomen.Shedidnotsettleinsteadshestrived all her life for fulfilment. Shewas the first Blackwomen I knew todrive;shewenttocollegetobetterhercareerchances,despitehavingayoungfamilyandaseriouslyillhusband.Shefaced extreme racism at work (She

workedinafinancecompanyandwastheonlyblackintheworkforce).Theseobstacles did not prevent her fromteachingmeandmysistertostriveforabetterwayoflife.


Michelle Obama – She to mesymbolises a strongWomen, I wouldlike to know how she copes; SoniaBrown MBE – She would keep thepartyreal;RichardBranson-soIcouldlearn more about him and how hereached so far in thebusinessworld;PeterHunnigale-hecouldsingtomeallevening;Maya Angelou- I could sit a listen to her stories all day and Tyler Perry – I would like to know how he built is film empire while still being true to himself

Must read book?

AsliceofcakebyCupCakeBrown


MyBlackBerryTorch– it keepsmeconnected, is my personal diary. Ieven leave notes to myself on it sothingsarenotrunningroundmyheadallthetime


Keepingthewebsiteupdated


Don’tbeshybethebestyoucanbe


I think my legacy is that I haveempowered women to be effectivein their family life, communities andcarers. A woman stopped me whilstIwas giving apresentation. Shehadexperienced Domestic Violence andwas at low ebb when she becameinvolved in developing WAITS BAMESchoolGovernorsToolkit in2010andpresented it to the Strategic Directorforchildrenandfamilies.SincethenshehadbecomeaschoolgovernorisnowworkingasaCommunityOrganiser inadeprivedareaofBirmingham -oneofonly500CommunityOrganisers inthecountry.

MarciaLewinson,CEOWAITSonwhyitsimportanttobe

thebestyoucanbe.


Barbara Campbell is thefounder and director ofBarb Wire Enterprises,a publishing house thatcurrently produces Live

Listings Magazine – the alternative Time Out, The Official Guide to International Women’s Month magazine, Black Heritage Today–the best black history month magazine on the market, the last two magazinesareannuals.

FormereditorofTheJournal(ownedby The Voice Group), Barbara beganherbusiness11yearsagobycashinginherlifeinsurancepolicy.Sherecentlyaddedatrainingarmtoherenterprisethat gives aspiring journalist freetrainingtofulfiltheirambitions.

The recipient of four ‘Excellence inBusinessAwards’,forherpublicationsand her work in the community,Barbaraalsodoescontractpublishingfor other organisations includingcouncils, churches and government,aswellasbookediting.

She also goes into schools witha Media Enterprise Challengeprogrammefor14year-oldsplus.Thisfun/learninginitiativeisalsoavailableto academies, colleges and youthoffendingteamsthroughouttheUK.


At the time there was a gap fora publisher to produce magazinesneeded in the community, suchas a multicultural listings guidethat included ALL races www.livelistingsmag.com; a nationalBlack History Month magazine thathighlighted Grass-roots as well assuccessfulpeoplefromtheCorporateworld. www.blackheritagetodayUK.com then there’s TheOfficial Guideto International Women’s Monthmagazine. I wanted to create amagthat celebrated inspirational womenwww.iwmm.co.uk…anddid.


Failureisnotinfallingdown,it’sinSTAYINGdown!


Keeping the ‘haters’ at bay – whotried their best to destroyme - andprayingforthem(toblessthem)whentoldtobymypastor!


Awell-knownmuseum in Liverpool

phoned and asked for more ofthe Heritage magazines. I politelyreminded him that he also receivesthemagazineandalsotheonesetupin competition with me. He replied‘Oh, I have loads of those one’s buteveryoneiscomingin,ignoringthoseand asking for yours!’ The followingyear I sold out of copies. That’swhenIknewIwasreallyproducingapublicationwantedbyitsreaders.


WomenneedtobesureabouttheirPriorities, be selective and strategicwhen it comes to choosing where,when and how to network andcontinuously keep learning, studyinganddevelopingthemselves.


Business women should be doingless administration and gettingsomeone else to do it. They needto stop attending meetings that arenotdesignedtobringsomethingintotheirbusinessandrunningaftermalebusinesspartners to remind themtokeep THEIR side of the bargain andmeettheirdeadlines!

What do you see as a powerful emerging trend in business at the moment

Havingstartedoutasaone-womanband I’m glad to see that althoughonce derided (one-band men, notme) for not being serious venturestechnologyishelpingthemtocastfarlongershadowstoextendtheirreachandinfluence.


We need to be our own voice,speaking out about the Issues thatmatter to them and which affectsthem the most from a businessperspective.Wealsohavetochallengerepresentation in Society and in theMedia.


Mentoring and peer mentoring isvery important because. I believethosewhohave-beenthere’canhelpthosecominguptoavoidoratleastbepreparedforthepitfallsofbusiness.


Well-being. When you feel well and good you are happy and when happy

you can deal withanyissue,includingchildcareprovisions.HealthISwealth.


Bothareasonehelpstodirectyouand the other celebrate you, but if IHAVEtochooseI’dgoformastermindgroups as this one can lead to yourbeing‘awarded’.

One to watch?

MymumwastheONLYwomanwhohas ever inspiredme. When I thinkofwhatshewentthrough(workandhome) and still remained sane anda great mother, I am humbled andrealiseIcanmanageanythingthattheworld throws atme, if I have only a‘smidgen’ofherstrength.


The dragons on Dragon’s Den - forobviousreasons.

Must read book?

48LawsofPower,byRobertGreene.It’saneye-opener!


Computer andphone -most ofmyworkinteresttendstobeonline.


Getting the message across toeveryoneinvitingthemtologontothesitesandforwardingtheurllink.


Stopcrying–thisislifeandyou’llgetusedtoit.


People are constantly telling me(via email, phone or in person) howmuch the magazines (particularlythe one about black history andpresent-day achievers) has impactedandcontinuestohaveapositiveandempoweringimpactonthem.

“Failureisnotinfallingdown,it’sinSTAYINGdown!”saysBarabaraCampbell:CEOBarbWirePublishing

“The key to realizing

a dream is to focus

not on success but

significance - and

then even the small

steps and little

victories along your

path will take on

greater meaning.”

Oprah


Karen Mercer-West startedher career in the women’sroyal air force and thenfollowed thiswith a diverseand successful journey in

the corporate world in the learningand development sector; culminatingin her final post of business directorfor operations for a national trainingorganisation.

Throughoutherexperience,theskillsKaren has honed over her career hasmoulded and driven the portfolio shenow offers within her own businessconsultancy the main product beingcatalyst–a“successplanning”processfor entrepreneurs. Through DunelmConsultancy Karen also runs andmanages the Midland World TradeForumworkingwithadiversebusinessboard comprising of experiencedglobal traders as well as an advisorypanel including ukti. Karen managesthe network’s activity to provideinformation, signposting and eventsto members so that they are ableto develop their international tradestrategies.


I sawthe light! Thecorporateworldoffers great experience, opportunityand obviously exposure and security.I came to a point where that wasnot enough and the skills that I haddevelopedwereguidingmeintoaplacewheremyapproach,beliefsandculturebecamestrongenoughtostandupontheirown.

When you get to that placeprofessionally and you don’t feelthat the people or organisation yourepresent (or can find another) canoffer a platform for you to offerwhatyouknowyoucaninthewaythatyoujusthaveto–it’stimetogoitalone!


“Things don’t go wrong – they justgo different”! (Deb Leary OBE). Thisis about understanding and accepting

that business is unpredictable, full ofsurprisesandincrediblydynamic.Whenyoucanunderstandandacceptthatandnotbederailedbyitwhenthingsdon’tgobythenumbers–you’vecrackedit!


Developing the rules of engagementformyself!

After working for so long in thecorporate world with a backup andinfrastructure of people, resourcesand systems, it takes time to developsomethingthatnotonlyworksforyou,but does not stifle the creativity andexcitement that you deliver that wasthedrivertodoitinthefirstplace.


Withoutaquestionofadoubt itwaswhenIworkedoutacrossthemyriadofthingsthatIcoulddo/offer,Idiscoveredand worked out what it really was Iwantedtodo,wasbestatsoultimatelyofcourseSHOULDdo!


Work on their self-belief strategies –activelyandnotfeelbadorguiltyaboutit. Give back to other women/youngentrepreneurs/newbusinesses(anyonewho needs it that they find really)Why? I believe it is our responsibilityas entrepreneurs to help developother entrepreneurs. This has anactiveandpositiveeffecton thewiderbusiness community, feeds into ourownwellbeingandevensometimesisacatalystcommercially.


Worrying about criticism, disbeliefor negativity towards them or theirbusiness that they know in theirheartofheartsisabsoluterubbish!

The “nuts and bolts” when theyknowtheyhave theability todelegate–releasingthemtobeatthecreative/sharp end of the businesswhere theybelongandareattheirbest


Theanswertothisisdefinitelythatinthistimeofausterity,peopleareseeingthevalueofgreatpeople.Organisationscan afford fewer, lower resourcedpeopletomanagetheirbusinessesandemployees are therefore much morevisibleasviable(ornot)individuals.

Women employees especially cancapitalise on this. It is accepted thatwomen find it easier to be more

outward facing, responsive, proactiveand flexible.Whenmanaged properly,they are incredibly hard working andloyal.That’salistofskillsandattributesI would want in the workforce of anyorganisationIwasatthehelmof!7


It has got to be about how credible,successful and formidable womenbusiness owners are commercially.Just look at the stats at how manywomen business owners there are –howsuccessfultheyareandhowmanywomenare(inthisdifficultcommercialtime) the ones who are making ithappenoutthere.Againstalltheodds


It’snotimportant.It’sCRUCIAL!WasIawareofthisinthecommercialworldbefore I set upmy business? NO! DidI miss out on years of connections;personal development; opportunities;information on my sector/ politicalangles relating to the business; Aplatform to heighten theprofile ofmyofferingandmyself.Ohyes!That’swhatgreat, effective networking delivers toyou.


CRUCIAL! If we really believe that asfemale entrepreneurs that we: don’tneed to me mentored to be evenbetteratwhatwedo.Wedon’thavearesponsibilitytootherswhoareontheirjourney…..

….wedon’tknowwhatitis!


Wellbeing.Ifyouhavethis–generallyyoucansortouttherest!


Definitely the mastermind Groups.Whatbetterplacetoabsorbthewisdomof the minds around you and just asimportantly – impart your knowledgeandskillstohelpothersaswell

One to watch ?

Iamnotjustsayingthis–IaminspiredsomuchbytheotherwomenImeetinbusiness(someclients)everyday.Theircapacity to deal with things positivelyand with grace and humility whilstfocusing onmakingmoney tome is asighttobehold

Your ideal circle of 6

Deb Leary OBE (My mentor andfriend) – Why? She’s my mentor andfriend!; Mrs Margaret Thatcher – I’dliketohearhowawomanbelievedshecould and thenwent on to penetrate,leadandendupwithamainstatue inthe mother of all parliaments; HilaryClinton – I’d like to hear the story ofhowawomansurviveslivinginthemostpowerfulinstitutionintheworldwhilsteveryblinkisupforeveryonetosee.Allthisandthenreturnsasnotthewifebutthe second in command of the sameinstitution;CocoChanel–I’dliketohearthis remarkable rags to riches story ofsomeonewhototallyunderstoodwhatwomen and of course women reallywant–andthenprovideittothem;erylStreep – I’d like to hear the secrets ofhow in your craft you appear timelessand increasingly more fabulous atwhatyoudo;HughLaurie–He’sfunny,intelligent,incrediblyopenandactually–gorgeous!

Must read book?

Any Autobiography of someone thatinspiresyou!

Musthavebusinesstoolandwhy?

The ipad! How else with one toolcan you keep in touch with clientsand contacts, find new contacts,communicateandmarketyourbusiness,find out information on anything andanyone,catchuponpoliticsandnews,speaktopeopleandevenshopforyournextpairofshoes!!!!


LinkedIn– Itdoeseverythingdoesn’tit?Icouldnotdowithoutitanduseittomyadvantageeveryday


Oh! My father gave me that and Iignoreditthenso itwouldbeto listenthis time. He said – “Karen – you SOunderestimateyourself”Icanhearhimand see him now. Itwas a confidencethingyousee.Ijustdon’tbelieveIhadthe right business role models thathad enough impact so I could believethat an ordinary girl from a workingclassbackground could get to the top.He toldmetimeandtimeagainbut –alas–atthattimeitwasnotenoughtodevelop that lackof confidence inme.My advicewould be to focus onwhatyouwantlongtermandbelievethatyoucan achieve your aspirations to a highlevel-believeinyourabilities!


Hopefully because my main focus ison developing passion, believe andexcellence in others. This impacts notonlyonthembutalsousandofcoursethebusinessworldingeneral

KarenMercerWestbelievesinpayingitforwardinbusiness.


I am in my early 60’s and havebeen active within my variouscommunitiesfornearly50years-challenging racism, sexism andhomophobia. I now work in

developing strategies and actionsto confront all forms of unlawfuldiscrimination. I am a proudmotherandgrandmother.


Like many women I have a non-linear career path, children anduniversity have affected and helpedmydevelopment.Asaworking–classBlackgirl in the1950’sand60’s verylittle was expected of us orme, butmany of us refused to be definedmy other people’s expectation. Insummary my career path has beenvery much a zig-zag driven by mydesiretoworkethicallyandtodotherightthing.


Iamnotsure Ieverreceiveddirectcareer advice but I do rememberfriends and colleagues encouragingmetogotoUniversitysoonafterthebirthofmysecondchild.ImighthavestayedintheInlandRevenue,butIamgladthatIdidnot.


In 1987 I was Leader of Lambeth

Councilandwewere forcedtomakehuge cuts to our budget for theforthcoming financial year, I workedwithasmallnumberofcolleaguestofindawayofdeliveringalawfulbudgetwhilstprotectingthemostvulnerableservice users. Despite hostility frommanywithinmyownPartywedevisedamethodologywhichlookedcriticallyat all services and who used themand came up with a formula whichenabledustosetalegalbudget.Itooka great deal of strength to consultwithcommunitygroups,serviceusers,TradeUnionsandstaffandpersuadethemoftheneedforthestrategy;butfinallyitwasagreed.Thebudgetwassetontheday Isaid itwouldbeset.Notonecompulsoryredundancywasmadedespitea25%cutinthebudget;however I resignedas Leader coupleofmonthlater.


I am not sure I have had a careertippingpoint,butIdidneedtomakeanumberofchangestomylifewhenmyparentsbecameillsothatIcouldprovidecaretoeachofthem.


I am not sure that there are anyspecific things I would recommendsince each woman’s life andcircumstancesaredifferent.Butissuesofintegrityareimportant.Successin

onescareershouldbeseenintermsofthegoodoneisabletodoforothersasidefromoneself.


Weshoulddolessofacceptingrude,aggressive or abuse conduct frombossesandcolleagues.


Thebiggesttrendinprofessionallifeistoseethecostofeverythingandthevalueofnothing.Alargesalaryorbigcarmaynotlast.


Fairnessforselfandothers.


Quite importantbut I amnot goodatitmyself.


I have never been a fan of theAmericannotionofmentoringwhichonlyseemstobeappliedtothoseofuswhoarenotWhitemen.

Happiness, well being or betterchildcareprovision?

Better childcare would creategreaterhappinessformanywomen-Istilldonotunderstandthiswordwell-being(anotherAmericanimport)?

What is important to for achievinggreaterimpactinyourcareer-awardceremoniesormastermindgroups?

Neither

One to watch?

Iamnotafanofpersonalitycults.


Mobile phone and filofax forimportantcontactsaspaperbackup.


SayyestoradioandTVinterviews.


Bytruetoyourself.


I am not sure I would distinguishbetweenmycareerandmylife-IhopethatIhaveremainedtruetobymotto-BeBold!

LindaBellosOBEhasbuiltahighlyacclaimedcareerbasedonherrefusaltobedefinedby

otherpeople’sexpectations.


Andrea Campbell MBA,MA (Hons) foundedACT Training Servicesin 2006 where shetrains individuals from

disadvantaged communities todevelop skills and competencies foremployment. She is a prominentfigureinmanagementandmotivationaltraining as well as performancecoaching.

She is the Author of ’PracticalBusinessABC’and‘JamaicanProverbs,PeopleandPlaces’andisaLinguistandmemberof the InstituteofTranslatorsandInterpreters.


Ihadbeenworkingintheregenerationsector for just over 5 years and hadacquired a great understandingof theuniquedynamics,requirements,issues,the key players and the needs of thestakeholders. It was not long beforeI spotted a gap in the market anddecidedtotakea leapoffaithandsetupmybusinesstoaddresstheseunmetneeds.


IwouldsaythebestadviceIreceivedwasfromaveryunassuminggentlemanwho had been running his successfulbusinessforover20years.Hesaid,“dowhatyoulovetodo”.OvertheyearsIhavecometorealisethatbydoingwhatI lovetodo Iam inspired,encouragedandmotivatedtosucceed.BecauseofthepassionIhaveformychosenfields,work does not feel ardous, but rathera continuous exploration into whoI really am. Doing what I love to doallowsmeto livemydreamandmakethecontribution Ihavealwayswantedtomake in societywithout the addedstress.


My biggest challenge is growing mybusiness in a shrinking market. Asa social enterprise my organisationrelies largely on public funds to runprogrammes and as the economicreality becomes more restrictive itis increasingly difficult to keep ourprogrammes going. 80% of our endusers are individuals with limitedpurchasing power and we existto improve their opportunities byenabling them to develop skills andcompetencies that are marketable orthatcanpositiontheminthemarketasselfemployedpeople.

We therefore endeavour to exploreother areas and develop our marketsand products in order to continue toserveourclientgroups.


In 2009 the regeneration industrywasexperiencingfar-reachingchanges.Government funding programmeswere being cut dramatically andopportunities were disappearing fast.Our contracts had terminated andour contractors went out of business,downsizedorchangedfocus.Fromonemonth to theotherwewerenot surehowwewouldkeepourdoorsopen.

Therewasadefiningmomentat thebeginningof2010whenIwasthinkingthat we wouldn’t renew our businessinsurancefortheyearasIjustcouldn’tseehowwewouldsurviveinourpresentform.Therewerenocontracts,servicelevel agreements or grants availableandeverydoorseemedclosed,actuallylocked... tightly! In July of thatyearwerelocatedtoasmallersite,occupying around 1/3 the spacewe rented previously. Now we havetohireourtrainingroomsbutthere isno wasted capacity and our premisescosts reduced by approximately 60%.Thismajorchangeenabledus tokeepgoing without adversely affecting ourservices.


Business has no regard for genderas I see it. Ifwomenwish tosucceedin their business they have to widentheir horizons, set no personal limitsand study the success of others whohave operated within and outside oftheir industry. They should seek tobuild relationships,networkmoreanddevelop presentation skills. I havelearnt that you are your business;peoplebuyfrompeoplesopresentationand image is vital. Another area toconcentrateonisthenurturingoftheirexistingcustomers;toooftenweforgetthathappycustomersturn intorepeatcustomers who will spread the wordon our behalf. Womenmust positiontheircompaniesinaplacewheretheirservicequalitysellstheirbusiness.


Business women should seethemselves as business people andfocus less on the fact that they arewomen.Toomuchemphasisongendercanleadtotheestablishmentofmentalbarriers that serve no purpose otherthantostiflecreativity.Socialmediaisapopularphenomenonnowadaysbut

toomany people are using it to hardsell. This can be quite unattractiveand annoying. Using social media toadvertise is good when relationshipsare built with potential buyers. Weneedtogetthebalanceright.


Thecurrentmostpowerfulemergingtrendinbusinessisthedominanceandgrowth of technology. It is unlikelythat the conventional workforcewill be replaced but it is importantto explore how technology cancomplement a business venture,enhance its operations and make itmore competitive. Contemporarybusinessownershavetorecognisethatcompetition is now on a global scaleand those who fail to embrace IT orlackaccesstotechnologywillsoonhavenochoicebutto join intherevolutionif they are serious about remaining inbusiness.


Money. We are in business andshould not be afraid to talk aboutmoney. For social entrepreneurs likemyself there is less focus on makingmoneybutwemust not forget that ifwewanttomakeanimpactwehavetofundit. Sowhetheryoucall itcapital,cash,financeincome,revenue,funds,itdoesn’tmatter;weshouldinspireotherwomen to grow their business andmake profits, so that they can be thechangetheywanttosee intheworld.Money does not bring happinesshowever,sowhen itcomesweshouldensurethatwearethemasterandnottheslaveofit.


Peernetworkingisquiteanimportantphenomenonforwomeninleadership.It opens up new possibilities, widenschoice,educates,enlightensandbuildsmutually beneficial relationships. Itallows individuals to take advantageof large-scale opportunities which areoftenoutofreachforsmallerindividualcompanies. If the synergy is rightit can act as a catalyst for businessdevelopmentandexpansion.


Lifelonglearningistobeembracedinallareas.Beingmentoredbysomeonewhohaswalkedthisroadbeforeisveryusefulthoughnotvital.Thereisnoonepersonwithalltheknowledgesoifyouareunabletofindamentorjustensure

thatyouattendpersonaldevelopmentseminarsandworkshops. Oftenthereisa lotofknowledge in the roomandyoucantapintoarangeofexperienceandselectusefuladviceforyouinyourbusiness.

I don’tbelieve thatwehave tohavea formal mentor/mentee relationshipbut we have the discipline to workhard, ask for help when we need itand endeavour to continuously learn.The absence of a mentor should notprevent women who aspire to higherfrom reaching out and exploring theircreativity and latent talents. There isa lotofhelparoundandthere isa lotto be learnt online. When we makemistakes we learn from them, pickourselvesupandkeepgoing.


Wellbeingformeincludeshappiness.Wellbeingincludesgoodhealthinmindand body, the basis for all activity,including economic activity which willhelptosatisfyotherneeds.Irecognisethat childcare provision is an issue inWesternsocietieswheretheextendedfamily is often unavailable to assist.However in other societies help isavailable and is oftennot an issue. Ifyou are well, chances are you will beable toworkandpay forchildcareormakeother arrangements. Ultimatelywe all want to be well and happy,and thoseofuswith childrenwant toknow that they are safe. You achievewellbeing only when other key areashavebeenaddressed.

What is important for achieving greater impact in your business - award ceremonies or mastermind groups?

The mind is arguably the mostimportant part of a human being. Itconceives, creates, directs, aspires,imaginesandisinspiredandmotivated.Harnessing the minds of people inopen and collaborative fora canmovemountains. Workingwithpeoplewhohave the ability to think creativelyandcontribute ideas canbea catalystfor change, actions, growth andsatisfaction. Fostering a participativeculturewillunleashcreativityandfindnew ways for problem solving in theworkplace. It also improves moraleandcreatesa feelingofownership fordecisionsandactions.

One to watch?

In December last year I had thepleasure of meeting a lady called MsP Wiltshire. She is a Jamaican bornwoman living in the UK. She hasmultiple disabilities - Cerebral palsyresulting inahostofphysicalmobilitychallenges with her arms and legs;


epilepsy, asthma, vision and speechimpairment,arthritis,paininthehips,backandhands.

Despite these challenges MsWiltshire leads a full life, she single-handedlybroughtupheronlychild,asonwhoiseducatedtouniversitylevel;shewritesbooksandmotivatesothersthrough her public speeches, shevolunteers for community activities;she cooks for herself and copes withall the adversities society deliberatelyor inadvertently throws at her. MsWiltshiremaynotbepopularbut shesurelyinspiresme.


LesBrown– tomotivateme;OprahWinfrey – to inspire me; DuncanBannatyne–toanalysetomybusinessideas; Louis Armstrong – to lightenup the moment; My Aunt Barbara- who has a high level of intuitionand is particularly good at assessingsituationsandpeopleandwhowillfillme in afterwards. I, the hostwill bepresent,ofcourse.

Must read book?

Maverick by Ricardo Semler whichshows how investment in people andallowing them to decide their owndestinycanbringbenefitstobusiness.Mr Semler proposes and implementsa totally new way of leadership inbusiness and in so doing empowerspeople to be the best they can be,bringingmutualbenefitstoindividualsandtothecompany.

Must have business tool?

Broadband internet – It provides anaffordable access to many parts oftheworld, for business and pleasure.Ididn’tgrowupwiththe internetbutnowIwouldbelikeafishoutofwaterwithoutit.


Link with others in your industry tobuild partnerships and keep abreastof developments. In this regard itis important to maintain a businessprofile separate from your personalprofile. Offering support and advicewhere possible will raise your profileand make your business moreattractive to those who are scoutingforpartnersorsuppliers.


Readmoreandconsiderrunningyourown business as a viable option. It’snotall aboutgettingagood job. Youcanbe aproviderof jobs too. WhenI was a child my parents encouragedus to get a good education and findagood job. Wewerenever told thatwetoocouldbesuccessfulinbusiness.Thisisquiteironicbecausebothofmyparents, my grandparents, aunts andunclesrantheirownsmallbusinesses.


I worked for many years in thediplomaticserviceandalthough IwasservingmycountryinforeignlandsIdidnotfeelthatIwasmakingadifferencetopeople’slives.RunningACTTrainingServices fills that void. I can see thegrowthinpeople,Igetgoodfeedback;Iseetheimpactwemakeonpeople’sfutureandtheeffectontheirfamilies.We instil confidence, encourage,supportandmotivate.Overthelast10yearsorsomyteamandIhavetrainedthousandsofpeopleandhelpedmanytogetintoemployment.Theworldisabetterplace.

AndreaCampbellonthebenefitsoftakingaleapoffaithinbusiness

Some landmarks in the recent history of women’s human rights, at thegloballevel,include:

• 1946–theUNCommissionontheStatusofWomenestablishedwithmandatetosetstandardsofwomen’srights,encouragegovernmentsto bring their laws into linewith international conventions and toencourageglobalawarenessofwomen’srights

• 1948 – adoption of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whichformsthebasisforactionforpromotingequalrightsandfreedoms

• 1975–firstInternationalWomen’sYear,firstglobalUnitedNations’Women’sConferenceheld inMexicoCityandbeginningof theUNDecadeforWomen

• 1979–adoptionoftheConventionontheEliminationofAllFormsof Discrimination AgainstWomen (CEDAW), the only internationaltreatyonwomen’shumanrights

• 1993 – adoptionof theDeclarationon the EliminationofViolenceAgainst Women; women successfully promote the message thatwomen’srightsarehumanrightsattheWorldConferenceonHumanRightsinVienna

• 1994 – women secure another major step forward for women’sandgirl’srighttocontroltheirownlivesandbodiesatInternationalConferenceonPopulation&DevelopmentinCairo

• 1995 – women mobilise again at the World Summit for SocialDevelopmentinCopenhagentoensurethattheproblemstheyfaceare central to the global agenda; women achievemassive successboth in terms of results and turn-out, at the Beijing FourthWorldConference onWomen, resulting in global Platform for Action forwomen’sequality,empowermentandjustice

• 2000–UNSecurityCouncilResolution1325onWomen,PeaceandSecurityadopted

• 2005 – women defend their gains at the ten year review ofimplementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and successfullydefeat a proposal led by the U.S government for an anti-abortionamendmenttothedeclaration

• 2008 – UN Security Council Resolution 1820 adopted, recognizingthatsexualviolencecanbecategorizedasawarcrime,crimeagainsthumanity, and act of genocide and demanding protection andpreventionmeasuresfrompartiesofarmedconflict;protectionfromviolence in refugeeanddisplacedpersoncamps;andaffirming theneedforwomen’sfullparticipationinpeace-buildingprocesses.

• 2009–theUNcommitstocompletelyoverhaulingthesystemsandstructuresthroughwhichitsupportswomen’srights

• 2010-15-yearreviewoftheBeijingPlatformforAction• 2011 –UNWomen, the newUN agency focussing onwomen and

bringing together the previously fragmented ‘gender machinery’startsworkon1stJanuary.

Theseareremarkableachievements,andevenmoresogiventhe lackofresourcesandaccesstopowerstructuresatthedisposalofmostordinarywomen.However,thegapbetweengovernments’commitmentsandtherealityofwomen’slives,particularlythoseofwomenintheSouth,hasnotreducedand, ifanythinghaswidenedinsomepartsoftheworld.This islargely due to thebacklash againstwomen’s human rights that is takingplaceoneverycontinentandinmanydifferentformstoday,including:

• religiousorculturalfundamentalismsofdifferentkinds• power of ultra-conservative forces within governments and their

influenceonforeignanddomesticpolicies• backlashesinthemedia,judiciary,publicopinion• anincreaseinviolence,conflictandwarThecurrentglobaleconomiccrisisandclimatechangearealsoresponsibleforcurrenterosionsofwomen’srights.ThesearehugethreatstotheworkofWomankind and our partners. It is very important that we confrontthesechallenges,botholdandnew,andcontinuetopushforchangeatalllevels. Thismeans continuing to ensure that the concerns, interests andaspirationsofthewomenweworkwithareforemostinthesolutionsweadvocate

.Source:http://www.womankind.org.uk

Timeline of inTernaTional women’s righTs agreemenTs


Work, Wealth &

Enteprise


How not to Lose Your PowerWorkEngagmentSpecialistDion Johnson suggestswomenshouldtapintotheirfeminine‘why’andstopactinglikeamantobreakthroughtheglassceiling.

Women of all ages have beencampaigning for equal access andrights in themarketplace formanyyears and there is no doubt thatprogresshasbeenmade.Theterm

‘house husband’ doesn’t evoke the kind of reactionit did even, say, five years ago, as moremen agreetostayathometotakecareofthechildrenallowingtheir partner to continue herwork life pursuits. Theevidencebacksupthefactthattheboundariesaroundtraditionalgenderrolesareatleastbeingexploredandsomewhatexpanded.

Thisisn’tjustaboutequityeither,thereisastrongbusiness case and increasing acknowledgementthatwomendo in fact,haveavaluable,evencrucialcontribution to offer the highest level leadershiparena: and following the report by Lord Davies,businesses and organisations have been formallyurgedtodevelopstrategiestohelptheirfemaletalenttostepintohigherleadershippositions.

Despitethis,andeventhoughwomenaccountfor47% of the UK workforce, there continues to be adistinct and evenworrying lack of high level femalerepresentationacross sectors inourmarketplace. Sothequestionhastobewhywon’tmorewomentaketheir rightful place in business and organisationalleadership?

AsaworkengagementSpecialistandasawomaninbusinessmyselfhere’swhatIseeasthemostcommonbarrierstoentry.

Commitments

Despitethelegislativechangesthatmakepaternityleaveanoption, it is still largely the responsibilityofwomentostayathomeandmanagethedemandsofhome.Andeventhoughtherearesignificantnumbersof mothers still holding down jobs after becomingmothers, ‘doing itall’meansthattheyoftenneedtotakeparttime,andperhapslessdemandingrolesjusttomanagetheirload.

Culture

Historically, the world of work has always beena male domain. The spirit of old boy networks andinstitutions like themasons still, regrettably, excludewomen and actively perpetuates the masculinemarketplace culture. And even though women areinmanycasesoutperformingmeneducationally, theraising and socialisation of girls still has a tendencyto stereotype women as less well suited than menfor leadership rolesand there isa lotofevidence toshow that people still perceive successful leadersand managerial characteristics to be more typicallyassociatedwithmen.

Troubleis,thisculture,formanywomenisviewedastotallyoffputtingandmoretroublethanitsworth.Women, I’ve found,don’twant tobemenand viewthe pressure to conform and perform like men asdraining,demoralisingandformany,toohardtopulloffonaconsistentbasis.

Confidence

Sadly,studiesarestillshowingthatwomenaremorelikely tounder-estimate their capability and capacityforhigher level roles. Theydon’t go for roles if theycan’tmeeteveryrequirementonthe jobdescriptionand person specification. In addition to this womenoftenfinditcounterintuitivetoreally‘sell’themselvesas vehemently and overtly as men will, generallyspeaking,ofcourse.

So, what needs to change? Herearemytoptips foraspiring feminine leaders

lookingtosmashtheglassceiling.

• Find Your Feminine ‘WHY’

Resist the pressure to get sucked into playingpowergames.Instead,keepmindfulofhowclimbingthe career ladder is associatedwith the differenceyou want to make in your world. Get clear on

what youwant your life to be about,who you arepassionateabout impactingandwhythat impact isimportanttoyouandthem.Ifyour‘WHY’isclearandheartfeltenoughitwillbecomethefuelthatenablesyoutopressforwarddespiteresistance

• Get Help

Tap into the growing support available foraspiring marketplace women. FedUpAtWork.com,I Am Woman, Aspire, Black Women’s AspirationNetworkandTheWomen’sLeadershipNetwork,areorganisationsworkingtoensureyoudon’thavetogoitalone.Support,mentoringandspecialistguidanceisacrucialpartofourjourneytosuccessasfeminineleaders.

• SHARE

Findwaystoshareyourprocessandjourneywithotherswomen. I’ve found this tobean invaluablesource of mutual inspiration and the catalyst forcreativity and often a door to all sorts of newopportunities

• Take Advantage Of Global Advances

Therehasnever inhistorybeenabettertimetoconsidertheentrepreneurialroute.Economicdecline,togetherwithtechnologicalandsocialadvanceshasgivenrise toTheGlobalSmallBusinessMovement.Women now have very great opportunities to setup feminine, heart based businesses on their ownterms.


Do You Need A Productivity Breakthrough?

Three months in, and well ensconcedinto the New Year, how many of yourbest intentions to turn over a new leafand perform better at work have youhonoured?Isthereadisconnectbetween

yourambitionandyourperformance?

One of the most common obstacles to peakperformanceislack of clarity about your role,puttingyourenergy into low-valueactivitiesbecauseyouareunclearofwhereyourworkcanhavearealimpact.Ifyouareinterestedinworkingsmarterandnotharderatachievingpeakperformance,readonanddiscoverfouractionpointsthatwillmakeasignificantdifferenceifyouapplythem.

1. Clarify your role; what do you need to deliver?

“The things that matter most, must never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.” Goethe

Mostofuswhohaveajobdescription,havearespectablefewpagesoftasksandresponsibilitiesthatisviewedatthebeginningoftheroleandthendustedoffagainjustbeforeanappraisal.

Therewillneverbeenoughtimetofocusoneverythingoutlinedinyourjobdescription–let’sfaceit,mostoftheseare‘catchall’documentsthatplacenoemphasisonpriorityareasforanygiventime.Butoften,keyareaswhereperformanceisessentialaboveotherdesignatedtasksonyourjobdescriptionarenotobvious.Thisisaclassic’dealbreaker’inreachingpeakperformancelevelsatwork.

2. Capitalise on high-value tasks

Pareto’s well known 80-20 rule applied to workperformance means just 20 percent of our tasks(jobdescription) is responsible for80percentofourresults.So20 percent of your tasks will account for 80 percent of the value of what you do.

To improve performance, focus on the 20 percentthatoftasksthataremostimportantandwillgiveyouthe highest return. If you are not sure about whichpartsaremoreimportant,discussthiswithyourboss

andyourcolleagues.Findoutthekeyresultareas;theyare usually tasks that feed into the wider companyvisionandtargets,somakesureyouknowwhattheyareandhowtheyapplytoyourrole.

“Our work is the presentation of our capabilities. Spend your time on trivial tasks, and you’ll produce trivial results.” Simmons-Lewis

Resistthetemptationtoclearupsmallthingsfirst,orbusyyourselfwithlowvaluetrivialtasksthatcontributevery littleresultsandcannormallybedelegated.Youwon’tgetnoticedorpromotedforthethingsnobodyrecognises. Putting your best efforts into these cansapyourenergybecauseyou’ll spendthedaywithadeepsenseofforebodingaboutthebigtasksthatyouhaven’tgotstarted.

3. Set clear goals

“A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.” Francis Bacon

Thenextstepistodevelop clear goalsaroundyour20percenthighvaluetasks,andalignthemascloselyaspossiblewithyourpersonalcareergoals.

Asyoumakeplanstobemorediscriminatinginyourquest to improve your performance and benefit thecompany’s bottom line; make these improvementsworkharderforyouonanindividuallevel.Thinkaboutthepersonalgoalsyouhopetoachieveinyourcurrentrole and career path. What will you contribute andlearn?Whatdoyouwanttoexperience?Whatwillgiveyouenergy?Whatresultsareyoulookingfor?

Use these answers to help you create win-winsolutions for how to approach your choice of highvalueprojectsandactivities.Thenaskyourself:

What one career accomplishment would have thegreatestimpactonmyworklife?

Howcanthisbenefitmycurrenthighvaluetasks?

4. Get out of your comfort zone find a challenge

To staymotivated and productive, focus on puttingyourenergy intohigh-value tasks thatyouenjoyandareeffectivein.Findmoreopportunitiestogetoutofyourcomfortzone;putyourself forwardforactivitiesthatstretchyouandgetyourheadabovetheparapet.For example, volunteer to work on project that willachieve significant results for the company whiledeveloping your desired skills and experience. Thereare rich learningandnetworkingopportunities tobegainedfromworkinginaprojectteamofnewpeople

fromdifferentprofessionalbackgrounds.

And remember: “The man who does not take pride in his own performance performs nothing in which to take pride.” Thomas J. Watson

RECAP: ACTION POINTS• Lookatyourjobdescriptionandworkoutyour

20percenthigh-valuetasks

• Makea listofkeygoals,activitiesandprojectswhich are in the top 20 percent of tasks thatcouldrepresent80percentofresults

• Set clear goals to spendmoretimeworking inthese few areas, and less time on lower valuetasks.

• Askyourself:

• Whataremyhighestvalueactivities?Whatwillmakethebiggestcontributiontomycompany?

• WhatcanIandonlyIdo,thatifdowellwillmakea real difference? (something that you can’tdelegatethatwouldmakearealdifference)

• Whatisthemostvaluableuseofmytimerightnow?

Suzanne Simmons-Lewis helps her clients clarify and achieve their true purpose and ambitions in their careers and businesses, drawing out their unique talents. She inspires supports and challenges clients in their journey to making their long-held dreams an exciting reality. www.suzannesimmonslewis.com


Bully! Yes I am talking about YOU!Sherry Dixon liftsthelidontheunspokenriseoffemalebullyingintheworkplace.

Remember the uproar when GordonBrown was accused of bullying thateventhe“NationalBullyingHotline”feltobliged to reveal that there had beena number of complaints of bullying in

Number10.

Butguesswhat? Ourdirty secret isout ladies!Weareatthetopofthebullyinglist!

I went to a conference recently and in everylecture, the words “Adult Bullying” came up. Itwas interesting to learn that 90% of bullies werepromoted despite their inappropriate behaviourand I can tellyou that inmy30-year-oldcareer inmediaIhaveseenquiteafewwomenbullies.TheWorkplaceBullyingInstituteclaimsthatwomenare

71%more likely tobebulliedby anotherwoman.Whereas,thechancesofawomanbeingbulliedbyamanisatamuchlower46%.

One would assume that bullies looked andappearedsternandfierce,butthat’snotthecase.Thepassive/aggressivebully ison the rise. She isvery talented, often independent and well likedoutsideofwork. Shelooksandactsverygirlybutcancutyoudownwiththetwistofaneyebrowandthetwitchofhertoplipinasingleheartbeat.Mostof us wont admit to knowing a female aggressorandmanywontblowthewhistleonafemalebosswhoissubtlebutrelentlessinherpursuitoftakinganotherwoman downwith her snide remarks onadailybasis. Manyareafraidofher,afterallwhowould want to be the next target in line for hernaturalabuse.Weprefertousewordstodescribeherlike“sheneedsamaninherlife”toexplainherbadbehaviour.

So why are we witnessing this rise of adultbullying, yet turning a blind eye to the demise ofourcolleaguesonadailybasis?Theanswerismostpeopledon’tknowhowtoreacttobequitehonest.Theyarefrightenedof losingtheir jobsorworriedthattheycouldbenextinline,yetatthesametimetheyaresickenedbytheir lackof interferenceandusuallymovepositionsorjobsinordertogetawayfromthebully.

It’s certainly not surprising that these adultbullies are on the rise and with such few seniorpositionsforwomenintheworkplace,somewomenwillresorttodrasticmeasurestosecurethem!Menhavecontrolledtheworkplacemarketforhundredsof years and have competedwith eachother anditwouldseemthatwomenareadopting/mimickingthis behaviour with vigor and no longer find theexperiencesomasculine.It’ssurvivalofthefittest!

Thismightallbegreatinourquesttoclimbtheladder but the question most of us have to askourselvesis,areyouwillingtoallowadultbullyingto escalate just like domestic and schoolyardbullying...waitinguntilitgetsoutofcontroltothenstand with placards outside of Parliament, askingfor a law tobe implemented inorder to stop theabuse in thework place? Ask yourself if you arewillingtocarryingonasabystandertothisnewandgrowingabuse!

Sherry Ann Dixon is a Journalist, Broadcaster and Life skills and Confidence Building Lecturer. Visit her


EFFORTLESSLEY LIVING Most of us wish wecouldlivelifelesslikewewereonaconveyorbelt! Claire Beegan shares3simplestepstoboost your mood andenergy.

Doyouwish youhadmoreenergy so thatyou could enjoy life more? Do you havegood intentions to lookafteryourselfbutgetcaughtupinthebusy-nessoflife?

It’s easy to be constantly rushing around doing things. Our work life is busy, our social life is busy, even our relaxation time can get full of things we think we “should” be doing.

The consequence of this is that we can find ourselves “running on empty”. You wouldn’t expect your body to survive without food, so why do we expect our energy resources to survive without being recharged?

It’s when we take a pause to nourish and restoreourselves,thatwefindtheresourcesweneedtobeofourbest intheworld. Herearemytopthreetipsforgettingintouchwithyourenergyeffortlessly:

1. Take time out for yourself

Findsometimeinyourdaythatisjustforyou.Itmaybeaslittleas5minutes,theimportantthingisthatyoudevotethattimejusttoyourself.

You could read a favouritemagazine, drink a lovelycuppa,meditate or sit in thewarmth of a sunbeam.Anythingthatrestoresyouandmakesyoufeelgood.

Ifyoufindithardtoputyourownneedsbeforethe

needs of others, then remember the airplane safetyinstructions–putyourownmaskonfirst!

2. Do something you have never done before

Whenwe’rebusywecanoftengetstuckinthesameold routines. Perhaps there’s an activity or hobby orthatyou’vealwayswantedtotrybutyouneverseemtogetroundit.Thereisalwayssomuchotherstuffgoingon.

Whenwebreakoutofourusualroutineandtaketheinitiativetodosomethingnew,weexperiencegreaterenergyandaliveness!

So try a dance class, bungee jump, or wear thatamazingdress that youbought fora specialoccasionwhenyougooutshopping!

3.Develop an attitude of gratitude

Expressing gratitude is much more than a polite“thank you”. Gratitude completely shifts our energyfromanegativeperspective(whatwedon’thave)toapositiveone(onwhatisgoingwellforus).

Try keeping a Gratitude Diary. Each evening as yougo tobed,write aminimumof3 things that youaregrateful for that day. The simple act of noticing the“goodstuff”inourlivescanmakeapowerfulimpactonourfeelingsandstateofmind.

Each of these activities encourages energy to flow.Believeit,doitandyouwillseeit!

Previously a “work hard/play hard” professional,todayClaireBeeganisanadvocateofeffortlessliving.Havingearnedherstripesinthecompetitivecorporateworld -andnearlyburningherselfout in theprocess-Clairebelievesthatthere isanotherwaytocreatinghappiness and fulfillment. She is passionate abouthelpingpeoplesqueezethejuiceoflife!

Join Claire’s community at www.effortlessenergy.co.uktoreceiveweeklyinspirationsandtipstomakinglifemoreeffortlessandenjoyable!

SUMMER LOVING ForgetOlympics2012,MarverineColetalksweightloss,beerandGoddesses.

Girls,Iknowyou’vereadthattitleandyouwon’tbeabletobelieveit.Wellit’strue!Why?Because

I LOVE the range of tastes and flavours in a beer –there are over 3,500of themproduced in theUKbythe thousands of passionate, hardworking peopleemployed at the 850 or so microbreweries based inBritain.Therearesooooooooomanybeerstoexplore!

Over1.6millionwomenintheUKagreewithmetoo.Theysaytheyregularlyenjoyheadingtotheirfavouritepubanddrinkingrealale*(ortousetheofficialterm‘caskale’).Why?Cosit’sfreshandtasty.Ifyouhaven’tfound a beer you like it’s because you haven’t triedenough.

Ithrowpartiesforladies–elegant,educationalandfuneventstointroducewomentobeerandhelpthemunleashtheirloveofbeer.Notallbeersarebitter,andbeercertainly isn’t justawarm,brownliquidthatoldmen upNorthwhowear flat caps drinks. It’s vibrantandexcitingand if youdon’tbelievemeyou’dbettergetwiththeprogrammebecausetherearebeersoutthere which smell and taste of peaches, grapefruit,melon,strawberry,raspberryandhoney.

‘But what about the curse of the beer belly?’ I hearyoucry.Wellthebeerbellyisamyth.Mengetabeerbellyafterdowning10pintsandgobblingdownkebabsandburgersafterabignightout.NowI’mnotthesortofgirlwholikestoswilldownpintsofbeer.Isticktohalves.Beer isn’t fattening,Repeat.Beer isn’t fattening. It doesn’t contain cholesterol either. It’s ahealthynaturalproductmadeofmaltedbarley,hops,waterandyeast.Somebeershavewheat,spices,riceand sugar added too. The reality’s in the figures andyoujustneedtokeepaneyeonwhatyou’redrinking.Forexample

AnAlco-poparound4%(Smirnoffice)is193calories,alarge(250ml)glassof12%strengthwhitewineis185calories,thesamesize&strengthofaredwineis170calories, whereas half a pint of 5% beer or cider isaround 125 calories. (Source:www.drinkaware.co.uk)Irestmycase.

And didn’t you know that history indicates to the fact that women invented beer? Back around 2,000yearsBCinMesopotamia,tabletsofstonewerefoundcarvedwithhymnsandprayerstoNinkasi,theGoddessofBeer.

Back in England’s Middle Ages women were themainbrewersofbeer,itwasafoodstuffandsomethingthewholefamilydrank!

Beer is seen as the bad guy – lager louts, beerbellies and there’s always a picture of a pint in thenews when the subject of binge-drinking comes up.Butthankfullythingsseemtobechanging.Theworldis changing and waking up to a renaissance aboutbeer. In the last 6 months I’ve been asked on TV 3timestodofunbeer-tastings–checkoutBeerBeautyTV to see them all. (http://www.youtube.com/user/BeerBeauty?feature=watch)

If you’re not then go and support your local pubwhichservescaskale,checkoutyourbrewery(there’sbound to be one near you). Pubs and breweriesorganise events helping you to get to know beer.You could search the CAMRA website for your nextlocal beer festivals which have hundreds of beers totry (drag some willing girlfriends with you!) Or youcould subscribe to www.beerbeauty.co.uk for moreknowledge, fun and useful hints & tips about whichbeerstotryandwhattheytastelike.

Goon–makesureyou’reaheadofthegame!Thereis beauty inbeer and that’swhybeer is theultimategirlsBFF!*CaskAlereport


GET THE CASHHow does she do it,business inspirationLisa Parsons explainswhy Lloyds TSB is stillhelping entrepreneursfundtheirdreams.

Ifyouarelookingtotakeadvantageofnewopportunitiesandgrowyourcompany,fundingisoftenthekey.Butmanybusinessownersmaybeunsureastohowbestpreparetheirorganisationtosecurethefinancetheyneed.

Oneofthebestplacestostartiswithyourbusinessplan.Itisimportanttospendsometimecreatingaclear,strongplanwithfinancialforecasts,clearlythoughtoutfor thenext three tofiveyears. Youwill alsoneed toanticipateissueswhichmayrequireadditionalfinancegoingforward.Thisisanimportantfirststepthatwillgive both you and your bank a clear view of whichoptions will meet your business’ needs in the short,mediumandlong-term.

Beyond a good business plan, the bank will alsowant to see that your previous accounts are in orderand fully illustrate the past performance of yourbusiness.Youwillalsoneedtobeabletodemonstratewhat the fundingwill beused for anda clearoutlineof how you will pay the money back, and over howlong.Transparencyisavitalpartofthisprocess.Agoodbankingpartnerwillthenbeabletoofferguidanceonwhichfundingsolutionswillworkbestforyourbusinessandallowyoutoachieveyourambitions.AtLloydsTSBCommercial,wecanofferarangeofproducts tohelpyou,nomatterwhatyourrequirements.

Termloansareastructuredborrowingmethod,basedonlendingagainstasecurity-suchasyourcompany’sassetsoranotherformofguarantee.Overdraftfacilitiescan also provide a boost to your working capital ifyouareembarkingonaprojectthatmayimpactyourcashflow.Ifyouarelookingtopurchasenewbusinesspremises, a commercial mortgage can also provesuitable.

‘Lloyds TSB Commercial has also been one of the largest participants in the Government’s Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme. This allows viable and eligible businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million which lack lending security to apply for term lending for a number of purposes, including the improvement of working capital and partial consolidation of overdrafts. By the end of December 2011, we had offered more than 4,850 EFG loans, worth £362 million – nearly 29 per cent of all loans granted through the scheme so far.’

WealsoparticipateintheEuropeanInvestmentBank(EIB) loan scheme, which offers viable businesses uptoa0.8percentreductiononinterestratesonloans.Werecentlysecuredanextratrancheoffundingworth£150million tocontinue to supportbusinessesunderthisscheme.

We are committed to supporting small businessesacross the UK, approving eight out of ten loan andoverdraftrequests,and in2011LloydsBankingGrouplent a total of £12.5billion to SMEs, andhasmadeaunilateral commitment to lend at least £12 billion in2012.

It is important for business owners to never justassume they will be unable to secure finance fromtheir bank. By creating a strong business plan andclearly demonstrating how the funding will be used,businesseswillbeinthebestpossiblepositiontoaccessthelendingtheyneed.

LisaistheonlyfemaleAreaDirectoracross23roleswithinCommercialBankingandisastrongadvocatefordiversityinbusinessandactivelypromotesthebenefitsof having a flexible approach to balancing work andhomelife.

LisalivesinavillagejustoutsideCambridge,shehasa4hourroundtripcommutetoherofficeintheWestEnd and she successfully juggles a demanding careeralongsidebeingasingleparenttotwochildrenaged13and8

THINK AND STRESS LESSMargot Toppinonwhyweneedtochangeourapproachtolifeinordertostresslessandgrowrich.

The clock is ticking away fast; days arerunningintoweeksandintomonths.Wearealreadyattheendofthe2ndmonthoftheyear.Iknoweveryoneisgettingonwellwiththeir resolutions; eating well, we are not

goingtocallitdieting,exercisingmoreandperformingwellintheirjobsandbusinesses.

Didyouknowthatafterfoodandwater,oneofourbasic human needs is Sleep?We humans cannot dowithout Sleep and sleep deprivation affects both themindandthebodyadversely.Sleepisvitaltoourhealthandwell being. The body andmind need that restfultimetorechargereadyforthenextday’scomplex lifeissueswewouldthrowatit.

Our internal body clock regulates our bodilyfunctions, i.e. the sleep and wake cycle, body

temperature,enzymeandhormoneproductionamongmanyothers.Scientiststellusthatthegrowthhormoneisproducedatnight–melatonin(darkskin)inthenightwhile testosterone production peaks in the morning.Our modern day life style, especially globetrottingleadingtojetlags;excesscaffeineintake;shiftworkandsocial events counteract the functions of our internalbodyclockandthatoverasustainedperiodlandsusinhealthtroubles.

You know you have not been sleeping well whenyou begin to have fuzzy-head, become irritable andexperiencehigherlevelsoffatigue.Researchhasshownthat short term sleep deprivation (4 hour for 6 days)increasestheriskofhighbloodpressure;increasesthelevels of cortisol in your blood, stress hormone, andincreases resistance to insulin, a precursor to type 2diabetes.Chronicsleepdeprivationincreasestheriskofobesity,heartdisease,strokeanddiabetes.Thefindingshighlightedthefactthatpeople’scognitiveabilitiesandmemory is significantly impaired after a few days ofsleepdeprivation.

Help isathandincaseyouhavenotbeensleepingwell and worried about the effects that it will haveon your health. The goodnews is there is no normalamountofsleepthatanyindividualshouldhave,whatmatters ishowwellyousleep.Havingsaid that,mostadults need between 7 – 9 hours sleep. Our sleeprequirementschangeaswegrowolder,adultsneedinglessthanchildren.

Herearesomesimpletipstohelpyouimproveyoursleeppattern: -eatwell;exercise;avoidcoffee late inthedayand ifyoumusthaveanap,make itshort20minutes.

Wind down late in the day, have warm bath; getyourself a comfortable bed; have a fixed time forgoing to bed and rising up; sleep in a quiet anddarkenvironmentandlastlydonotlieinbedworrying.Ifyoucannotsleepforanyreason,getoutofbed,readtillyoufeelsleepythenreturntoyourbed.YourbedshouldbeforonlytwothingssleepingandIletyouworkouttheother.Ifyoureallyhaveaproblemwithsleeping–thatiscalledinsomnia,sopleaseseeahealthprofessional.

Whetheryouareanearlybird,alarkwhodoesnotlistentothe10o’clocknewsoranightowlwhodoesnotgotobedbeforemidnight,justmakesureyouhaveagoodsleepwhenyoudoandwatchhowdepressionand irritability start to disappear. Your concentrationandjudgementthroughoutthedayimprovesandyourperformanceandcreativityrisetoanewlevels.Thisiswhereyouincreaseyourearningpower.

Forahealthyyou,withmindandbodyperformingattheirbest,givingyouafulfilledlife,haveagoodnight.

ShirleyMensahisaNurseandLifeCoachandyoucancontactherabout sleeporonanyother life issuesatwww.NoMoreLimits.co.uk


Stepping into the Spotlight!We hear from a new generation of rising stars who are breaking the rules and following their intuition to start

and grow businesses from the soul!


Leah Charles-King began her career intelevisionin2001,asthefirstblackfemaleTV presenter on Children’s ITV, following10yearsinthemusicindustryasamemberofchartsellinggirl-band,Kleshay.

Since then Leah has presented shows for BBC,The Disney Channel and also major Americannetwork BET as their main on screen host, allwatched bymillions of viewers everyweek. Leahis also a winner of the prestigious Screen NationAwardforBestYouthandChildren’sPresenter.

In2005,LeahbecameabornagainChristian,andas member of Kensington Temple in London, hasdedicatedherfaithandtalenttobearolemodeltopeoplethroughthemedia.SheisalsoamentorforyoungchildreninthefostercareinWestminster.

In2011,LeahlaunchedKookieLaLaBoutique,aquirkyvintageanddesignere-commercestoreasawayofofferingyoungpeople interested in fashionandmediaaninternship-wheretheycanlearnhowtorunabusinessandbementoredbyLeahherself.

NowalsoaTVProducer,Leahhopestouseherwork inmedia to inspire young people and has aparticularinterestinempoweringyoungwomen.

What does your business do?

I run a media production company alongsidemy e-commerce boutique. Everything I do inmy businesses is to encourage, educate andenlighten young people to go after their dreamsnomatter howmany people tell you your dreamisnotpossibleor realistic.Whether thatbe inmypersonable approach when hosting TV; producingprogrammes or mentoring young women withinmyonlineboutiqueat www.KookieLaLa.com andKookieLaLaTV.

What was your biggest challenge in setting up/running your business?

My biggest challenge in running my businessis time management!! As a wife, friend, sister,aunty,daughterandbusinesswoman,timeisoftheessenceandfindingtimetomanagealltheserolesto the highest standard whilst still maintaining adailyrelationshipwithGodisalwaysmybiggestanddailychallenge!

How would you describe your leadership style?

Iwoulddescribemyleadershipstyleasfriendly,approachableandopentotheneeds,thoughtsandideasofotherpeople. It is importanttobeagoodlisteneraswellastalker. Ibelieveyougetthebestoutofpeoplewhenyoushowrespecttoothersandarekeentovaluetheirideasandinspirations.

Who inspires you in business?

My husband, Anthony David King inspires memost in business, because he teaches me manythingsonadailybasis.HehasinspiredmetocreateabusinessmodelwhichisnotjustaboutmyselfandwhatIcangainoutoflife,butonhowtohelpothersinstead,byutilisingmyGodgivenskillsandextensiveexperience.HeisagreatexampleandImostadmirehisdeterminationtohelpchildrenandyoungpeopleineducation.Thisinspiresmethemostandsetsanexampleformetolearnincreatingandimplementthesevalueswithinmyownbusinesses.

What do you believe is the biggest misconception about being in business?

Oneof thebiggestmisconceptionsaboutbeinginbusinessisthatit’seasyandanyonecandoit!Intheory,yesanyonecanstartabusinesshowever ifyouarehopingforlongevityyoumustbewillingandhardworkingenough togo thatextramile–evenwhen you don’t feel like it! Also im a stickler forprofessionalism,goodserviceandpositiverapport,soIwouldsaythatthisisalsokey.

What keeps you upbeat in a down economy?

Whatkeepsmeupbeatis“hope”!IhopeandIprayandIhavefaith.Withoutfaith,

fearwouldkick inandthenjustgettingoutofbedbecomesahardthingtodo!!

How are you breaking the business mould?

I am hoping to break the business mould bystayingtruetomybeliefsandneverrelentingonmyvisionandinspirationtohelpothers.Iamnotsureif this isbreakingthemould inatraditionalsense,but I am clear that in a materialist, get rich nowrealityculture,Ithinkit’simportanttoshowyoungwomenfromallbackgrounds,butmostparticularlytheunder-privilegedthatthereismoretolifethanoversexualisingyourselfanddemeaningyourselftogetahead.

What advice would you give to ensure women remain in love with their business?

TheadviceIwouldgivetowomenismakesureyouchoosetherightbusiness!Thinklongandhard.Don’tjustgooutonawhimortomakeafastbuck.Businessislikeamarriage,youhavetoloveitwhentimesaregoodandbad,andputa lotofeffort in.In the down-times you cant justwalk away if youdon’t like itanymorebecauseyoualreadymadeacommitmenttoitandsoyouhavetotryeverythinginyourpowertomakeitwork.

Somyadviceistoensureyourbusinesschoiceistherightoneforyou.Youcanachievethisbyplentyofresearch,research,research(almostlikedating!),beforeyoumakeafulllifelongcommitmenttoit.

What are you saying yes to in business?

• I am saying yes to being a voice andadvocateforyoungwomenandtobeafaceofinspirationforthemasarolemodelandmentor.

• Iamsayingyestospeakingatmoreeventsandnetworkingwithlike-mindedindividualsworldwide.

• Iamsayingyestomorecollaborationswithotherbusinessesandindividuals.

• Iamsayingyestopushingmyselffurthertogaincloserimpacttomyvisionandpurposeoverthenext12monthsandbeyond.

TheStyleGuruLeahCharlesKing


Sharon Mclean is a qualified counsellorand director of a family therapy centrewhich offers professional counselling toindividuals,couplesandfamilies.Butwhatshe is most passionate about is helping

peoplefulfiltheirpotential.

Through her training consultancy BusinessWith Excellence she offers courses, seminarsand networking opportunities to individuals andorganisationswhowanttodeveloptheir ideasandgrow their business and social enterprise. Withher love for networking, she established the BWENetworkingexhibitionswhichenablebusinessestocomeandpromotetheirproductsandservicesandRAINwhichisareferralandintroducersnetworks.


Business With Excellence focuses on training,mentoring and networking events. I undertakepublic speaking and consultancy for start upbusinessesandthosewantingtogrow.


Mybiggestchallenge insettingupandrunningmy business was the lack of business supportavailableforwomeninbusiness.AtthetimeIwasgettingadvicefromexbankmanagerswhodidnotreallyunderstandthechallengesIfaced.ThispartlyinfluencedmetosetupBWE.


My leadership style is that of a facilitator role,allowing people to explore and learn in differentways.

Who inspires you in business and why?

Iaminspiredbymanybusinesspeople,myclientswhoIworkwithwhohaveovercomechallengesbutarestillpassionateandfocusedaboutwhattheyaredoinginspiremethemost.Butmymaininspirationismydad.Icallhimthebusinessopportunistashehas taken opportunities at the right time withouthesitationsuchasinvestments,propertiesandjointventureswithotherbusinesspeopleanddoneverywell.


That you can run any business you want. Insomewaysthatstatementmaybetrueintermsofconfidence and passion but if you do not have anaudiencewhowantyourproductsandservicesthenyourbusinesswillnotbeabusiness.


Focus. Knowing that people still require myservices and looking for areas wheremy businesscanmeetaneed.CelebratingandappreciatingthesmallmilestonesinbusinessandthefactthatIamstillrunningmybusiness


Networking,networkingandmorenetworking.Itisimportanttokeepbuildingalltypesofrelationshipsthatwillbenefityourbusiness.


Dowhat you love and love what you do. Useevery available gift/resource you have in yourbusiness. Look for an audienceof peoplewhowillbe interested in your products or services. Treatyourcustomersexceptionallywell.Focusonhelpingothers in business. They will return the favourback indifferentwaysandgetasmuchsupportaspossible.Nooneisanisland.


Partnership working; joint ventures andinnovativewaysofproviding thesameproductsorservice.Iamdefinitelylookingtousesocialmediamoreinmybusinessandbewillingtotakeonnewopportunities.

For more informaiton about Business WithExcellencevisit:www.businesswithexcellence.com

TERESA POTOCKA onwhyworkingwithfempreneursacrossculturesmakessense.

Teresa Potocka is a futurist; founder ofPotocki Communications and foundingchairman of Conservative Friends ofPoland.Withovertenyears’experienceinmarketing,businessdevelopmentand

communications,TeresaappliedherentrepreneurialexperiencetosetupConservativeFriendsofPolandas a cross-border platform four years ago. Shecontinues to lead theorganisationwith the aimoffosteringbetterlinksbetweentheUKandPolandasapartoftheBigSocietyinitiative.Herrolesincludestrategic direction, communications, operationsmanagement, fundraising, and the formation ofpartnerships.

What unmet value does your organisation provide to its target audience?

Our membership is diverse and the issuesvary broadly from sector to sector. Due to ourcountrywidereach,itispossibletocommunicateonanumberof issues inBritainthatrelatetogrowth,enterprise, and social change and also to exploretheseacrossborder.

Are Polish women are making great breakthroughs in business?

Womenholdseniorpositionsinanumberoffields.Havingsaidthismorewomenarevisibleininfluentialpositionsandhavealsomadegreatstridesinrecentyears. Examples of successes in Britain includecreatorofBIBA:BarbaraHulanickiwhowasrecentlyawardedanOBE; theportraitartistBasiaHamiltonthedesigner:BasiaZarzycka.

What is the biggest misconception about Polish women in business?

Generally, there is a misunderstanding regardingtheeffortittakesforwomeninbusinesstosucceedin their respective fields. More support is neededacrosstheboard.

Who inspires you?

Marie Skłodowska-Curie, the Polish Physicist andchemist honoured with two Nobel Prizes, and thepoet, Wisława Szymborska, honoured with oneNobelPrize-theirbelief,determinationandtenacity.

What do you want to see more of for Polish Women?

A rebalancing of the values in commerce andindustry is well overdue. I quote Joseph Nye:“Women’snon-hierarchicalstyleandrelationalskillsfitaleadershipneedinthenewworldofknowledge-based organizations and groups that men, onaverage,arelesswellpreparedtomeet.”

Do you work with other Polish women internationally and how?

I collaborate on a number of projects with bothmen and women of differing cultural backgroundschange and transformation to happen at all levels,culturallyandsocially.

What have been some of the greatest challenges facing Polish women in business?

In Poland women have historically been put ona pedestal therefore the challenges have beendifferentandrelatedmoretotheirchosenfieldandtheenvironmentthefindthemselvesinthefuture.

TheConnector:SharonMclean


Antonia Chitty is an award winningentrepreneur and author. Together withbusiness partner Erica Douglas, Antoniaworks to help small business ownerssucceedwithtraininginbusinessstrategy,

PR,marketingandsocialmedia.Shehasapassionforsupportingmumswhowanttosucceedinbusiness,andblogsonworkingparentissuesandflexibleworkatwww.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk.

Why put the ‘Mum’ into Entrepreneur?

Likeitorhateit, isagreatwaytoexplainsuccinctlythat ‘mum’ and ‘business owner’ can fit togetherperfectly.

I started working myself because once I became amumbeingemployeddidn’tfit– Iwasspendingallmysalaryonchildcareandneverseeingmydaughter.Becoming a mum and an entrepreneur wereenmeshedfromthestart.Ibecamepassionateaboutspreading the word about the opportunities formumsinbusinessasIwrotethebookFamilyFriendlyWorkinganddevelopedtheblog.

Theriseofthemumpreneurhasenabledthousandsof women to see that there is an alternative tobeing trapped in jobs thehateor trapped at homeandunable tofindflexiblework. Everytime Ihearofawomanfollowingherpassionand inspiringherchildrenI’mthrilled.

What are some of the reasons why mums dismiss the idea of running their own businesses?

We’ve looked into this in some depth and wediscoveredthemainreasonsarefearoffailure,lackoftimeandlackofconfidence

Do you believe the corporate culture is designed against mothers and why?

The corporate culture was created back in a timewhen women stayed at home and men went outto work and it has not adapted to modern reality,wherewomenliketoworkandmenwanttobemoreinvolved with the family. True equality isn’t alwaysaboutdoingthesamejobs,thereneedstobeareal

choiceforbothmenandwomen,sotherolesofchildrearingandbringing inan incomecanbedivided inwaysthatsuiteachfamily.

What working woman inspires you and why?

Iam inspiredbyrealworkingmumswhoarenot inthelimelight.NadineLewisrunsMedicalIDBraceletsandSarahSadlerthebrainsbehindOrganisedMum.They run successful businesses, persist when timesare difficult and do this all while still being reallycommittedtotheirfamilies. Theyaresupportiveofothersandhappytosharetheirbusinessknowledge.Ithinkthatsortofopennesspaysdividendsinthatyouwilllearnasyoushare.Ithinkthisisastyleofworkingthat women are particularly strong in: cooperatingandsharingbusinessknowledgecanonlyhelpusallgrow.

Is there a synergy between mumpreneurs and the Big Society agenda?

Definitely, and it is interesting to see a small butsignificantnumberof people inmynetwork settingupsocialenterprises.Manywomen(notjustmums)go into business because they have a passion tohelp people andworking as a social enterprise cancombine the drive to help with the need to run abusinessandmakealiving.

What super hero powers should mumpreneurs have and why it would benefit their business?

Mumpreneurs already have superhero powers! Themultitasking mumpreneur has the ability to makethe most of every moment, to focus intently andcomplete the task inhandbeforemovingon to thenext job,whichmaybe completelydifferent. Thesesuper-skillsmakemumsidealsmallbusinessowners.The mumpreneurs’ equivalent of kryptonite isover-stretch –when youfind yourself saying yes toeverything,havingnotimeforyourself,andneithercompleting tasks to the standard you want norkeepingupwithdeadlines.

What is the biggest misconception about mumpreneurs?

Thebiggestmisconceptionisthatmumpreneursarehomogenous. There are mums who want to bringin a fewquid to fund a hobbyor a few treats, andmumpreneurswhohaveplansforaglobalbusiness.There are mums who run their business fromhome with the children present, and those whorunofficebasedbusinessesandoperate9-5. Some‘mumpreneurs’ are dads, some are grandparents.What bringsmumpreneurs together, though, is thedesiretomakeabetterlifefortheirfamiliesthroughrunning their own business. Never underestimatea mumpreneur: becoming a parent and running abusinesstoimprovelifeforyourchildrenisoneofthebiggestmotivatorsthereis.

What next for Antonia Chitty and the mumpreneur agenda?

It’s all about growingourbusiness, sowe canoffermore to business owners who want flexible andaffordabletraining.Wehaveambitiousplansforthebusiness and right now are really pleasedwith theway thingsaredeveloping, so keepingon the samepathisgoingtobekey.Ithinkthelogicalnextstepformanymumpreneursistohaveabusinessthatdoesn’tsimply offer products or services for other mums,butwhich is respectedasa leadingbusinesswithinits industry. That’s certainly true forACEInspire:wedon’t want to simply supply training and businessgrowth support to mums with businesses, but toany microbusiness or SME that needs flexible andaffordabletraining.

KAREN BIRCH onwhyinternationalwomensdayneedstobemorethancommercialism

I think that International Women’s Day is toooftenused to raise theprofileof companiesandorganizations rather than to raise real issuesthataffectwomen.Ibelieveitisfarbettertogetinvolvedinprojectsthatcansupportwomenevery

daythantorelyonannualoneoffspectacularsthatmaynotdeliverlastingbenefits

Who is your inspirational Shereo and why?

Idon’thaveaheroorshero-everypersonhasgoodbitsandbadbitssoIprefertolooktoinfluentialactionratherthanlioniseanyindividualmanorwoman.

Karenco-foundedthe3rdimagazinetoinform,inspireand involve women in all areas of work. She is aserialentrepreneur;oneoftheUK’s50entrepreneurambassadors. I alsowork to support youngwomenandwomenescapingdomesticviolence.

TheVisionaryAntoniaChitty


Havingspentthe lastdecadesupportingmybusinesspartnerinbringingideastolife, SharonWarmington created Suiteof Services Ltd (SoS) to fullyutilisemyuniqueskillsofturningchaosintocalm.

Ihelpclientsinvariousaspectsoftheirbusinessfrombuilding strong infrastructures to project/changemanagement.

SoS is a well-known distress service and myclients contact me when they are in distress andneed someone who can position themselves inanysituationand turn itaround. WithinSoS thereare several companies including; PA SoSwhich is asecretarial service; Training SoS which focuses onpersonaldevelopmentprimarilymotivationalmind-set shifting; Cleaning SoS where we have a smallteam who provide excellent private and industrialcleaningservicesandHandySoSwhichprovidesan‘oddjobman’service.

SoSisaonestopshop-makethecallandwewillsourcethesolutionin-houseorout.Iamstillinvolvedin Leaf Log which is a biomass fuel made fromnaturallyfallentreeleaveswhichwouldotherwisegointolandfill.Havingsecuredhighvolumecustomers,webecameavictimofourownsuccessanddecidedtorelocatethefactoryoverseastoreduceoverheads.

What were some of the major challenges when starting up the business?

Themajorchallengesincludesourcingfinanceandconvincing those who had the money that you’ddonetheresearchandknew/understoodthemarket.

What are some of the major challenges of growing an eco-friendly business?

Somethingsarejustaheadofitstime.Gettingthelocalauthoritytore-directtheleavestothefactorycausedmajorchallengesandintheendjustdidnothappen despite them having to stop land filling.Renewable energy is still very much an unknownentityandunlessyouhaveaccesstoendlesspotsofmoney,itishardtogetthingsofftheground.

Highlight of business career?

WinningtheShellSpringboardAwardforinnovationandbeatingBirminghamUniversity!Thehighlightisalso realising thatbeing inbusinesshasopenedup

theworldandpossibilitiestomychildrenwhonowthinkoutsidetheboxandthattheirlifeislimitless.

Why is it important for business owners to have a mentor?

I’ve had various role models and mentors and Ithink that theycanchangeaccording towhereyouareinyourlife.MyrolemodelsincludedOprahandIyanla Vanzant for obvious reasons. My businessmentorwasandstillis[althoughheliveinAmerica],BenWaywhocaughtmyeyewhenheappearedonSecretMillionaire.IalsorecentlymetDorothyCookwho is a multi-millionaire Ardyss Distributor whomovedmetoactionatarecentseminarsomuchsothatIcried.

Is it important for women to play the game in business or should they be breaking the rules more?

Mymotto has always been, I will play the gameso long as I know the rules. I’veworkedwith andaround men for a long time now and I think I dounderstandtherulesofthegamewhichissimilartomarriage–letthemthinktheyhavetheupperhand–knowwhatyouknowanddon’tbeatthemupaboutit!! Idolikeworkingwithmenbecauseinbusinesstheyaremorestraight-forwardbutwomentoohavea large contribution to make and drive everythingforwardregardlessofwhoisattheforefront.

What does the government need to do less of in order to get women starting up and growing more businesses in the downturn?

Personally I don’t think the government shouldfit into the equation. I started in business havingrecentlycomethroughadivorceandfoundmyselfonmyownwithtwoyoungchildren[6and3].Itdidn’tstopme–yesit’shardbutlifeishard,itwashardforourparentsanditwillbeheardforourchildrentoo.Sometimeswewillrun,sometimeswewillwalkandsometimeswewillcrawl–solongaswearemovingforwardatalltimes,thenwewillsucceed.Standingstillisnotanoption.

What do women need to do more in order to start and grow more businesses in the

downturn?

Believeinthemselvesandnotlistentodoubters.If you were a bank manager for the day

what would you do to help businesses?

Remove the bureaucracy and allow decisions tobemademorequickly. Notallbusinessesaregoodideasorcanworkbutthosethatare,needimmediatesupportratherthanendlessformfillingandjumpingthroughhoops.

Whatbouncebackadvicewouldyougivetowomeninbusiness? It isnothowmanytimesyou fallbuthowyouriseafterfalling.Failureispartofsuccess,youcannothavethemountainswithoutthevalleys–it’sthevalley’sthatmakethemountains.

Share 3 time management tips which will help women to run their business more efficiently?

•Involve your family asmuchaspossible–thatway they [and you] won’t feel like you arecheatingthemofyourtime.

•Mixbusinesswithpleasure,i.e.ifyouareawayon business, tag a few extra days onto it be-causeholidaysarerare.

•DiaryandcolourcodeEVERYTHING–youdon’tstop being awife/mum so thiswill help keeptrack.IevendiarywhenIneedtoputmyrecy-clingbinsout.

Intuition or facts in business?

Both; but try to listen to your ‘gut’ because it’susuallyright.

Share a lesson from your mother that has served you well in business?

Whenyouhavetheknowledge,peoplehavetopaytogetitoutofyourhead.

“Why I wouldn’t be doing anything else but this is because”

IamnotlimitedtowhereIwork,whoIworkforandhowmuch I earn. I candoanything, goanywhereandlivemylifetothefull.

TheInnovatorSharonWarmington

Sharonwithecofriendlyleaflog


Careeta Robert-Green is one of the UK’syoungest certified Life Coaches. Aftertraining as a Life coach she realised thata lotof youngpeoplewerenotachievingbecause they were crippled with a lack

of confidence or motivation to realise their dreams.Careetawantedtospreadapositivemessagethatweall have special skills, talents and GIFTS that we canusetohelpustobesuccessful.ShewentontolaunchAwardwinningBornwithaGIFT,acoachingcompanysetuptoempower,motivateandinspireyoungadults(18-30years).

BornwithaGIFTrecentlywonPersonalDevelopmentOrganisationoftheYear2011attheBYAchievementAwards. In 2010 Careeta was a finalist for YoungEntrepreneur and Best Start up Business of the yearforthePreciousAwards.ShealsowonanAchievementAwardfromDescendantsYouthGroupandaKingstonUniversity Graduate Award. A seasoned Vlogger,CareetaisaVirginMediaPioneeraschemesetupbySirRichardBransonandhasattractedastrongfollowingforhervideoblogs.Havingworkedalongsidesomeofthetopentrepreneurs intheUKshehasmanagedtogaininspirationfromthehighestlevels.Shelivesbythephilosophy“WhosaidIcan’t?”andworkstospreadamessagethatweareallBornwithaGIFTthroughhereventcompany.


Born with a Gift aims to empower, motivateand inspire 18-30 year old young professionals,entrepreneurs, students and graduates to “unwraptheirinnerGIFTs”throughinnovativecoachingevents.


BeingoneoftheUK’syoungestcertifiedLifeCoachesitwaschallenginginthebeginningforpeopletotakeme seriously as a coach. The average coach rangedfrom 40+ years and there I was telling people I’m aCoachthatcanempowerthemtoachievetheirgoals!Igotthefunnylooks,therudecomments,thethrownbusinesscardsonthefloorbutallofthisinspiredmetokeepstrivingandmotivatedmetopursue.


I believe everyone has a voice; I listen to teammembersandaskfortheirfeedbackfromourevents.Ivalueeveryonethathelpsoutandunderstandthatwearealldifferentandhave towork together. Ihavea

leadbyexampletypeofleadershipwhereIdowellandensurethatweallareworkingtowardsthesamegoals.

Who inspires you in business and why?

Therearemanypeople that inspireme inbusiness;Ihavebeenhonoured tohavegreatmentors suchasSoniaBrownMBEandother leading ladies. HoweverBev James is very inspiring tomeas shehas taken alead role in bringing the Coaching Academy to theforefrontof theWorldandhaspublishedanamazingbooktoempowerotherstoachievetheirdreamsalso.


I believe people sometimes get business mixed upwith a fairytale story. They think that one day youwakeupandallofyourproblemsaresolvedbecauseyou have a business. You can wake up when youwant, you have unlimitedmoney pouring from a tapand every ill in the world is solved! Reality is thatmost entrepreneursworkVERYhard for thefirst fewyearswith little or no budget. Theymake sacrifices,budgetandcrackasmileforsanitysakewhilsttheygetthebusinessoffthegroundandensure that theyareaddingvaluetopeople’slives.


IknowthatwhatIdohasimpactandpositiveresultsare occurring from the workshops I have created;motivational talks I have done and coaching I havedone.Peoplearetakingcontroloftheirlivesandbeinghappyinwhattheydo.Whenyourealiseitisnotaboutme it is aboutwhat you can do for others; then youhave littletime to focus on the downeconomy. Youfindwaystomakebusinessworksothatyoucanbeofserviceandstillpaythebills.


I am providing a positive environment for youngprofessionals, entrepreneurs, students and graduatesto come together, learn, share and grow throughpowerfulcoachingtools.Thistargetgrouptraditionallymeet up for social events but now they connect andare inspired andmotivated to succeed in life. Sincelaunching inNovember2011wehavehad2 soldoutevents,5amazingguestspeakersandnearly200youngpeopleattend!Therehavebeenbusinessrelationshipsformed,peoplehavebouncedback from redundancyand some have regained their confidence. There isnoquickfixthat iswhyweprovideevents thatoccurthroughout the year to enablepeople to refresh andrenewwhattheyhavelearnt.


FindyourGIFT,whatisitthatyouarenaturallygoodat?Do you have a skill that peoplewill pay you for?Most successful businesses are formed from peoplewhoaredoingwhattheylove.Itmaynotpayatfirstbut eventually when you find a businessmodel thatworks best for you then you can potential form abusinessfromyourGIFT.


IsayyestobelievinginmyselfwhenotherstoldmeIwouldfail,Isayyestocontinualpersonaldevelopment,I say yes to always finding ways to add value to theworkshops and creating useful content to empowerotherstosayyesintheirlivesto.RememberasHenryFordsays“Whetheryouthinkyoucanoryoucan’tyouareright”

Formoreinformationvisitwww.bornwithagiftevents.com

LISA NEWTON onwhyInternationalWomen’sDayMatters

IthinkInternationalWomen’sDayisagreatwaytodrawattentiontoandcelebratethecontributionwhichwomenmaketotheworld,yetrarelygetacknowledgementfor.Womenmaymakeuproughlyhalftheworld’spopulation,buttheirfinancialstatusandsocialstandingisfarfromequaltotheirmalecounterparts.SoIthinkoneday,onceayeartorecognisemums,grandmothers,sisters,aunts,cousins,womengenerallyforthepositivevaluethattheyaddisverygood.Andmuchneeded.

Who is your inspirational Shereo and why?

OprahWinfrey.IhavetorateOprahforhundredsofreasons-shewasbornintoabjectpoverty,thesurvivorofchildabuse,startedfromNOTHING,hasverypubliclysharedherstoryandpersonalbattlewithweight-lossissuesandhascreatedamultimilliondollarnetwork;existedontopofhergameandcreatedHARPOstudiosandherownnetworkwithherowninspirationalshowsfrom the past 25 years and has her own magazinewhichshe ison the frontcoverofeach issue. I thinkshe’samazing.She’stouchedmillionsoflivesandshe’sgivenback.Shebuiltaschool inSouthAfricaforgirlsandsheunderstandsthattostarttochangeanation,to get somewhere - you start with the women andgirls. Oprah is amazing. The richest black woman intheworld-self-madebillionaire,andstillhasthetitleMISSOprahWinfrey.She’sbuiltotherscareerse.g.DrPhil,SuzeOrmanandothers.Anditwasonhershowinthelate1990s-whereIfirstsawtheauthorRobertKiyosakidiscussinghisbook ‘RichDadPoorDad’thatinspiredmetoadaptcertainphilosophiesandtostartmyownbusiness.3tips Igot fromthatshow:1.Payyourselffirst2.Therichdon’tworkformoneyand3.Beabusinessownerand/orinvestor.Itchangedmylife.

Lisa Newton is founder of award-winning BooglesLtd - a company providing bookkeeping services,bookkeeping books and bookkeeping franchises intheUK.Lisaisanentrepreneur,authorandnetworker.She’s never had a full time 9 to 5 in her life, andfoundedBoogleswith£150(£100fromtheoverdraft,£50fromhermum),inthesamemonthofgraduatingfromuniversitywww.LisaNewton.co.uk.

TheInspirerCareetaRobertGreen


Turly Humphries is the CEO of CircleSportwhichuses itssportsshopasavehicletoget long-termunemployedyoungsters into permanentemployment by training them in

customer service and using life coaches to gettheirmindsintoworkmode.Assoonastheyhaveselectedthenewinternstheyareplacedona13weektrainingprogrammewheretheyaretaughtnewbusinessandemployability skills;aswellastrying to develop their entrepreneurial skills astheyaretrainedonallaspectsofbusinessset-up.

Circle Sports was recently rolled out byWestminsterasthe idealBigSocietyprojectandhave been accepted as an outcome for Marks& Spencer’s corporate and social responsibilityproject. Circle Sport has been so successful ingetting local youngsters in jobs that they arepiloting a training program for Job Centre Pluswhich will get ten Westminster youngsters intopermanent work or an apprenticeship everythirteenweeks.

“As a single parent and themother of a goodsportsman, I have been running around fromcrickettofootballtorugbyfieldsandIunderstandhow important team sports are to youngpeople”saysTurly.“Iwantedtousethecompanytohelp youngpeople to get into sports andgetintopermanent jobs. I feltthatCircleSportwasagreatwaytobringbenefits foryoungstersandthe way that everyone becomes equal is whentheyplayinateam,whichareskillstheyneedintheworkplace.Therewerenoothercompaniesoffering this social conscious to business and Iwantedtohelpthelocalcommunitymore.”

“Runningacharity is verydifficultandyouarerelyingonfundingwhiletryingtobesustainable.The funding has to be allocated and used verycarefullyandresponsibly.Thereislittleroomforflexibilityifotheropportunitiescomeupbecausethe money has been so rigidly enforced by theTrustees”continuesHurley.“TheJobCentrePluscontractedustotrain15youngstersandthenthismovedto4timesperyear.Thishasenabledustoachievestrongersustainabilityandallowsustoplanforthelongtermwiththebusiness.”

“ForCircleSport,byworkinginjointventures,itmakesastrongersocialimpactifwepartnerwithcomplimentarycompanies.WeareworkingwithBike Works which means we can provide theirclients with customer service training and theywilltrainouryoungpeopletoNVQlevelonbikemaintenance.”

“Wechange the livesofyoungpeopleand theendresultwillgivethemfinancial independenceandmake them good community citizens” sheconcludes.“Weallowpeoplewhohaveneverhadtheopportunitytorealisetheirpotentialtogetonthe first rungs of the ladder for independenceby getting them a job or if they demonstrateentrepreneurial skills we will set them up inbusiness.”

ONE TO WATCH IN WESTMINSTERTurleyHumphries

CEO


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