Before I had children, I made my decisions about work based on the assumption that one day, it would all stop to start a family. I was always passionate about doing a fantastic job but was told I lacked ambition and drive. It turns out this was because my ambition and drive hadn’t been born yet.

As soon as my children were born, I needed something that I could not find from any employer. The biggest benefit for me of being a leader of my own business is the amount of freedom I get. If I could rewind the clock, being my own boss would’ve always been my number one goal. Mums in business are fiercely passionate about their ‘why’ and will do everything to protect it. This drive alone means that they won’t fail, if only they have the courage to try.

Redundancy mindset

It’s forced upon you, and you have no control or choice over the decisions made which make your hard work, years of loyalty and stability, just vanish. I truly believe that it was my mindset at this point in my life that has led me to where I am now. I didn’t want to jump back into stability for the sake of it as I’d spent years there and nothing much had changed. I felt liberated by the fact I had nothing to lose and that feeling was a good one. I didn’t want to give it up for any old thing. My next move had to be the right one.

Women in leadership

Mum guilt is real. Society expects women, and especially mothers, to work as if we don’t have responsibilities at home, and by the same token, dedicate ourselves to our families and home lives as if we don’t have responsibilities at work. This can make us feel like we must choose between the 2. This is unrealistic and, quite frankly, archaic. In fact, if we can challenge this assumption, and see more women sat around the table leading organisations with empathy and understanding of what it really takes to carry the mental load of life and work, we will be growing more inclusive and empowering organisational cultures where we can get the absolute best out of people. And guess what? Organisations will be more productive as a result.

Trust your gut

Every big step change in my life, from my first job to setting up my business, I have always believed that ‘everything happens for a reason’. On reflection, it is believing this that has driven me to trust my gut instinct. I respond to every situation with quick decision and the true belief that everything will come good in the end. I feel resilient at the thought of failure and never think too far ahead.

Imposter Syndrome

Anyone else who works in learning and development will know how hard it is to tell people about what we do. I’ve always kept it brief and swiftly moved on. I’ve always believed that I don’t have anything interesting to say that people will want to hear. I think this belief comes from years of expectations. Expectations from family, teachers, colleagues, and previous managers that I must do more to be ambitious to succeed. The truth is, I never knew what I really wanted! My goal was to be happy doing what I do, and I always got bored quickly, so have been open to new and exciting opportunities. It is only now, I have realised that it is my ability to take opportunities, try new things, take risks, and fly by the seat of my pants that has served me well! It was never the goal or the destination, it was the approach I took to get there that taught me so much. Having this understanding of myself and my strength to adapt and apply myself to new things has given me confidence.

Being in business has forced me to challenge years of uncertainty around the path I should be on and to believe that what I say does hold value, and my story inspires others.

When you lose something, don’t waste your opportunity, because you don’t know when the next time will be, that you will have nothing to lose!