What is your morning routine?
My daughter comes first in the morning and I really enjoy the time we spend together before we go off in our separate ways. I can hear her little tip toes across the landing anytime between 6AM and 7AM; we have a half hour snuggle with milk for her and a strong coffee for me (while my husband takes the dog for a walk), and then we are up. It takes time to persuade her to brush her teeth and decide which Frozen princess she would like her hair like today, but once that is all done, we have breakfast together and then she’s off to school, giving me time to get ready and start planning my day.
What is your evening routine?
As a general rule we have a family supper together every night, sometimes with other family members and friends, sometimes just the three of us. Most evenings I will have worked out before, either running, spinning or Pilates. I enjoy bath time and story time and then by 8PM the little princess is asleep and it’s grown up time.
What is your idea of success?
Happiness, which is different for everyone, but for me it is when I feel a balance between work and home; when everyone is content at home and I can see my plans coming to life at work and there is still time left over to be able to see my friends and ‘let my hair down’ with a cocktail or two.
What has been your greatest achievement thus far?
It has to be my daughter.
What has been your biggest failure and how did you overcome it?
The recession hit my first business hard and so I had to call it a day. I overcame the difficulty by picking myself up and starting again. We all need to experience failure to understand the true value of success.
What do you feel is the biggest mistake people make when starting a business? Did you make it?
Expecting everything to be done overnight. It’s simply not possible. Yes, I made it, it’s difficult not to; when you are so passionate about something, you want everything to be perfect.
What is the trait you most admire in others?
Compassion.
What is your biggest professional pet peeve?
The assumption that women are less committed to work because they will want children and therefore maternity leave. In my experience, a family makes both parents more committed to their careers as this is what their family depends on; it’s not a sex thing.
How do you define a great leader?
A successful communicator who is able to assess peoples’ needs quickly and effectively.
If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and what would you like the topic of conversation to be?
Freddie Mercury. Life, love and music.
Who is the most badass woman you know and why?
Brenda Della Casa, obviously. The lady is an inspiration, author, blogger, founder, director, motivator, mentor and modest.
What is your best negotiating tactic?
Never sell, unless you are asked and then go to town.
What’s your best networking secret?
Try not to force it, it’s obvious and uncomfortable. Be yourself and chat about anything other than your business, unless asked.
How do you stay organized throughout the day?
Outlook, I’d be a dribbling mess without it.
What advice would you go back and give your younger self?
Don’t worry, nobody really has the answer, we are simply doing our best, perfection doesn’t exist.
Phone call or email and why?
If it’s important, phone call, always.
What are you most proud of in your life?
The life my husband and I have created for our beautiful daughter.
What qualities do you believe make someone a great team member?
Consideration and focus.
What is the fastest way to turn you off in an interview?
Answering their phone.
How does someone impress you on an interview?
Showing a genuine interest with the organization, through research and consideration of what questions they would ask. Interview preparation is the key to impressing the interviewer.
Where do you get most of your information?
First stop, online.
What apps could you not live without?
WhatsApp. Uber. Dragonpass. Instagram. LinkedIn.
What is the best lesson you learned from your worst boss?
Never leave a note on a colleague’s desk to dismiss them.
What do think are the three most essential lessons you have learned in business thus far?
Humility. Never make a snap judgement. If it’s what you want, keep chasing, never give up.
What is your professional motto?
Treat others how they expect to be treated.
Who is your business crush?
Harvey Specter from Suits. I know he’s not real but hey ho.
Where would you like to be professionally in a year?
I would like to have completed my MBA and doubled the size of my recruitment organization.
What do you regret most?
No regrets.
How do you define happiness?
Contentment.
What is your best remedy for FOMO?
Age.
What makes you badass?
Persistence.
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