How does your usual day look like?

I usually get up at 6:15am; I start my work day probably at a networking event at 8am, going to a venue and meeting our members and helping organise the event with my team. If no event, I try to walk to work to get that sunshine and movement in my day. In the office, I start my day catching up on emails. Then a mix of external, 1-to-1 and team meetings. Writing member updates and communications, reviewing data and board papers for upcoming mentoring programmes. Then of course, planning events - all of that while I listen to a good playlist (I recommend The BOLD Sounds playlist link).

I am pretty bad at getting away from my desk, so might pop out sometime for a cup of coffee or grabbing lunch at my desk. In the evenings, it could be at another event or I will try to get the bus/walk home so I have a bit of time to decompress before getting home.

Home is about chilling out with cooking dinner, doing my skincare and reading a book before bed. I usually turn lights off at 10:30pm.

What are the things you like the most about your job?

Meeting and supporting amazing women. This starts from my great young team, and working with them to develop each day and share a laugh. To our members and supporters, and getting to directly see the impact my team’s work has on changing an industry I love.

What are some of the skills you utilise the most in your day-to-day at work?

• People management, trying to get the most out of people and making all the interaction with you as easy as possible.

• Strategic thinking, being the person who can ensure the day-to-day of the work ties into the bigger picture and being the person who ensures you are continuing enhancing, improving and optimising the work.

  
  

What was one of your happiest day in your career and why?

I often found the happiest day comes straight after the hardest days. I think it is the day when after all the internal politics, negotiations, preparation and pushing the envelope lead to winning the largest clients for my old firm. Showcasing that grit, determination and people skills can mean even without support you can achieve more if you push for it.

What was the toughest career decision you ever made?

Oddly, I would say the toughest and worst was actually not making a decision. I should have pushed myself and made a move and didn’t as I put the team I love working with above my own career objectives and capability.

What is something you had to learn to become better at your work?

Learning when feedback is personal and when it isn’t. There are times you need to take it, own it, and improve. Other times, just leave it If it does not serve you. Figuring out what is achievable and managing your own expectations against those of your firm, your team, and industry.

If you could give a younger woman one piece of advice (it can be anything) - what would you say to them?

Professional networking for women matters, because….

....sometimes you need the support of others to move you forward, whether that is being your cheerleader, connector or reality check.