What skills or traits do you believe are essential for success in your career?
I tend to lead with my own intuition which is a trait that comes naturally to me. I am not somebody who naturally leans into analysing or logic.. Instinct has always allowed me to make quick decisions where there has not been enough time to thoroughly analyse, problem solve with innovative solutions that may not be apparent to those who lead with logic, enhance empathy and relationship building, a heightened sense of creativity, reading situations and people. You may see this as ‘shooting from the hip’ or ‘going with your gut’, for me it means trusting myself and my own judgement.
In what ways has your personal growth and development outside of work impacted your professional life?
My life has changed significantly since the carefree days that I was in a high billing seat in London, living the single life in a bustling city, surrounded by friends, family and little responsibility. Those were the days…!
I now have family commitments, a new home in the countryside, a partner and a teenage step-daughter! I have relocated to the North of England away from close family and friends which has been a huge adjustment to make and certainly, personal growth and challenge. I am too in the process of starting my own family, which comes with its hurdles and struggles. This understandably has had an impact on my professional life and it is an ongoing challenge to allow yourself time to focus on what is important, both personally and professionally, realigning what you put your energy into. It is great to work within a business that is supportive, flexible and raises open discussions around women in leadership and the challenges being a female leader comes with.
What is your proudest career moment?
My proudest moment would have to be opening Oakleaf Partnership’s North office in Manchester in April 2022, building a fantastic team and creating a successful business. It was a new challenge for me, something I had never done before. It was the fear of the unknown, I was not sure if I would succeed or if it was the right move to make. I had doubts throughout if I had the ability to see it through and it has been an amazing learning experience for me. I have loved it!
