Pink Expertise

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Jo Wise

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

Making people feel relaxed in my company really helps when I am charged with the job of photographing them whether it be for a family shoot or something more riske.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

I realised that this was something that not everyone can do when I was awarded my Licentiateship with the BIPP (British Institute do Professional Photographers) on the grounds of being able to capture people as they really are.  Also, many of my clients comment on how I have exactly captured an element of the family, person etc. depending on what I am photographing.  Also, my Boudoir clients often arrive feeling very nervous and quickly relax and this is largely due to my ability to make them feel at ease.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

My work is very important to me and I always strive to achieve something special for my clients.  If I can make them cry when they look at their photos then I have done my job really well.  I don't think you can be detached from your own business, it becomes a part of you. I feel I am just as much a photographer as a mum, partner or friend.  It is who I am.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

Be yourself, learn to interact with your client and apart from learning the technical side of the business just try to develop your own style, something to make you unique to everyone else.  Take as much advise as you can and go on as many training courses as you can.  Never give up and always LOVE what you do.

Click to visit Jo Wise Boudoir

The Womens Coaching Company talks to Claire Empson, MD, Daisy Lets.com

What talent do you have naturally that makes you successful in your job?

I'm very level headed, which means I'm good in a crisis as I have the ability to think things though rationally and solve a problem quickly and logically.

When did you first realise you had this talent and how do you use it every day?

I use this every day in my job as a property manager - I often joke I need a PHD in conflict resolution! There are a zillion problems that can come up every day in my line of work and it wouldn't do to be running around flapping like a headless chicken...

I realised I had this ability quite early on when I was starting out as a graphic designer in my early 20's, when I was able to cut through technological problems to the solution much faster than some of my peers/ superiors and then later a business partner - often causing problems when they hadn't understood what I was saying as they hadn't thought it through that far yet. We would waste a good half an hour arguing about how I obviously hadn't listened with me trying to explain - and then they'd realise that I was correct all along! This now also happens at home with my partner incidentally (although he probably wouldn't agree) ;o)

What emotionally attaches you to your work or business?

Everything as it's my business, it's like a third child for me. I get most animated though if I think someone doesn't realise how much we have done to help, or does not appear grateful enough for the help I've given!

What advice do you have for other women aspiring to set up a business?

Be prepared for long working hours. I have seen a lot of women starting up businesses after careers in the city, thinking it's going to be the softer option and afford them more time with their family. In fact the opposite is true most of the time, especially when starting to build up the company or business. It does depend on the type of business you start and of course you are your own boss and ultimately you CAN do as you please, but invariably the client always comes first and becomes a boss of sorts.

Find out more about Claire by visiting her website

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Sheila Steptoe

What talents do you naturally have that make you successful?

I have always had a heightened sense of intuitive wisdom and what I call an ‘inner knowing’ so I naturally feel comfortable guiding and helping others bring out their best qualities. I originally trained as a Counsellor and love psychology so I genuinely love getting to know people and I get really excited as people start to fall in love with themselves which then overflows into all areas of their life. Other people say I have great understanding & listening skills which people tell me is quite unique as I can stand back and allow others to grow in their own space.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

It’s something which I have always had but didn’t realise how powerful it was until I changed my whole life and then wrote my first book. I had a beautiful spiritual ‘wake up’ call and when I started sharing my story through my new found work, so many people were drawn to me and kept saying “Wow” something similar is happening to me and they wanted to understand and learn more. This ‘awakening’ often happens after a life changing crisis as it was for me. It’s like they suddenly emerge from their cocoon which ignites a new freedom which is hard to describe but you begin to feel serenity inside which is the true beauty and magic of life.

What emotional attachment do you have for your work?

I simply love what I do and to me it isn’t work. I am so passionate about helping others realise that they are so much more than they think they are. We are all magnificent human beings and when I see people get their ‘Light-bulb moment’ it really makes me feel proud that I am now doing a job that enhances the life of others. I was in my mid 50’s when I turned my life around and I am no different to anyone else so whether I am delivering a speech, running a workshop or mentoring some one I always encourage people to start believing in themselves so they can take their life to the next level; start doing what they love in life and follow their passion. No two days or two people are ever the same which makes my life exciting and interesting and so much fun

What advise do you have for other women who’d like to do your job?

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. They are not you and don’t have the same dreams and ambitions. Be authentic and when you find something that you truly believe in, start to take baby steps out of your comfort zone. It becomes exciting and often life changing but keep learning; read books; attend workshops; anything that you can and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Others may have skills which will enhance your work and leave you to concentrate on what you do best.

For more information on Sheila, click here

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Kathryn Llewelyn

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

I am incredibly persuasive. I am able to paint a picture for people that enables them to understand and care about the issues I talk and write about.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

I really started to understand how useful this skill was when I met an amazing lady from Swaziland ( who had the same talent) and I wanted to raise awareness and get support for the amazing women of Swaziland. Swaziland is a very small country and is of no political or economic importance, but it has a population of 1 million people and the highest rates of HIV. When I first started trying to campaign about the terrible injustices that women and children face in Swaziland I was struck by how many people really did seem to understand and empathize with the people there. I feel very strongly that every human has the right to live a life free from hunger, violence and poverty. I believe that every human being has a right to a life of choice and I am really lucky that my talent allows me to help make this possible.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

I work with the most vulnerable people in the world. I fight alongside women and children who just want their basic human rights. I am completely emotionally attached to my work. I have however learnt that in order to design and implement effective campaign and programme strategies, sometime, I have to think about the issue at hand and not the people behind the issue. I have become so emotionally involved in the past that I was unable to make the best choices and so I now park my emotions, temporarily, to make the right decisions when I need to.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

Don’t let anyone tell you that your cause or issue is not important. If it is important to you, then it is important. I get told no about 80% of the time, but I refuse to let that get to me. I refuse to give up. That is my advice to you. Keep going, keep asking and stay focused. Someone will eventually say yes.

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Gemma Aguiar

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

I recognize trends and create businesses around them. I've noticed customization of clothing has been increasing in popularity over the years. I love fashion, especially casual-wear like t-shirts, so starting Design Like Whoa!, a custom t-shirt printing service, was a perfect fit for me. Along with Design Like Whoa!, I also run a t-shirt line called Startup Apparel. Entrepreneurship has become such a huge trend, especially in the Silicon Valley where I am based, so it was another natural fit. 

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

I never had a sudden realization this talent would help me succeed. I am naturally interested in fashion and trends, so it's what I pursued. Before I started my own business, I used to design t-shirt graphics and submit them to sites like Design By Humans to see what feedback I would get. Back then, I had no idea I would eventually turn my hobby into a business. 

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

I often create designs for customers, so I get really excited when I see people wearing them around. I always feel a little attached to the t-shirts I print. 

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

I encourage other women interested in starting a business to put themselves out there and start creating. I have no formal training in fashion or graphic design, but I taught myself everything I know today, and I'm still learning. These days are so many resources to help you succeed. There are millions of how-to's online and lots of useful events where you can meet people with similar interests or experience in the industry you want get into.

One great resource I use is Meetup. They allow you to create interest groups or attend existing ones in your area.

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Georgina Tierney Burke of Alexandra Rose Estates

 

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

Confident in myself as a person and my intuitive ability to interpret my client's needs.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

I think I discovered this talent when I was quite young. When I applied for my first job at age 17, I asked the interviewer point blank "so do I have the job, or am I wasting your time and mine?" I got the job. While I am genuine, sincere, and honest I am also straightforward. Clients and vendors like to know what they are getting with me. By simply being myself, I spend my energy on the task at hand devoted to the attention of my client.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

When I take on a project, job, or consultation I do so because I love all or a majority of the elements of that project. Driven by my passion, I do it out of love. Any emotional attachment I have for my work has a foundation of being confident in my talent and love for my work.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

To be an entrepreneur, you need to do what you love or at least find something about the entrepreneurial venture that feeds your passion. Be willing to take risks as there is never a right time to begin, be prepared to initially work long hours, and look at everything that comes your way as an opportunity to learn. The best place to start is simply to ask yourself, what do I want in life? Then, go out and find a way to get it. Your are successful because you follow your passion.

Click to learn more about Georgina's business Alexandra Rose Estates

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Gemma Rawlinson

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

When I was 17 I recall my A-Level Geography teacher saying to me that I could ‘write an essay about the inside of an egg’. This comment could have been perceived in a number of ways – Gemma is a natural ‘waffler’, rehearsed at blagging her way through essays or…perhaps….Gemma is a creative writer. Thankfully (and hopefully) I think he was referring to the latter!

I’m not quite sure where my flair for writing comes from but, since it has been recognised and nurtured, it has enabled me to leap up the career ladder from an Office Administrator to an Account Manager in a PR & Digital marketing agency.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you, and how do you use it?

Initially I realised when I was in college. I flourished in English, Geography and History – subjects which required umpteen essays to be written in short timescales. On completing my academic studies, I surprisingly missed those hellish essays and the associated high adrenalin levels!

Early in my career at Mosaic Publicity, when my duties were predominately administrative, I started writing a light-hearted monthly update to the team. The praise I received from colleagues and company Directors spurred me on to believe that I could use my writing talent to a greater extent within my job role.

The rest, as they say, is history! I got promoted to Account Manager and now I use my talent to draft technical tenders and proposals, create punchy press releases and inventive social media updates for clients.

I realise the importance of excellent communication and its link to success both in, and outside of, the world of PR.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

I am a perfectionist! Whatever I write and create has to be just-so before it is issued into the public domain. Sometimes when working to extremely tight deadlines I don’t get much time to be as fussy, which is a shame. I view writing as an art-form that needs time and dedication to achieve its desired outcome – this is true when you think how many times a novel is edited before it goes to the publishers.

I also have emotional attachment to some of the projects I work on. When given ownership of a particular project it becomes my little ‘baby’; my platform to be innovative and self-achieve, whilst still meeting client objectives.

What tips do you have for other women who’d like to do your job?

Welcome to the world of deadlines! You need to be an excellent writer and communicator but achieve the task in half the amount of time you think it will take!

Multi-task – My job role involves managing many different client accounts. Different subjects, different personalities, and different objectives – your ability to be a juggler is paramount in order to keep everyone happy.

Think outside the box – and think big. Clients want innovative and exciting ideas, not the run-of-the-mill news story or event.

Want more information about what Gemma and Mosaic Publicity could do for you?

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Sarbjit Mander

  What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

I’ve always been quite perceptive and find I can pick up on other’s moods and state of mind quite easily.  My other natural talent is the ability to be calm even when everyone around me is running about in a state of panic, or in pressured situations.  I’ve been told that this gives me a naturally reassuring presence!

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you, and how do you use it?

I probably first used it as a child in order to get out of trouble by trying to gauge which parent was in the best mood before owning up to something.  In adult life, I’ve put it to far more sensible use in the world of work.  I’ve worked within Human Resources for the last 10 years, and I realised that this talent had been spotted by the Director of HR in one of my earliest roles – she decided to give me HR responsibility for the most demanding departments in the organisation as she knew that I would be able to interact successfully with all the people in them, whatever their personality or grade.

Due to the nature of my job, I’m constantly faced with challenging scenarios and being able to accurately assess the motivation, frame of mind, and feelings of the individuals involved in each situation is invaluable.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

I become committed to the success of each organisation that I work for fairly quickly, and find that I focus most of my efforts at improving things at the individual level – I genuinely love seeing people grow and develop within the workplace.  My role can be emotionally demanding so I like to unwind with my favourite pastime of photography!

What tips do you have for other women who’d like to do your job?

Reach beyond your comfort zone – the thought of standing up in front of lots of people and delivering a workshop once terrified me; which is exactly why I then decided to make myself do just that...and found I was actually quite good at it!

Be interested and curious – the quality of HR support you give is improved ten-fold by learning about what people in your organisation do, why they do it, how they do it, and about the direction and mission of the business overall.  It also helps in building great working relationships with senior managers.

Be resilient and retain a sense of humour!  The life of a HR professional is usually an eventful one – being able to stay positive will do wonders for your well-being (and sanity).

Sarbjit is also currently on the UK Coaching Partnership Diploma in Coaching Course, she has just started a coaching blog, so do pop over and see what she has to say!

 

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Anastasia Karabatsos

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

By nature, I am meticulous and organised and hence have always been attracted by professions that require attention to detail and an ability to persevere and follow through until the work is completed. There are lots of different jobs that fit that category, but I am in M&A integration planning and execution. If ever there is a need to be meticulous and organised, a major disruptive business event such as a merger or acquisition is definitely IT!

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

Early on in my school years I always enjoyed working with numbers, doing maths etc. I didn’t really make the link until much later in life that the attraction of mathematics was their logic, organisation and discipline. I followed what came naturally and studied finance at university and spent the first 15 years of my career working in finance, mainly building valuation models. But as I progressed through the ranks and started managing groups, I found this the more interesting part of my work: organising and managing people , seeing “the big picture”  of the entire project and how all the parts need to fit together. The past couple of years I focused on integration planning as a new career path that allows me to use all these skills I’ve acquired and feeds my natural desire for organisation.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

As a business owner, my work is like one of my children, I try to nurture it and grow with it, and do not mind putting in the time and effort, even when the road is long and difficult before you see results! I build strong relationships with my clients and am proud and happy when I have been able to help them on their business paths successfully.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

-       It is worth cutting your teeth in the corporate world before setting off on your own path

-       While there network and build relationships, you will need them. Then network some more.

-       It is still a very male dominated profession, so be prepared

-       Don’t be afraid to speak up, make yourself heard and stand your ground

-       Often simple ideas are the best

Why not visit Anastasia's website? We are constantly looking for women of influence who deserve to be featured here – please let your friends and colleagues know about our campaign, we'd love you to be part of our journey.

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Rechenda Smith

 

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

I am passionate about making other people's businesses exceed; and can't wait to get out of bed in the morning to get going. My enthusiasm is underpinned by a solid background in my field of expertise. I've worked in PR and marketing for over seven years, won Young Communicator of the Year for East Anglia and hold a postgraduate diploma in PR. I have a hunger to learn and use each day to grow, both on a personal level and to strengthen my business model. I'm not stuffy and love to work with like-minded clients who embrace new ideas and approaches to their marketing. I also have the gift of the gab, which helps.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

My business ethos is that 'people buy from people they know and like', so I always believed in a professional approach but to be 'human'. If you are yourself in business and are confident in your abilities, you can achieve your business dream, whatever that may be.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

I take personal pride in every task I do. I see my customers as my 'business friends' rather than business associates. I love what I do, but I also love to switch off and do things away from work. A successful work life comes from a successful social life.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

Get qualified, get connected and get going!

You can visit Rechenda's website by clicking here

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Galia Orme, Choc Chic

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

I'm naturally quite enthusiastic and good at communicating with people, particularly if it's about something I'm passionate about. I do genuinely enjoy meeting and chatting to people, which has helped in networking situations, in sales meetings and especially when I demonstrate the joys of raw chocolate making to others. I'm also quite open to new things and have an ability to learn pretty quickly, which means I don't expect to know everything outright and feel I can learn as I go along.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

Do you know it's taken me nearly 20 years to discover what I'm naturally good at! I've worked in so many different jobs throughout my career and it wasn't till I reached my 40's (3 years ago!) and sat down to think about what am I actually good at and what makes me happy, that I realised I loved chocolate, loved chatting to people and had gained such a range of experience that perhaps I had most of the skills I needed to set up my own business.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

Because I run my own business I am completely emotionally attached to it. It's hard not to be emotionally attached when working with chocolate! In fact it is this strong emotional attachment that works for me and keeps me motivated because I genuinely care about what I do and absolutely love working in something I am so passionate about.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

It helps to love what you do and I think it's important to find what parts of your job you really enjoy and what you could perhaps get more support with. Above all, you do need to be persistent and determined when setting up your own business, there are great highs and lows, so really believing in your business idea and being able to communicate this belief to others is incredibly important for the success of your business.

Click here to read more about Choc Chic

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Emma Sexton

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

The talent that I feel I naturally have is creativity and this is a skill that enables you to be more successful in whatever you are doing.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

Looking back I think I had this talent from a young age but have only really been aware of how it continues to help me over the past ten years.  I have always had a 'magpie' personality where I am constantly seeking 'shiny new things' to interest me. I am also a tenacious problem solver. The combination of the two enables me to be creative in all aspects of my life.

Creativity is a talent (and also a skill - everyone can learn to be more creative) that I use everyday. In my role as Head of Expression at Added Value I have to deliver great creative impact, inspire a more creative culture and develop the creative team. Creativity is about originality of thinking and this touches every part of my role from creating a visual identity for a workshop to working out the best way of the team hitting their deadlines.

It doesn't stop when I leave work either - I have to be creative about what meal I am going to attempt to cook from the contents of my fridge and help my friends find an original way of thinking about their latest relationship dilemma!

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

The emotional attachment I have to my work is one of excitement. No two days are the same - every day, every project is a new combination of stuff that need a unique outcome. Pride is another one - when you have delivered a really creative solution to a problem that everyone is pleased with.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

Plenty! Everyone can be more creative - you just have to have the right tools, so do some research and start practicing your creativity. Start exploring - discover and learn as many different things as you can. Being creative is about piecing those different things together to get something new - the more you have discovered, the more creative you will be able to be.

Be brave! Coming up with new ideas will always be met by criticism - take constructive feedback on board as your idea may become better but don't let anyone destroy your creativity without a good reason! Lastly have some self-belief - especially if you think you are not creative.  We all are - its just that some of us have been conditioned to think we are not from a young age. This is nonsense.  Find out more about Emma and Added Value