Gender, what gender?

I believe gender equality in the workforce is about more than ticking a quota. The question I think we should be asking is ‘why aren’t there as many outstanding women ready and wanting to take that next step into management and senior positions?’ This is where we should be challenging the status quo.

I can honestly say, after almost 20 years in the corporate world, I don’t believe that I have ever missed out or been overlooked for anything because I was a woman. Now I am not naive, I know many women that haven’t been as lucky and have seen some very unfairly treated. I have been in situations where I have been treated differently being a women, especially given I’ve worked in Insurance for 18 years, but I’ve never let this impact my success or ability to do my job. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that I actually think I’ve had more opportunities in my career because I am a women than the situations where I have been hindered. I’ve been on some amazing courses restricted to women, conferences, networking events and mentor groups. I know these have been needed to change embedded mindsets. I do believe, however, that we need to be very careful not to go to the other extreme where we start seeing capable and deserving men missing out on opportunities because they have been born male in this generation. Continue reading

Does Public Speaking make you feel physically sick?

A question I get asked a lot is: Do you really love public speaking? Don’t you get nervous?

My answer is always yes and yes!! I really do love it…. it’s the adrenaline rush for me, the love of sharing information with others that may just make their life better, easier or happier. The bigger the crowd the bigger the rush! Yes you betcha I get nervous and anxious but my nerves are exciting ones.

I get it that it’s really not for everyone and actually for most people it’s not fun at all and something that they dread or makes them feel physically sick. For that reason, I’ve put together some basic tips to help you be prepared as you can should you be thrown in the deep end without your floaties, fully clothed with weights tied around your waist.Continue reading

Reinvention and Growth – Hawaii Style!

I recently spent a glorious 2 weeks in Hawaii and experienced the beauty of Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands. For the 2 weeks that I was there I was in constant admiration of the view, the water, the trees and a permanent smile lit up my face…. I’m sure the few Mai Tai’s also helped. Even on the last day I was still happy snapping the view and sunsets and saying to my husband and friends “can you believe how gorgeous it is.” Not even Hurricane Lane that threatened to hit our island during our first week could dampen the holiday. We prepared ourselves as best we could, stayed calm and made the most of every day having a hurricane party in our room during lockdown while the kids created their own ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ show.

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Do you really need to earn trust?

There is an age old expression that has outlived so many that I really disagree with…. ‘you need to earn trust’.

I don’t know about you but I prefer to see the good in others, empower them and have full trust in them upfront. Each time I manage a new team one of the first thing I say to them is ‘You all have my full trust upfront. I hand it to you on a silver platter. I believe in you all and you have my support’.

Empowerment goes a long way for someone’s mindset and ability to believe in themselves and achieve greatness. Doubting them upfront by them having to earn your trust is almost like guilty till proven innocent. Don’t expect the worse from someone or expect that they will do something wrong or even take advantage of you. If that happens, worry about it then and resolve it. Continue reading