I am a senior female leader working in traditionally male workspaces all around the world with an enormous pool of experience and resources. I’m honest, unfiltered, and comfortable being uncomfortable, so much so that I’ve made a fantastic career out of it.
My career first began volunteering at the BBC 20 years ago and today am an international Senior Director and Producer, having filmed everywhere from the freezing Antarctic to tropical swamps in Southeast Asia. My work is streaming on Netflix, BBC, and Discovery Channel to name a few. I have gained unprecedented access into high profile institutions such as the NHS and the Metropolitan Police. Then collaborated with some of the world’s most elite Special Forces, and behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace’s Royal Household Division.
The script I told myself was so vastly different from others in my position. Every single barrier I smashed down I had not realised I was smashing down; I didn’t realise it was a barrier at the time. I had to work twice as hard to achieve half as much, but it was my personality to power through at 100 miles an hour like a whirlwind, not ask permission, and just do it anyway.
My journey has been filled with extreme highs and lows, with some almost comical stories along the way:
- Earning promotions due to neurological wiring… and losing jobs for the same reason
- Being close friends with the boss… then not being close enough
- Veering out of my lane… then staying too rigidly within it
- Getting hired for my name, accent, and gender… then fired for those exact same reasons
- Excelling to the top, only to fall back down… then climbing even higher once again!
Leaders often hide the real struggles they face, an aura of ‘everything’s perfect and I’m doing great’ is often the narrative.
In business, there is no room for vulnerability — ‘I don’t know’ is rarely heard. To say you don’t have the answer is seen as weak, which contradicts my core values of honesty and respect. It’s from this foundation of transparency that I offer you a starting point to begin your journey, one that will help you achieve your goals, faster. You might have no idea where to start. That’s ok and it’s normal. All you need to do is reach out first, then let me do the rest of the work…
Leaders often hide the real struggles they face, an aura of ‘everything’s perfect and I’m doing great’ is often the narrative.
In business, there is no room for vulnerability — ‘I don’t know’ is rarely heard. To say you don’t have the answer is seen as weak, which contradicts my core values of honesty and respect. It’s from this foundation of transparency that I offer you a starting point to begin your journey, one that will help you achieve your goals, faster. You might have no idea where to start. That’s ok and it’s normal. All you need to do is reach out first, then let me do the rest of the work…
WHY CARE SO MUCH?
It is only now I look back and see very few senior female leaders in my position (and my goodness is it lonely up here). I had not realised until now how many hurdles and barriers others face, and how they are being held back. So, my focus and determination is directed towards helping as many people as possible reach the top of their career goals without having to fight unnecessary battles.
I’m passionate about sharing all of this with you because it feels good to help others, and the world needs more of that.