July's diary

Not a glamorous look - but that's the look when you get when you are walking the southdowns in the rain in July!

Connections and conversations

I said in my April’s diary that I was off to write the business plan for my new idea. Ha! I was ahead of myself again. That pesky ‘hare in me’ wiggles its nose at me again. Why was I ahead? Because the subject matter that I am passionate about – women’s success at work – is so complex and multifaceted. Also, launching and running a business is tough. Cut-through is important. Playing to your strengths is key. Being ‘me’ is vital. And being able to commercialize the ‘great idea’ blimin’ essential! It takes time. Longer than you think.

Upshot, more research. More cups of tea drunk and shoe leather worn, more reflection, more learning, more about connecting deep down inside. All worth it. All woven together to get to the nub of the issue. The journey is introducing me to some wonderful people. Over the weekend I had a profoundly interesting conversation with a friend of mine Julie Currie who helped me, who mentored me in a way neither of us expected as we went out for a walk and had a chat over a pint of lager and an Aperol Spritz in our local pub. Kate Partridge , an amazing lawyer based in Brighton, showed me a clever piece of software that potentially may be key to unlocking our tech. If not, it showed me that what I want exists. So, no need to build - more research.

Given what 2to3days was all about, this confession will make you chuckle. I don’t have a CV. Not sure I ever really had one. The only time I ever applied for a job was when I left uni. I was headhunted thereafter in a fairly informal way (no recruiters involved) and then for the past 20 years I have been on my own entrepreneurial journey. But now I’m in my own transition and there are various things coming up where having one might be a tad useful. So I spent last Saturday writing one. An interesting experience. Not one I relished. For those of you familiar with the psychrometric tool Insights I am strong ‘yellow’ and low in ‘blue’. But finally, I pinned myself to my desk and wrote it. I found the whole process cathartic, empowering and secretly quite enjoyable. But the CV journey also took me to a conversation with Julia Fenwick , who is part of our inner circle, about the challenges of writing a CV – the art of selfpromotion/format/beating the robots, AI etc. We came up with an empowering solution that will benefit so many. Yet again I was reminded of the power of connection and collaboration. The power of how one conversation can alter your life’s journey. The power of the sisterhood…

I went to my first Female Founders Rise event in Hammersmith. It was brilliant. Hats off to Emmie Faust for trailblazing this great concept. I look forward to many more and deepening my relationships with fellow female entrepreneurs.

Where have I got to with my own career transition? Well, the kernel of the idea that I stopped @2to3days.com for is taking shape. It feels right. It’s not the idea I started exploring back in January, or maybe it is. It’s just not what I originally thought. It’s evolved. It’s better because I have taken time out. Time to reflect, to think, to research, to talk and importantly to listen. I have connected, collaborated -Holly Whelan, PhD Benvon Crumpler and I spent the afternoon in Holly's kitchen debating the gap in the market and coming up with a solution that can help to fix the 'Broken Rung' that McKinsey & Company talk about frequently with their annual report of Women in the Workplace . What’s bubbling to the surface is the importance of connection. That’s my intent. I am intention led with everything I do. When I create/do/feel a connection I am in my flow, my zone. For my business coach Andy Hurst , it’s to transform. Do you know what yours is?

Life gets in the way when you are making plans. Last week was my 20th wedding anniversary. I spent part of it in A&E having ‘blue lighted’ (metaphorically speaking) my husband as we thought he had sepsis. He nearly died of it 2 years ago, so we weren’t taking any chances. He doesn’t. Instead, some nasty systemic virus. Strong drugs, plenty of bed rest and he’s on the mend. Fingers crossed we will still be on the plane on Thursday to Singapore to be reunited with our 19-year-old daughter who has been on her own gap year adventure.

What this process is opening up to me is to reflect deeply about how we define success. All the usual definitions – material gain, power, influence, fame – are foisted upon us each and every way we turn. Yes, businesses need to be profitable and cash flow is vital, but success can be defined by many more metrics.

Summer is a great time to reflect. What does success really mean to you? Please share.

What else have I been up to?

●???? I walked another 25 miles of the South Downs Way in the rain - hence the photo. resilience and determination are attributes - I learnt about waulk wool - who would know that sheep's wool can fend blisters!

●???? Loving my golf lessons - learning how to hit a driver, yowzah it's not easy!

●???? Still juicing after my retreat (my new breakfast) feel great

●???? Still swimming in the sea!

Now I am off to pack my suitcase and get ready to hop around the islands of Indonesia - expect a few photos in August :)