March's diary

In February I chose to take time out to decorate my house, not only because it needed doing but also because I wanted to create my own ‘circuit break’ and give myself time to think. In this crazy world of ‘go, go, go’ it’s so important to stop, regroup and consider your next move.?

I had naively assumed that the decorating project would be done in February, not a chance, it took up most of March as well. What is it about human behaviour, that despite experience we often underestimate how long projects will take and how much they’ll cost? My, was I pooped by the end.

The importance of research?

In March I started the research into my new business idea so in between endless trips to the Wandsworth recycling tip, I changed out of my painting kit, brushed my hair, put my lippy on and got out to some key events.?

Back to business?

I lie. I actually started in late February by going to The Really Helpful Club’s Back to Business event hosted by the amazing Sarah Austin (Skinner) It was an inspiring day hearing from some great speakers, which included @Mishal Husain from the BBC, Esther Stanhope, The Impact Guru Joy Foster Dominie Moss and Catherine Sermon .

Having worked in the gender equality arena for some 10+ years now, what struck me was how the language around this vital topic is subtly changing. The speakers talked a lot about women having ‘agency’ and about how it is important to harness your worth. This nuance in the language is significant and deeply reassuring as we weren’t hearing it 10 years or even 18 months ago. The tectonic plates are shifting, albeit still too slowly, which is why other speakers talked about the ‘quiet rage’ amongst men and women about the pace of chance. My new business idea is about helping to accelerate this shift. The cynics amongst you will be saying ‘nah, this is what was being said years ago’. You are right, it was but also it wasn’t. I was told by so many when I started 2to3days back in 2015 that I was riding the zeitgeist but actually it felt like I was ahead of my time. It was incredibly lonely out there. The difference this time is that the business case for gender equality is now evident, and men are getting on board and speaking up. That’s great because we need to work together and stop the deadly echo chamber!

Women in politics have had more than enough!?

So, without further ado I then went off to the launch party of the first women’s think tank, The Women’s Policy Centre, the brainchild of Paola Diana . Hanging out with MPs is not my usual pastime - I did, as you might expect, have an interesting chat with Lee Anderson! But I also met two young, ambitious women who work in parliament, and they shocked me with their stories of the misogynistic behaviour experienced across all parties. We all know that our current political system is crumbling before our eyes. The country wants change. Women want change. We live in very unsettling times, but I sincerely hope that our next PM has the wisdom and foresight to stamp out this unwarranted behaviour and stop politics being a men’s club visited by a few seriously strong women.?

International Women’s Day

Confession time. I really don’t embrace this day. In fact, it drives me bananas and always has.? Only last night I was standing on the platform at London Bridge opposite an old poster advertising a collection of beauty products that men could buy to thank the women in their life and the company behind the poster had linked Mothering Sunday and International Women’s Day together, so you got two for the price of one, which says it all!? On the day itself I attended AllBright Step Forward Summit. Again, brilliant speakers, I was particularly enamored with Tobi Asare story and what Maike Currie shared about the approach Hargreaves Lansdown are taking to support more women to take control of their wealth management and investments. But in truth I left feeling flat. Allbright had done a really good job but yet again it was a day of women celebrating women in the proverbial echo chamber. The day has lost its impact. It feels gimmicky and trite.?

Back2Businesship?

Last Thursday I spoke at Amanda Fone 's Back2Businesship, now in its 11th year for returners looking to reignite their careers in the marketing, advertising, and comms space. Amanda is a true trailblazer in this space and also has a nose for talent. There were over 30 women in the room – all highly skilled, experienced and motivated to continue their careers.?

The problem is that our current recruitment systems and processes eclipse a lot of this talent. It’s not just and it’s not right. Ultimately our economy loses out, which is plain madness – particularly now when our economy is floundering and we need to get these women back working. So, part of what I want to do is to shine a light on this hidden talent. My first showcase was with Elizabeth Holloway seeking a senior comms role – the feedback we have had has been amazing. If you would like to take part in my talent showcase, please message me.?

Think big – keep it simple

I am planning my new business venture with Benvon Crumpler and Camilla Hughes . Last Monday Camilla and I spent the day poring over my kitchen table (the photo at the top of this newsletter is us deep in conversation) mapping out the pain points, the opportunities and how we position our new business idea (with those of you we have shared it with, you all love the idea, which is super encouraging!) - it was a productive day.?

Where am I now??

After I pressed send, I grabbed my skis and headed off for a week’s skiing in the 3 Valleys in France. Lucky me.?

What else have I been up to??

• I have swum every week in the sea. When I started back in October the thought of swimming throughout the winter filled me with terror. But I have done it. It’s amazing and no two ways about it, it has made me mentally stronger and hopefully burned off some of the mysterious brown fat lurking in my body, somewhere!?
• I have listened on Audible to the most amazing book called The Membership Economy by @Robbie Kellman Baxter
• I binged watched One Day - who hasn’t!?
• I have listened to hours of podcasts by Podcasting Business School

So that’s what I got up to in March. How do I feel? Tired and in need of a holiday but excited about what is going to unfold in April!?