The Story of the MBE

*Opens book*

Once upon a time, in a council flat in Clydebank, there was a "big-boned" wee girl named Alison McColl. Alison was ambitious, despite not being very academic due to her undiagnosed dyslexia, she always dreamed of achieving big things. (Bonus points if you can spot me in the school photograph!!)

Growing up, she soon realises she has a passion for business and decides to pursue a career in sales for a blue-chip company which she went on to work at for 15 years - until the time came where Alison decided that this role wasn't for her, it no longer made her heart sing.

Fast forward to May 2016 and abracadabra, the Godmother is here!!?

Alison noticed a trend with small businesses. They didn’t know how to sell, and according to Forbes Magazine at the time, 90% of start-ups were failing. She made it her mission to flip this statistic on its head and began working with entrepreneurs to help them maximise their businesses.?

After a while of working with entrepreneurs, she was granted her first taste of royalty (in name only) - she was crowned ‘The Entrepreneur’s Godmother’ by her amazing clients - it fit like a glove - and it stuck. For 5 amazing years, she helped many budding entrepreneurs flourish, including Dragons Den and Apprentice winners. Alison absolutely adored helping startups grow and it was her passion to help as many as she could.?

Don’t worry, we’re getting to the good bit…

In 2020, after many years working with entrepreneurs, Alison received a letter explaining she had been awarded an MBE for her services to business and entrepreneurship. She was absolutely over the moon, she’d always dreamed of achieving something big but this was MB-Enormous.?

*Closes book*

It is Tuesday the 16th of November and TODAY was the day of my investiture! I was so overwhelmed, meeting Prince William was such an honour, and the whole experience is something I'll never forget.

It has been such an amazing journey from the day I started working solely with entrepreneurs, it’s always been because I’ve been passionate about helping them to succeed. I never expected anything in return for my efforts. I’ve certainly had to wipe away a few tears today (and crossed my fingers that my waterproof mascara would hold up).

If you have been involved in my journey I just want to say a HUGE heartfelt THANK YOU to you. I can't wait to help more people to SMASH IT!

A xx?

P.S. I’m now working with teams to help them embrace their inner entrepreneur with my intrapreneurship methodology. Find out more here?