Wow, like they say, time sure flies when you’re having fun!

30 years ago, I was on maternity leave and had the bright idea of setting up my own IT training company and raised my first invoice to Chesterfield BC in March 1994 and never looked back.

Of course, things have changed, not least my hair colour ??.? Starting off as Software Training Services, working from home using associates for delivery.? For perception I named my house ‘Chester House’ (my cats name), a little bit embarrassing when the Head of IT from Chesterfield BC arrived at my house on an unexpected visit, after driving up and down my street looking for an office!

In 1996, after a meeting in my lounge/boardroom ??, I was told by Business Link to, “come back when you have a proper business”. ?In the following 2 months I recruited my first 2 employees, moved into ‘proper’ offices, got my first mobile phone, became a single parent and won the East Midlands Chamber ‘Young Business of the Year’ award… Business Link then wanted to support me! ?

The next 12 years were amazing although, as with all fledgling businesses, we had our ups and downs.? The dreaded Millenium Bug was huge as major clients froze training budgets to focus on well-paid consultants making sure their world didn’t end on 1st Jan 2000.? That was the year the credit cards got hammered to keep the business going and personal loans were taken out to pay employee wages. The bank suggested I call it a day which just made me more determined to succeed.?

My resilience (some call it stubbornness) kicked in and not only did we survive but we went on to thrive again.? The loyalty of my team was amazing, we scoped out a niche in the fashion sector, training co.’s like Burberry, Nike & Paul Smith in the UK & Europe, and developed a great public sector client base who stayed with us for years.

Then I thought the time was right and I sold in 2008.? Bloody hell, it was traumatic! ?I hadn’t planned for or appreciated the impact it would have on me personally.? Transferring staff felt like losing my family.? I sat on a new Board who only wanted my business not me, which all resulted in me collapsing in the loo (very glamourous) with exhaustion and my mental health hit a real all-time low.

So, after 18 months of relentless bullying I left and transformed like superwoman, complete with big pants, into Vispera. ?In those early days I wore whatever cap attracted funding as I didn’t have the confidence to work directly. ?Do colleagues remember The Growth Accelerator ??? ?I met some amazing clients through that programme who I still occasionally support, although they’re international superstars these days - literally! ?As I grew in confidence and drew upon my years of experience, I became a Board Advisor and Business Mentor as well as collaborating with my old band of associates to facilitate and deliver leadership programmes including the brilliant national Peer2Peer programme.? ?

Now, in 2024, after picking up a fair few Business Awards, my pants may be even bigger, my hair is now au naturel, but I’m still creating and delivering for businesses of all shapes and sizes.? ‘Business & Balance’ is all about supporting owners who have passion, drive and determination to succeed.? I also want to make sure that that is not to the detriment of anyone’s health and wellbeing… you need to be able to enjoy the results from all the blood sweat and tears (very dramatic) ??.

Somone recently said to me, “Maria, you just have to rock up and deliver”… well yes, that’s true, I may; but it’s taken 30 years of practice to be able to do that and, again, WOW - what an amazing 30 years it’s been!

So, any business owner out there who is thinking, is it all worth it, YES, it is, just persevere and surround yourself with friends and trusted allies and you will be OK. Be proud of what you are achieving, be true to your values and you will succeed!

Thank you so much to everyone who has been involved in the journey along the way and long may it continue.