The Power of Communication

What inspired you to create your business?

After more than fifteen years working in the media industry as a television presenter, reporter and producer, I thought the skills I had picked up would be useful to share with those in the business world. The art of story-telling, interviewing people and bringing the best out of them, working in teams to ensure a great product and using time effectively are relevant for any sector and industry. I also wanted businesses to understand how to use the media to build their profiles as well as protect and enhance their reputations, especially if things went wrong. I am co-founder of the Fleet Street Group which is made up of three limited companies in the UK; a PR agency, Fleet Street Communications, a creative design agency, Grin and Fleet Street Consulting. The connecting theme between all the businesses is building brand, raising profile and protecting reputation.

What is your solution for reinventing skills and Lifelong learning?

We are always learning, growing and developing as human beings. There is something to learn from every situation if you are open. I’m a lifelong learner – it makes me who I am! I have made lots of mistakes in life and have experienced my fair share of failure, but it’s the lessons from these situations that have helped me grow the fastest. With regards to reinventing skills, I would say don’t copy what other people are doing. That is not to say we need to reinvent the wheel. Look at what you like and then adapt it to suit your style and personality – the results are always more rewarding.

What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome to arrive where you are in your life?

I think the biggest challenge I had to overcome was my impatience to get results quickly and understand that not everybody thinks and operates in the same way as I do – everybody is different and will want to do things in their own way. The other big challenge I face on a regular basis is the pressure I sometimes put on myself as I strive for perfection. I’m aware this is unattainable as perfection is static and as humans we are always growing and developing. I have learnt that it is enough to give my best and offer excellent value in everything that I do for those around me.

What changes need to happen in your local community so women feel empowered and do things they want to do, by themselves? What changes need to happen in our society so women feel empowered and able to do things they want to do, by themselves?

Both at a local level and in society, women will feel empowered when they raise their self-esteem and self-belief. I’m a firm believer that men and women are made differently and have much to offer, as such, each must play to their strengths. Women have a remarkable ability to multi-task and numerous studies show that they are high in EQ as well as IQ. This should be celebrated and women should shout loud and proud about their achievements, however, all too often, they fail to do this or their voices are not heard.

It is a fact that women play an important role in bringing up the children and running a household but this is often ignored when we talk about economic contributions made in society. Perhaps, what is needed is an economic formula that shows society just what this equates to in relation to a career!

Here in the UK, there has been a constructive effort to get more women in boardrooms and in senior positions across all sectors, whether that is in politics, business, academia, healthcare, social services or other areas. Women must achieve these levels on merit but it is crucial that they are made aware of the opportunities that are open and available to them. There is a long way to go but the increasing number of women’s groups that are emerging are paving the way forward. These groups offer support, guidance, encouragement and empowerment and that can only be a good thing!

From my experience, as a wife, mother, entrepreneur, author, coach and public speaker I focus on my strengths and constantly learn from others. I have never considered my gender as an issue and have always strived to compete in what I have thought is an open and level playing field. This puts the ball firmly at my feet and gives me the control to shape my outcomes and my life.