Inspirational Women in Business Series

We are thrilled to announce Hannah Feldman, Co-Founder of Kidadl is featured in our Inspirational Women in Business blog this week. Kidadl is an online marketplace for family leisure which has raised £1m of investment already. Hannah left the world of banking and corporate finance to pursue the business with her Co-Founder, Sophie Orman, in 2016.

Hannah Feldman - Co-Founder of Kidadl

1.    Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

That building a start-up is a marathon not a sprint and that you need to keep yourself in check and healthy to reach your end goal. Until I embarked upon this journey and saw first-hand how much of yourself you put into a new venture, I never realised how true this was.

2.            Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

To stay “safe” in a 9-5 job and put my entrepreneurial dreams to one side. I did this for years, until I realised that only I held the power to change this narrative and follow the path I felt drawn to. Nobody was going to give me permission - I had to own it. That took 37 long years to achieve!

3.            What would you tell your younger self?

That the joy is in the journey. Of course, it’s fantastic to set goals and plan for the big moments, but if the road to them is not filling your heart, and your mind, with positivity and passion then change course. Life is short and there are no guarantees whatever path you take so make sure you enjoy the ride.

4.       What excites you most about the future of your industry?

The incredible cohort of female founders that I am meeting and engaging with daily. Seeing their brilliant businesses develop and grow, knowing that they won’t just make a huge mark on the entrepreneurial landscape, but also in the minds and ambitions of our next (hopefully even larger) generation of female leaders.

5.            Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

It would have to be Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. Both for her incredible focus and drive to deliver an industry-changing product, but also because of her attitude. She radiates positivity, honesty and most-importantly a sense of staying true to herself, and her innate quirks and idiosyncrasies, through the journey.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

We are excited to announce Tessa Clarke as this week’s Inspirational Woman in Business; Tessa is the Co-Founder & CEO of OLIO, the food sharing app which has seen 1 million people join since they launched 3 years ago, with 1.6 million portions of food shared. Before OLIO, Tessa was a Managaing Director at Wonga and Dyson; she also now sits on the board of Contentive, a B2B media and information company helping individuals excel in the digital world.

Tessa Clarke - Co-Founder & CEO of OLIO

1.       Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

When I founded OLIO, I left behind the corporate world for entrepreneurial life. And along the way I’ve gathered a treasure trove of invaluable advice, much of which was quite counter to what I had previously been led to believe. For example, the importance of “doing stuff that doesn’t scale”, and testing, iterating and learning as quickly as possible. I also frequently recall Ben Horowitz’s words in “The hard thing about hard things” where he explains that there is no such thing as a silver bullet – just an awful lot of lead bullets. This is so true in start-up life as you’re seeking the holy grail of exponential growth!

2.       Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

Someone once said that all that matters is the skills you have. And I’m afraid that as I look at the world around us, this simply isn’t true! It’s super important to recognise the power structures at play in the world around us, and then come up with a strategy to succeed within them.

3.       What would you tell your younger self?

I spent most of my childhood desperately trying to ‘fit in’ and ‘be normal’ (I was brought up on a pretty isolated farm, far removed from the lives of my peers at school). And yet as I get older, I realise that it is precisely our differences that make us all so valuable and unique. So I wish I had had the confidence to embrace my differences rather than suppress them.

4.       What excites you most about the future of your industry?

It feels like *finally* in 2019 we might have woken up to the fact that sustainability isn’t a side-show, but is mission critical if we want any chance whatsoever to mitigate the worst effects of the climate crisis, and to ensure that civilisation as we know it continues to thrive.

5.       Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Since founding OLIO I’ve found feedback from our users incredibly inspiring – especially in those very bleak moments of the entrepreneurial journey. I also frequently find myself spurred on with renewed vigour when I contemplate the world that my children – who are 4 and 6 years old – are due to inherit.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

In this week's Inspirational Women in Business Series, we are delighted to feature Lisa Kimmel, Chair & CEO, Canada and Chair, Latin America and Global Women's Equality Network (GWEN) at Edelman. Lisa oversees Edelman’s Canadian and Latin American operations and sits on Edelman’s Global Operations Committee. In her role, she provides senior counsel to clients, and is responsible for the regions’ growth strategies. In Canada, she has led the region’s strategic evolution to a best-in-class communications firm – the biggest evolution in the firm’s history. Edelman Canada has been awarded a Cannes Lions for its “In the Head of a Hacker” campaign on behalf of HP, and Strategy Magazine’s 2017 PR Agency of the Year.

Lisa’s fresh, collaborative and authentic approach has not only resulted in award-winning programs for clients but has fostered a corporate culture based on innovation, teamwork and integrity. Edelman Canada has been recognized as one of the Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces in Canada and Best Workplaces for Women for eight consecutive years.

Passionate about advancing women in business, Lisa is chair of the firm’s Global Women’s Equality Network (GWEN), which is committed to fostering an environment where women of all backgrounds can enjoy equal opportunities.  She is committed to supporting future leaders and championing women’s causes. She is a sought-after speaker and commentator at events and in the media.  In recognition of her efforts, Lisa is a recipient of both the Financial Times and HERoes Champions of Women in Business Top 100 Female Executives, and a 2019 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction award for Corporate Leadership. She has also been inducted into the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Hall of Fame.

Lisa is actively involved with several mentorship programs through the Women’s Executive Network, American Marketing Association and Women in Communications and Technology Protégé Program. She is Vice Chair of the Ted Rogers School of Management (TRSM) Dean’s Council at Ryerson University, and is on the Board of Directors of the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. Lisa also sits on the Global Advisory Board for G(irls)20, and is a member of the United Nations Women’s Empower Advisory Group.

Lisa Kimmel - Chair & CEO, Canada and Chair, Latin America and Global Women's Equality Network (GWEN) at Edelman

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given –

It’s hard to narrow it down to one piece of advice, but one thing that’s always stuck with me throughout my career is the notion that no one owns the outcome of my career trajectory except for me.  In other words, as much as a company can help foster your growth, no one except for you is responsible for articulating and pursing your goals – and subsequently holding yourself to the standards that will make success possible.

This advice has helped me stay on top of my short- and long-term objectives and I ensure that each objective has an actionable item attached to it.  That way, when opportunities come up, I can make an informed decision about whether they’re right for me.  Knowing where you ultimately want to be tomorrow can help you feel more confident in taking risks today to get there.


2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

Probably that you can “have it all.”  You can – but just not all at the same time.  I think the notion of having it all puts a lot of pressure on women in particular, and as a result, we often try to be too many things to too many people.

I think the conversation should be about doing less, better. Being more focused, prioritizing, and doing the things deemed most important very, very well.  The onus is on each of us as individuals to set our own guardrails and make deliberate choices about what success looks like.

3. What would you tell your younger self?

Likely that you won’t necessarily know what you want to “be” when you grow up for a very long time. And even then, it’s more about what do you want to do, and how do you want to be remembered, not necessarily picking a sole career path.

It wasn’t love at first sight for me with public relations.  In fact, I originally had my sights set on becoming a lawyer and even wrote my LSATS as an undergrad.  I eventually decided to pursue PR after being inspired by my mother, who was involved in event planning.

The second thing I would tell my younger self is that one day, you’ll make an effort to speak in front of crowds! This is something that used to be an absolutely terrifying proposition for me.  From a young age, my dad always encouraged me to be a leader, and I realized that the only way to do that was by doing things that make me feel uncomfortable – public speaking being a major source of discomfort for me.

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

For me, it’s the fact that increasingly, CEOs are recognizing the importance of communications as a strategic business function, which opens up enormous opportunities for us to help them better manage an organization’s reputation, as well as help them achieve their business objectives.

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My kids! They’re teenagers now, but I think they inspire me even more now that they’re on the road to adulthood.  They have so much hope and optimism, and I’m inspired to guide them as they formulate their own opinions, take on new experiences and begin to ponder how they want to choose to live their lives.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

In this week's Inspirational Women in Business Series, we are delighted to feature Melissa Morris, CEO and Founder of Lantum - a total workforce platform for healthcare. To date, Lantum has saved the NHS over £15 million and enabled over 5m patients to be seen. Lantum won the Digital Business of the year at the 2018 Amazon Growing Business Awards.

Melissa has worked in and for the NHS for over ten years. In 2017, she was made an NHS Innovation Fellow. She was previously a management consultant at McKinsey & Co, where she developed a passion for improving healthcare systems - so much so that she left to work for NHS London during its reorganisation in 2010.

Melissa Morris - CEO & Founder of Lantum

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Be consistent. Your team look to you to be steady and consistent; they must know what to expect and not be caught off guard because you are in a bad / great mood. This came from Liane Hornsey, the mother of one of our team at Lantum who also happens to have been the head of people at Google and Uber globally. She knows! 

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

I really dislike “fail fast” because it is often interpreted as “heck let’s just try it” without analysis or deep thought of the consequences. I think it promotes lazy thinking and a haphazardness and randomness in your organisation that will only complicate things later on. 

3. What would you tell your younger self?

...that cause and effect is real. Think about your decisions before you make them, all decisions have a consequence. 

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

That it’s one of the last to innovate and so bringing innovation to the industry is genuinely changing people’s lives, not just optimising what’s already there. 

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration? 

Every woman who has scaled their business is my inspiration. Women have far less support than men, often have weaker networks and every day, battle unconscious or conscious biases from investors, senior team members, suppliers, clients. To get your business to scale, to series B and beyond takes Herculean effort and resilience.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

We are delighted to feature this week’s Inspirational Woman in Business: President and Co-Founder of Skimlinks, Alicia Navarro. Skimlinks is a content monetisation platform which powers commerce content strategies for publishers. The company is a former member of Tech City UK’s Future Fifty Programme. In 2018, Alicia founded Navarland, a consulting, coaching and publishing business. She is the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Breega, a €150 million seed fund with investments across Europe. Alicia also currently sits on the Board of Trustees for Young Enterprise UK, a national charity specialising in enterprise and financial education.

Alicia Navarro – President and Co-Founder of Skimlinks

1.    Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Focus. Focus. Focus. That means saying "No" to a lot of things, which will be difficult. I'm unfortunately not very good at this, but I am aware that if I were better, I'd be even more "successful".

2.    Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

You can have it all. It just isn't true, and beating yourself up because you don't have it all is incredibly destructive. No one has it all, and the pursuit of it is toxic.

3.    What would you tell your younger self?

Don't forget to enjoy the ride, all the time.

4.    What excites you most about the future of your industry?

I think there is going to be an interesting confluence between the future of work, future of employee benefits, and future of travel, and future of nature conservation, which I'm personally fascinated by.

5.    Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She is a great model for female leadership: feminine and strong, a great leader who delegates, focused on her mission but able to compartmentalize and appreciate the joy of whimsy and friends, tenancious and diligent in her training while retaining her innocence and wit. Every aspiring female leader should invest time in watching Buffy.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

We are honoured to feature Harriet Green OBE in this week's Inspirational Women in Business series, the Chairman and CEO of IBM Asia Pacific and ex CEO of Thomas Cook Group. Harriet is also an Advisory Board Member for King's College London, a Non-Executive Director of BAE Systems and a Board Member for Singapore Economic Development Board. She received her OBE in 2010 for her services to electronics, as well as receiving the Women in Technology Institute Award in 2016.

Harriet Green - CEO & Chairman of IBM Asia Pacific

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Have the confidence to ask for forgiveness, not only permission. This is especially important in the business world as you have to maintain great momentum. There are always going to be situations where you don’t have all the answers but it’s necessary to push forward. In my experience, by applying sound judgement, trusting your gut and being true to your values, 9 out of 10 times you will make the right decision.

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

You have time! I believe that you should treat every 24 hours as your last on the planet and that time is our most precious asset; one we should cherish and treat with respect. So, don’t take time given for granted - plan, make the most of every second and ensure you get something out of your time. Seize the day!

3. What would you tell your younger self?

What you think, what you do, and what you manage to change and impact are what matter the most. Worry less about what others think about you and your ideas and more about what you think. Overfocusing on the views of others can paralyse us.  

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

Businesses are reinventing themselves and technologies like AI, Cloud and Blockchain are creating new business models as well as creating a better world for all of us. IBM is at the forefront of this new era – an era which will require new skills and a commitment to continuous learning, something I have always been passionate about.

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration? 

I have had several amazing people inspire me over the course of my life and career. Last year on LinkedIn, I began writing about my ‘heroes’ or ‘idols’ and everything I learned from their lives and careers. In the ‘Idol Series’ I have written about 4 idols so far: Anita Roddick – the fearless founder of Body Shop who inspired me to be courageous and learn from others, Gorbachev Mikhail – the revolutionary Soviet Union leader who inspired me to aim high and learn from my mistakes, David Hume – an 18th century, progressive philosopher who taught me the importance of reason and passion in leading a happy life and Chrissie Hynde – an evergreen Rockstar musician from whom I learnt to always be my true, authentic self.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

Sarah Wood is the chair & co-founder of Unruly, the global video advertising marketplace acquired by News Corp in 2015. She currently sits on the boards of clothing company Superdry plc and Tech Nation, the UK network for ambitious tech entrepreneurs and is a judge for the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction. She is a technology ambassador for London, a member of the London Mayor’s Business Advisory Board & an ambassador for The Prince's Trust Women Supporting Women Programme. Sarah has been named Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year, City AM Entrepreneur of the Year, and has been awarded an OBE for services to technology and innovation. She is also the author of best-selling career handbook Stepping Up: How to Accelerate Your Leadership Potential, which calls for more diverse, digital and empathetic business leaders.

Sarah Wood – Chair & Co-Founder of Unruly

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

The best advice I ever had was someone who told me that advice is overrated! It made me laugh and encouraged me to think for myself.

2. What would you tell your younger self? 

I wish someone had told me to worry less early on - every moment I worried about what might go wrong was a moment I could’ve spent making the right things happen.

3. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

The shift in focus towards Tech for Good and using Tech to solve the biggest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Companies such as Oxford Nanopore, developing portable affordable personal DNA sequencing or companies like First Light Fusion and Ceres Power, developing cleaner energy at scale.

At a time of uncertainty and flux, the UK is poised to lead the world in applying technology for strategic social ends. Our nation’s social safety net, coupled with a lively non-profit sector and bustling tech ecosystem, allow for a concentration of energy and talent that’s second-to-none. We have all the foundational pillars we need to be the global hub for tech-for-good; now we need to keep up the momentum and make sure we nurture these businesses as they expand their horizons beyond our shores.

4. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My grandmas who both worked very hard to give their children an education. One worked in a post office; the other was a dinner lady. My Mum, who has great common sense, an inspirational work ethic, and a true moral compass and empathy - the entrepreneur’s secret weapon. My daughters; Lola Rose who is full of grace, poise and generous spirit and wise beyond her years and Sunday - a madcap beam of sunshine that makes us all laugh.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

We are pleased to announce this week’s Inspirational Women in Business series is featuring the incredible Sam Smith, Group CEO at finnCap. She established her firm in 2007 having orchestrated the buy-out of a small broking subsidiary of a private client stockbroking firm - today finnCap is ranked No1 Nominated Adviser and Broker to AIM companies. Sam is passionate about ensuring that girls and women see only opportunities rather than barriers to success in whatever industry they want to be in. Outside her duties as the CEO, Sam is actively involved in various mentoring projects and organizations such as Pinky Lilani’s “Women of the Future” awards, of which Sam is a former winner.

Sam is also a patron for the Modern Muse project, aimed at millions of young girls throughout the UK to encourage and inspire them to look at business careers and entrepreneurship as a way to achieve their dreams.

Sam Smith - Group CEO & Founder of finnCap

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

It is so hard to pick just one as I have had so many good bits of advice, but my key moment was speaking to a CEO of a very large company on our space who told me my own target I put on the business at the start, was now holding me back and I needed to think much bigger.  I realised I could take the business much further than my original target and the following day I started to see things differently.

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

Don’t be so open!! Communication is key for me and being open builds trust.

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

Listen to people and get as many ideas as possible, be openminded but trust your gut over everything else and if something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

We are defining a new culture in the finance world and that is so exciting. Trust and integrity need to be put back into business and in particular, financial services. Culture is crucial to this.

 
5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I find my biggest inspiration comes from our ‘nurturing ambition’ project, where we are trying to get entrepreneurship into as many primary schools in the UK. When I see the results of this and the difference learning about entrepreneurship and life skills can make to a single child who otherwise might have not been doing so well at school and realising there is another option out there, it is extremely rewarding and very exciting to think what they then will be able to achieve.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

This week’s Inspirational Women in Business series features Pip Jamieson, Founder & CEO of the ‘No-Collar’ network, The Dots. Pip has been named as one of The Sunday Times’ Top 100 Disruptive Entrepreneurs and is dedicated to building diverse teams; with 68% of The Dots community being female. Previously, Pip launched The Loop in Australia, a visual networking platform, created out of frustration that whilst working at MTV she struggled to find new talent.

Pip Jamieson - Founder & CEO of The Dots

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Be a cheerleader, the world has enough critics! 

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

I’m not sure if there is such a thing as bad advice –it’s just different perspectives on things, which is always useful when thinking things through. You should take, leave or iterate on advice – never take it as gospel. 

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

Dyslexia is your superpower! 

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

The ‘tech for good’ movement. 

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My dad! Uniquely for the time, he didn’t bring me up as a girl or a boy, but simply as a person – allowing me to flourish into exactly the type of person I was meant to be. Here’s to all the Dads raising their daughters in a similar way – this is how things can really change. 

Inspirational Women in Business Series

We are delighted to announce this week’s Inspirational Woman in Business: Nutmeg’s Chief Customer Officer, Lisa Rodwell. Nutmeg is one of the first digital wealth management apps, which has raised $147.9m in funding since 2012. Previously Lisa has worked in some of the most exciting start-ups, including Moo, the disruptive global printing business, where she was their Chief Revenue Officer and Wool and the Gang where she was the Chief Executive Officer. Lisa also sits on the board of Pact Coffee and is a Venture Partner with MMC Ventures.

Lisa Rodwell – Chief Customer Officer of Nutmeg

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Apply for those roles that seem like a stretch.

Seize those opportunities that scare you.

Just go for it!

 
2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

I do remember my parents being really worried about  the fact I wanted to quit my job without another one waiting in the wings. I’ve done that 3 times and landed on my feet each time in  better more fulfilling roles.

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

Start your own business. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but I have never started my own thing. I’ve worked with founders to build their businesses, but never my own. I don’t think I imagined I could have started my own business when I was 25. I think it’s much more accessible and acceptable today to be an entrepreneur than it was when I was starting out. Plus, there’s less to lose at 25 when you have fewer commitments.

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

Wealth management has always been something that seems so exclusive and male. Since Nutmeg and other tech-driven providers came along, it has been changing, making it more transparent and accessible. In particular, I am excited about making our industry more friendly and welcoming to women as they need to be considering investing even more given the massive pension gap that exists.

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Tech entrepreneurs. I love their big audacious goals and dreams. I love that they keep going even when the going gets really tough. I love how our lives have evolved thanks to some tenacious tech entrepreneurs.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS SERIES

Beano Studio’s CEO, Emma Scott features on our Inspirational Women in Business post this week. D.C Thomson’s media network, Beano Studio’s is known for their kids’ digital network, TV and film as well as the legendary comic and annual; beano.com is the UK’s fastest growing kids’ entertainment site. Emma launched Freeview in the early 00s whilst working as the Chief of Staff for Director-General of BBC. She also created, launched and led Freesat, the free satellite TV-On Demand service.

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Always be yourself at work – it’s hard work being an actor all day. 

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

“If you’re done with having kids, I’ll give you a bigger job.”  

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

Don't feel like an imposter, know your contributions are valued.

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

Everything.  Being able to quickly adapt when opportunities present and stopping when they go away - the Beano Studios team do both exceptionally well.

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Mary Poppins - a true creative leader who cares.  And, spit, spot, she certainly gets important stuff done!

Inspirational Women in Business Series

This week we are featuring Estelle Lloyd, Founder and Chief Operations Officer of the exciting learning platform, Azoomee. Founded in 2014, the business has raised $6.8m and provides a safe entertainment service for kids. Estelle is also Advisor for Skwibble!, the Baby Blogging Network, and has previously founded another start up, VB/Research, which she scaled and sold to Centaur Media in 2011.

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

My career and personal development has always grown by knocking on cold doors. I write cold emails to people I want to engage with irrespective of their seniority. An early mentor once said, "What's the worst thing that can happen?". The response was pretty obvious, that someone might not respond or say no. 

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

I once sought advice from someone in my close network about starting my own business. A successful investor, he had funded and mentored several start-ups. When I finished pitching my idea, he asked why I wanted to do this when I could get married to a rich man and have lots of children. I'm not kidding! 

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

I grew up in France; spent my 20s and the early part of my 30s in New York and then moved to London where I've lived for the past 10 years. When I was younger, I had low self-confidence and was always desperate to blend in. It's only later that I realised the power of being different if you learn to embrace your difference and turn it into your own brand. So, my advice to my younger self would be that very famous Oscar Wilde quote "Be yourself, everybody else is already taken"

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

I'm excited about scaling my business to positively impact things that I care about. Two-thirds of today’s kids will grow up to work in a job that hasn’t even been invented. And there’s a range of skills they won’t learn properly in school like coding, computational thinking, robotics, logic & problem solving, literacy skills or making rockets out of cardboard boxes. Azoomee is a multimedia platform that offers positive screen time and learning opportunities on 21st-century skills. All our games and videos are carefully handpicked to create authentic learning experiences that engage, entertain and educate! 

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My team - for always believing in the mission and everyone involved in the tech for good movement. 

Inspirational Women in Business Series

This week, Holland Barrett’s International Managing Director, Echo Lu, who has full P&L for 17 international markets across EMEA. She also sits as Non-Executive Director for Coats Group (FTSE250) and was previously the MD for Homebase as well as holding several senior positions at Tesco including the COO of China.

Echo Lu – Managing Director, International at Holland & Barrett

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

We are not who we think we are. What we think is who we are.

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

Go down the path of least resistance! That’s how most people who live unfulfilling and unsatisfactory lives make decisions.

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

The words that matters most are the words you say to yourself.

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

There is a huge amount of innovation in health and wellness, enabled by technology and R&D. From understanding of our own DNA and gut health, to inside beauty out and sleep optimisation, there is always something interesting and exciting going on, which presents great growth opportunities!

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My husband, who really helps me understand what the most important things in life are. He is the most kind and selfless person I know and makes me a better person.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

We are delighted to announce this week’s Inspirational Woman in Business: Founder and CEO of Koru Kids, Rachel Carrell. Koru Kids is a childcare technology platform which connects families with nannies and childcare services and just last year, Rachel inspired many of us in raising £3.5m whilst being heavily pregnant. She won the Best Business Woman in Technology award in 2017, and continues to champion women in business, as well as being an angel investor in a number of exciting start-ups.

Rachel Carrell – Founder & CEO of Koru Kids

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

A piece of advice I loved, and find myself repeating to others, is: 'Don't lose twice'. What it means is, if something goes against you, don't get sucked into a negative vibe that means you continue to lose when you don't need to. Like if someone pushes you rudely on your way to a meeting, don't get so annoyed and distracted that you lose the ten minutes of prep time you need to get in the right headspace for the meeting. Or if someone wastes 30 minutes of your time keeping you waiting, don't be so grumpy when they finally turn up that you then don't achieve whatever you came to do. Or if you are forced to concede something in a negotiation, don't do it with bad grace. Lose once, not twice. Start-ups face so many setbacks and false starts, you can't fixate on things that go wrong. It's saying, 'get over it', basically. 

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

Right at the very start of Koru Kids, someone experienced in start-ups told me very seriously that I should start off by making a chat bot, as if the main problem to solve in childcare was that it was annoying to type in a form. Unfortunately, the problems in childcare are far deeper and more complicated than this, and we did not make a chat bot. 

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

Study computer science at university. I actually did start off at university studying computer science, doing one paper extramurally when I was in high school, but for some reason, even though I really enjoyed it, I went on to do an arts degree.  

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

I am so excited about the potential of tech to transform the way parents experience childcare. Childcare is in the dark ages in terms of how families access it. It's incredibly expensive, it's very hard to find good quality, it's not resilient - you're one phone call away from disaster. We're trying to change all that. A proper managed system, built on modern technology, can totally change the lives of families.

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand

Inspirational Women in Business Series

Jess Butcher MBE gave us her insights as an inspirational woman this week, having won several awards including Fortune Magazine’s ‘Top 10 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs’, she co-founded Blippar, the augmented reality and A.I technology business, and Tick.Done., as well as investing in a number of businesses. Her latest venture, Tick. Done. is a micro-video platform designed to build a mass community uploading and sharing ‘how to’ videos, hoping to empower new skills to a billion people and avoid the increasingly egocentric internet values. It was announced on Monday that Seedcamp will be leading Tick.Done.’s pre-seed round of over half a million pounds.

Jessica Butcher MBE – Co-Founder of Tick.Done.

1.       Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Work Karma. Giving your time, advice and sharing experiences with others (no matter how inexperienced you may perceive yourself to be), builds your network and always pays off and comes full circle. You also learn more about yourself and can take stock of learnings/achievements to climb your own ladder that much faster. Your network is your greatest asset - invest in it. 

 2.       Worst piece of advice you’ve been given -

I find the narrative of discrimination/disadvantage about being a woman within the fields of tech/entrepreneurship unhelpful. I’ve never personally found it so and I believe it encourages many women to see it in places where that might not actually be the case and removes the onus for self-analysis/self-accountability - plus actually undermines confidence. Our gender/identity labels (and those factors outside of our control) are the least interesting things about any of us. We are all individuals and have more in common with those with whom we share values than with those with whom we might share chromosomes. To my mind, lack of diversity around upbringing, education, social class, and ideology are much more worrying in today's society but they are of course harder boxes to tick.  

 3.       What would you tell your younger self?

Care less about what other people think of you. Just stay kind, focussed, open-minded and do your thing. 

 4.       What excites you most about the future of your industry?

That there's a new movement towards more responsible tech with social purpose, rather than tech for tech's sake. I think the next generation of great tech businesses will much more thoughtful in their approach and the ramifications of what they're building. Tech has brought so much good to the world already - but also inadvertent, unwanted negative by-products. I believe tech can also be the answer (and it's what we're trying to build with Tick.Done.:  A better, kinder, quicker web that is less obsessed with 'self' and that drives us to do more together, in-person, offline).

 5.       Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Always those with a healthy perspective on life, who don't over-obsess about work over family/ friends/ experiences/ health. Those who look up and out, listen to and observe the world around them and just 'do', with humour. Life is too short to be spent internalising every experience. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends like that, and unfortunate to have lost a few too. They inspire and guide me daily.  

Inspirational Women in Business Series

This week, we hear from Claire Miles, the Managing Director of Centrica’s hyper growth consumer technology business – Connected Home, famous for their range of HIVE products. Having previously spent 11 years in financial services, with businesses such as GE and Santander; Claire joined British Gas in 2010 and became the MD for Connected Home just over a year ago. In November 2018, Connected Home announced they had signed up nearly 300k new customers and sold circa 750k devices since Claire had joined the business.

Claire Miles – Managing Director, Connected Home

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Always take a role that makes you feel seriously outside your comfort zone.

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

Accept that you won’t be able to have it all.... family, career and lifestyle.

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

Buy a house as soon as you can.

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

The applications of artificial intelligence and Connected technology for looking after our loved ones, helping Carers and transforming the lives of the elderly and vulnerable.

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I’ve always admired Jeff Bezos...for his customer obsession, the way he has used data to create the largest shop on earth and because he believes he can build space hotels. That’s ambition!

Inspirational Women in Business Series

Excited to announce this week’s inspirational woman in business is Jacqueline de Rojas CBE. Not only is Jacqueline the President of techUK, but also the President of Digital Leaders, as well as holding three NED roles with Rightmove, Costain and ao.com. She was awarded a CBE for Services to international Trade in Technology last year, and has previously been voted the Most Influential Woman in IT.

Jacqueline de Rojas CBE – President - techUK

1.       What excites you most about the future of your industry?

That diversity has found its voice. And in so many different ways: Industry leaders have understood that if machines powered by algorithms are going to be making decisions about whether you get a place at university or that job interview, or your application for a loan is accepted, they need to have diverse teams designing, testing and implementing the technology. In a world where machine dependency is increasing, soft skills matter more. In cyber we know that neuro diversity can help to see trends and patterns across vast amounts of data and help keep the nation safe. Authors like Caroline Criado-Perez in her new book, invisible women lay bare the in-built bias in our world built for men with examples like your phone is too big for your hand...given that we take 2.3 times longer to pee, isn’t it odd that women always have to queue? So, I am excited that the conversation is finally on the table and that it is becoming socially unacceptable not to embrace diversity - not just because it is the right thing to do but because it creates better business outcomes.

2.       Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I believe that we are all role models whether we choose to be or not. Our behaviour (Good or bad) is watched and emulated - you only have to mutter a single swear word under your breath in front of a small child to realise how that works! So, my inspiration comes from so many places: Our daughter, Stephanie, inspires me endlessly with her resilience and her values, our sons who are just so smart and loving. Of course, I am inspired by incredible humans who have become the best versions of themselves and demonstrate humbling generosity of spirit: Michelle Obama is one of them for sure, as is Malala and my very creative and accomplished husband, Roger. But I also take strength and learning from role models in my life who have not always been positive or supportive. I choose to forgive and to find positive intention - Ultimately, I believe there is always a miracle if you look hard enough. 

3.       Best piece of advice you’ve been given –

In a debate the Dalai Lama led about change, he reminded us that the cavalry’s not coming. If you want change start with yourself. His words: “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito in the room!”

4.       Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

“Eat everything on your plate....” #Cursed! #Parents!

5.       What would you tell your younger self? 

That you do not have to be a man to make it. The technology industry that I entered 30 years ago was so male dominated that they told me they ‘simply didn’t put women on the leadership team’. So, I spent my early career emulating what the men did, being a scary boss lady, metaphorically ‘eating razor-blades’ for breakfast and being a terrifying alpha female. And to be honest it worked to a certain level! I was successful but I was not fulfilled. It took me ten years to realise that I was always going to be disappointed, always going to be an angry feminist banging my head against the glass ceiling and raging against the machine.  Not because I was a woman in a man’s world but that I was a woman trying to be a man in a man’s world. My own self-limiting belief was that you had to be a man to make it. And that is simply not true... SO, I would tell my younger self to find your values, honour your authentic-self. Realise that nobody else but you can make the shift from a mindset of not worthy to worth it, from management to leadership and from being the kind of woman that makes other women want to up their game. 

Inspirational Women in Business Series

Our next inspirational woman in business to feature is MADE.COM’s Chief Commercial Officer, Annabel Jack. She works with her teams based in London, Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam to create a great customer experience to MADE’s UK and European customer base, to achieve high growth sales targets. She has previously held roles within mydeco.com and Freshminds, and she is also a key part of Founders Forum, a community of digital entrepreneurs and innovators in tech.

Annabel Jack – Chief Commercial Officer at MADE.COM

1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

Never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.

2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

When I was a teenager, I wanted to be an architect. I was lucky enough to do some awesome work placements. I was advised by a couple of the people I shadowed that it’s not a suitable career for women if you want your own family in the future. This was the mid-nineties. 

3. What would you tell your younger self? 

I tell my teenage children constantly to take advantage of all that their education offers, and to embrace extra-curricular opportunities that provide life skills such as public speaking, debating etc.

4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

Made.com and our industry is focused on constantly providing a better customer experience. If you think about how much better the “shopping” experience has come in the last ten years, I think the next decade will be even better. Many different things will drive this. 

5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Depends what for. If it’s work-focused, then I have an army of awesome mentors I’m grateful for their continued wisdom. But life in general, and pertinent to my situation today, it would be my awesome girlfriends that juggle so much, so well, to enable their families to thrive.

Inspirational Women in Business Series

In celebration of International Women’s Day this week, we’re launching our series of Inspiration Women in Business across the US and UK. These women have been disrupting and leading their various businesses and industries and we believe through role models like them, we can inspire a new generation, championing gender equality. Each week we will feature an impressive figure and ask them 5 simple questions, giving insight into these key women – our very own weekly #WCW.

This week we begin with Alexandra Depledge, currently the Founder & CEO of Resi, the start up disrupting the architecture industry. She is also well known for her online marketplace, Hassle.com, which connects cleaners to people. Built with Jules Coleman, they successfully sold the company in 2015. Alex also received an MBE in 2016 for services to the sharing economy.

Alex Depledge MBE – Founder & CEO of Resi and Hassle

1. What excites you most about the future of your industry?

Resi is redefining the workplace while redefining home creation using an ethical, profitable and sustainable business model.
2. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

The Economist!

3. Best piece of advice you’ve been given -

You cannot change people’s behaviour towards you, only your behaviour to them.
4. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given –

The first to market wins. Bullshit. It’s those that execute the best regardless of when they enter. Very few businesses have natural network effects; you have to create them.

5. What would you tell your younger self?

Embrace your difference, it will become your brand.

Female Leaders Networking Event

Highlights from our recent C-Level Women's Networking Event where Olivia Wayne interviewed Debbie Wosskow and Anna Jones, co-founders of AllBright.