My Business Mentor Profile

Business Mentors profiled me for International Women’s Day and asked me the following questions.

What is the greatest business advice you have received?

"This will sort the wheat from the chaff." One of my favourite founders said this to me during the Global Financial Crisis. I firmly believe that the only thing that separates business founders that succeed from those that don't is resilience.

Sure, now and then, there is a special kind of crazy genius; an Elon Musk, an Anita Roddick, a Richard Branson. But mostly, I believe that simply continuing to turn up day after day and overcome the myriad of obstacles and setbacks, to be almost unreasonable and relentless in your pursuit is the key.

What career achievement are you most proud of?

I can't decide between two things; the first would be launching the Hotel Chocolat's retail business when I was quite young. By 24, I had 150 staff and 25 stores. It was a heck of a steep learning curve in people leadership and with experiences such as landlord negotiations, working with shopfitters and architects, creating new product production lines, and so much more.

The second would be when I started my wee side hustle One Fyfe last year. I am especially proud of the graft this took and the new skills I have learned as a result.

What have you enjoyed most about being a Business Mentor? 

I am fascinated by people and the different stories and backgrounds behind the businesses they start. I fundamentally push against the notion that "it's business, it isn't personal". Instead, I believe the very best businesses ARE personal. They are driven by values, purpose, family, and legacy. That is a wonderfully rich and energising space for me.