Pink Expertise

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Catherine McPherson

What talent do you have naturally that makes you successful in your job?

Drive, ambition, focus with an extrovert personality and the ability to engage well with people at all levels (sorry – talents rather than talent).

When did you first realise you had this talent and how do you use it every day?

It was first pointed out to me that all my talents were in fact negatives – I was too single minded and selfish, I only cared about myself and I should quieten down and stop trying to be the centre of attention. These childhood messages were very dominant in my head, but I couldn’t help being who I was, and when I found my first job in the world of advertising, I soon came to realise that these negatives were indeed huge assets. Advertising is full of characters, is a people person environment, and confidence and ability were integral to being successful. I was the youngest female on a board of directors of an agency by the age of 26! I worked for the biggest global agencies in the UK, and went on to now be a self-employed business consultant specialising in marketing and sales.

What emotionally attaches you to your work or business?

Passion! I love working in a fast moving dynamic world, that is never stagnant and always presents new challenges all the time. As a consultant I have taken more control of my life which enables me to provide a healthier work/life balance with my teenage children, my dogs and my friends.

What advice do you have for other women aspiring to set up a business?

Winners are the people who never stop trying! Be prepared for a long hard slog. Be patient as it always takes twice as long as you initially plan. Ensure your cash flow is ‘flowing’ as this is the major killer for new businesses. If there is a niche in the market, along with passion, determination and good old fashioned hard work, then setting up a business can be a very exciting career.

 

The Women's Coaching Company talks to Jo Wise

What talent do you naturally have that makes you successful?

Making people feel relaxed in my company really helps when I am charged with the job of photographing them whether it be for a family shoot or something more riske.

When did you first realise that talent was going to help you and how do you use it?

I realised that this was something that not everyone can do when I was awarded my Licentiateship with the BIPP (British Institute do Professional Photographers) on the grounds of being able to capture people as they really are.  Also, many of my clients comment on how I have exactly captured an element of the family, person etc. depending on what I am photographing.  Also, my Boudoir clients often arrive feeling very nervous and quickly relax and this is largely due to my ability to make them feel at ease.

What emotional attachment do you have to your work?

My work is very important to me and I always strive to achieve something special for my clients.  If I can make them cry when they look at their photos then I have done my job really well.  I don't think you can be detached from your own business, it becomes a part of you. I feel I am just as much a photographer as a mum, partner or friend.  It is who I am.

What tips do you have for other women who'd like to do your job?

Be yourself, learn to interact with your client and apart from learning the technical side of the business just try to develop your own style, something to make you unique to everyone else.  Take as much advise as you can and go on as many training courses as you can.  Never give up and always LOVE what you do.

Click to visit Jo Wise Boudoir

The Womens Coaching Company talks to Claire Empson, MD, Daisy Lets.com

What talent do you have naturally that makes you successful in your job?

I'm very level headed, which means I'm good in a crisis as I have the ability to think things though rationally and solve a problem quickly and logically.

When did you first realise you had this talent and how do you use it every day?

I use this every day in my job as a property manager - I often joke I need a PHD in conflict resolution! There are a zillion problems that can come up every day in my line of work and it wouldn't do to be running around flapping like a headless chicken...

I realised I had this ability quite early on when I was starting out as a graphic designer in my early 20's, when I was able to cut through technological problems to the solution much faster than some of my peers/ superiors and then later a business partner - often causing problems when they hadn't understood what I was saying as they hadn't thought it through that far yet. We would waste a good half an hour arguing about how I obviously hadn't listened with me trying to explain - and then they'd realise that I was correct all along! This now also happens at home with my partner incidentally (although he probably wouldn't agree) ;o)

What emotionally attaches you to your work or business?

Everything as it's my business, it's like a third child for me. I get most animated though if I think someone doesn't realise how much we have done to help, or does not appear grateful enough for the help I've given!

What advice do you have for other women aspiring to set up a business?

Be prepared for long working hours. I have seen a lot of women starting up businesses after careers in the city, thinking it's going to be the softer option and afford them more time with their family. In fact the opposite is true most of the time, especially when starting to build up the company or business. It does depend on the type of business you start and of course you are your own boss and ultimately you CAN do as you please, but invariably the client always comes first and becomes a boss of sorts.

Find out more about Claire by visiting her website