MGC 1987 Leaver

Having studied Classics and Modern Languages at Oxford, I went into the City and spent 10 years with Baring Asset Management, where I was appointed as their youngest ever female director. I loved it. The City was a great place to start your career – lots of opportunity, exciting, interesting people, but tough and challenging as well. I left in 2003 to start my family.

I have two children, aged 15 and 11, and have been very lucky to be able to devote myself to them full time. With my children growing up, I founded the Really Helpful Club (RHC) four years ago.  I now have the time to build my business alongside raising my family.

The RHC is a free, online and offline network for positive, like-minded people to share their connections, advice and knowledge. Our Membership is unique, there’s nothing quite like the Really Helpful Club.  It’s free to join and, with over 15,000 members, our ever-growing community is buzzing. Our members can be swapping contacts for childcare, sharing digital marketing advice or even recommending a brilliant nutritionist!

We also run informative, inspiring and interesting events, covering all aspects of life, from health and wellbeing, to career advice. Our Back to Work programme recognises there is a growing pool of talented and well-educated women who all too often leave the workplace to raise a family and then lack the confidence or opportunity to find the role that utilises their talents and fulfils their ambitions. Our workshops and seminars provide opportunities to be informed and inspired and learn from other women who may have already done it. Taking those first steps can be daunting. Our events and online business hub help our members to rebuild confidence and fulfil their dreams.  

I have learnt a huge amount since taking my first step. I find it immensely rewarding to see the difference that we are making across our community. I bring all the experience from my corporate days and everyday life and combine it with a passion to build something really exciting. 

What does success look like?

Success can be defined in so many ways.  The key is to define your goals and recognize they may change at different stages in your life.  Otherwise, how will you know when you’ve achieved them?

What is your best piece of advice?

Be passionate about what you're doing, otherwise no-one else will.  Whatever you do, remember to always believe in yourself, be brave and be prepared to have a go.  Finally, build a support network to share knowledge and skills, you can’t do everything on your own.