21/02/2026
Today had me reflecting.
Last Saturday, I woke up and decided it was time to share my new direction. No perfect plan, just a spur of the moment decision.
7 days of commitment to myself and 7 days where I’m proud I showed up every day.
No career path is linear. Over the last five years especially, I’ve learnt that setbacks aren’t failures. They’re redirections.
Across my career, I’ve spoken at more than 20 events. Rooms full of people I didn’t know, with conversations that stretched me and opportunities that shaped me.
What most people don’t see is this:
I dropped out of my A Levels and was relentlessly bullied for it.
I worked my way up through management roles across multiple retailers.
I was made redundant at 21 while most of my year group were starting grad jobs.
I stepped into the biggest role I’d ever had and played a pivotal part during COVID.
I burnt out.
I returned to an even bigger role.
I had an accident that significantly impacted my memory.
I changed sectors.
I went travelling.
I became a carer.
I started working for myself.
I’ve applied for roles I thought were meant for me and heard nothing back.
Now I’m pivoting again.
None of it has been straight.
None of it has been easy.
Speaking still makes me nervous. The last time I stood on stage, I clung to prompt cards when I would once have trusted myself to just speak. Confidence can be rebuilt. Courage is a practice.
Every chapter has taught me something about resilience, integrity and protecting your mental health while building a career.
Speaking has never been about status for me. It’s about service. If sharing my story helps even one person feel less behind, less broken or less alone, it’s worth it.
So here’s me, committing to take on more speaking opportunities in 2026. To show up, to share, and to keep helping others feel seen and capable.
