How did you come to be doing the job you are doing today?
By following work that felt joyful and saying yes to opportunities that aligned with my values. I had to step out of my comfort zone to move across different industries (I went from financial services to the public sector and then to sport in my employed career). I really made use of my amazing network to help me navigate change. I now have a job that I created in my mind and bought to life through my business, and that’s such a privilege.
What is the highlight of your working week?
My weeks always look very different, so I like to notice the micro-moments. When something clicks with a coaching client and they feel they can take the next step. When I get to be on stage (my happy place) talking with fantastic audiences. When I get an email from a reader who’s said that my book really helped them. The little wins and knowing I’ve had an impact keep me going.
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you like to do?
I’m built for creativity both in work and beyond. I’d probably combine my love of how humans work, my funny side (someone called one me a corporate stand-up at one of my talks!) and my writing skills to create a sitcom… I’d probably star in it too, because I love the limelight!
If you could offer a piece of advice to your 18‑year‑old self, what would it be?
Trust yourself and what your gut is telling you. It knows when things feel right and it can spot a red flag from miles away. Oh, and to remember that everyone else is also making it up as they go along (it’s just some people have been doing it for longer so look like they’ve got it all under control).
If you had a superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
Teleportation! I struggle with awful travel sickness, yet I thrive on meeting people in real life. If I could get me from A-B minus the sickies and without having to spend hours on the road, that would be so joyful… and I might use it for some holidays too.
How do you feel about being one of the agony aunts in our new ‘Ask the experts’ series?
I’m so excited to be working with my brilliant friend and fabulous collaborator Sarah, to bring our thoughts, guidance and approaches to the real stuff that is challenging for Edge readers. Sometimes a different perspective is just what we need to move us forwards.
You can submit your leadership question for Beth and Sarah here
