You have enjoyed an interesting career so far! Tell us more…
I have a background in dance, fashion, art and interior design that’s taken me around the world. I worked at Whistles when it was owned by Lucille Lewin and known for producing high-end designer clothing. I also founded and ran my own fashion label and studio for 15 years, and regularly went to places like Paris, Milan and London Fashion Weeks. I have been an industry associate lecturer at Central Saint Martins and I developed an award-winning Bachelor of Arts programme during my time managing a fashion and textiles department. More recently I’ve been working with Ikenga Organisation on a mentorship programme and shining a light on things that we can positively change in the creative industry.
Why coaching?
I like to express myself and engage with people. I am a positive, happy person and I want other people to feel the same. I nurtured my coaching skills at university. I listened to people experiencing difficult situations and helped them to work through challenges. It’s something I have done throughout my career, whether through consultancy, pastoral care or general advice and eventually I did an MSC in coaching and mentoring.
What do you find rewarding about your work?:
I like to listen and support people. That’s the joy. We were talking with a guy recently and I just said something to him and he said: “Oh my gosh, that’s the lightbulb moment!”
It’s what you draw out of people and what you leave with them. You can add so much value to people’s lives and that’s a beautiful, infectious experience. It’s a two-way street though, you’re always learning too.
What attracted you to OTD?:
OTD found me! Becky came across a directory I’m part of and contacted me. I think that OTD was looking for difference. I have a creative background that will resonate with some of our customers. The process was very organic, I learnt a lot about the business and its philosophy. I also had an amazing conversation with the senior leadership team and was able to shadow Chris and Lou in the delivery of programmes such as Power Presenter! which I’m now co-delivering.
What’s the best lesson learned in your career to date?
Four things stand out:
- Tomorrow’s always a new day.
- Smile and the whole world will smile with you.
- Always ask questions – however silly you think they might be, never stop asking questions.
- You have to give of yourself when you’re a coach and investing in things that nurture people is really important.
The world would be a better place if…
I would really like to see wellbeing taken more seriously in the workplace environment. How much of it is lip service or ingrained in an organisation? It’s important that wellbeing becomes part of the culture, we’ve had such a toxic workplace culture for so long and it doesn’t have to be that way. Work should be an extension of our lives, not consume our lives.
Who inspires you and why?
There are loads of amazing people with energy doing amazing things. My inspiration comes from family and friends. My mother and father came to the UK from Trinidad & Tobago and started a life in a new country. A friend of mine has made amazing ground in sustainability in the fashion industry, which is so important for our world. I’m also a person of faith, which is my rock. I use mindfulness and breathing exercises, and find inspiration from being with nature.
Tell us what you’re reading at the moment.
I’m in between a few books right now. A friend sent me a copy of The Boy, the Fox, the Mole and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, which is a beautiful book that tells a story of a little boy. It’s a healing story. I’m also part way through Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo, which is about lots of different types of women and their experiences. And of course, I’m also reading Power Presenter! By Chris Cummins and Glen McCoy.
OTD is full of food lovers. Tell us a meal that you love:
My parents are from Trinidad & Tobago which comprises an Asian, Chinese and Afro Caribbean population, so the dishes are fused. I love pholourie – if it’s cooked well! It is fluffy, seasoned with spices, stuffed with chickpeas, fried and served with a chutney. It melts in your mouth! I also like Doubles, which is essentially chickpea curry tucked between two pieces of fried flat bread and dressed with spices. When you’re next in London, head to Lulu’s Caribbean Cuisine at 84 Stroud Green Road, you won’t be disappointed.