The 2Inspire Network Has Been Nominated For A Community Organisation Award at the National Diversity Awards!

For one night only Britain's most inspirational people come together to honour the rich tapestry of The UK, recognising individuals and groups from grass roots communities who have contributed to creating a more diverse and inclusive society. 

The awards will be held on Friday, 16th September at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. The 2Inspire Network is proud to be recognised by the NDAs.

The 2inspire network was launched in May of 2012 to support women, particularly in enterprise. Hazel also formed The 2inspire Academy in March 2013, the academy is a personal development and life-skills programme for young men and women aged 16-24 whose work is driven by a group of young people who are on the steering group. The programme  ran a 2 week programme of free workshops for 16-24 year olds under the Smarter Communities Project in partnership with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust at the Stephen Lawrence Centre in Lewisham in 2013.  2Inspire Network Founder, Hazel Chawapiwa was shortlisted for a Women4Africa Award in the “Role Model of The Year” Category. 

This NDA nomination is testament to the drive and passion that Hazel has shown to The 2Inspire Network since its inception in 2012.

www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk 
www.facebook.com/nationaldiversityawards 
www.2inspirenetwork.com
@2inspireltd

2inspire Inspirational Woman: Jenny Garrett, Award Winning Executive Coach and Author

The 2inspire Network is passionate about giving women who are doing amazing things a platform to inspire and encourage others, Jenny Garrett is one such woman. Jenny’s mission is to transform the world for everyone, one empowered woman at a time. With her expertise in coaching and leadership, she inspires and motivates people, working with them to deliver career and life changing results beyond expectation. Women’s Coach of the Year 2014, APCTC award winner Jenny is a sought after executive coach and trainer, speaker, author of Rocking Your Role, the how to guide to success for female breadwinners, founder of Reflexion Associates leadership consultancy and Co -Founder of Rocking Ur Teens CIC. Read more about Jenny and be inspired!

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
Every day is different. If my diary allows, I will drop my daughter off to school, then I often coach clients face to face in London, or may be delivering training in a corporate setting. I may be speaking or attending a networking event in the evening. If not, I’ll be in the office, blogging and following up on inquiries.

What made you start the business and how did you get started?
The world of business chose me, I attended a coaching programme and knew that transformational coaching conversations was the work I was meant to do. At the time, the only way that I could see to coach full time was to become self-employed. I went part time in my role, built my coaching practice and took the leap to go freelance over ten years ago now.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?
I think co founding my second business a social enterprise called Rocking Ur Teens in 2014 was a great achievement, which I did as a way of giving back after winning the APCTC Women’s Coach of the Year Awards.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?
My biggest business challenge has been learning to ‘stay in my lane’ and not get pulled off track by offers of interesting work when it is not really my area of expertise. I’ve learnt to know what to say no to.

What are your future plans for the business?
My plans are to accredit other coaches with my proven, successful method and support them to grow their businesses.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would have charged more early on, and recognised my value.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
I have a teen daughter so she is definitely my inspiration. I think girls need role models and to know that they can do absolutely anything they want. I think we all have a responsibility to help them realise that.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
Go through rigorous training, practice, practice, practice, get supervision, and treat it like a business, not a hobby.

What or who inspires you in business and why?
I am inspired by Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE, A founder of Choice FM who as well as being a PR expert and author, who tirelessly serves via public life.


What is your favourite inspirational quote?
No one is you and that is your power – Dave Grohl

Jenny Garrett
www.rockingyourrole.com
www.happenistaproject.com

2inspire Inspirational Woman: Paola Bassanese, Director of Energya Ltd

Meet Paola Bassanese founder and director of well-being and lifestyle service company Energya Ltd. Paola is also a published author and social media consultant. Read her inspirational interview and be encouraged by her tenacity and passion to succeed.

Paola Bassanese, Director of Energya Ltd

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

No two days are similar, as I handle the social media communications for a number of clients, run my own blog and write books.
As a rule, I check my messages first thing in the morning and I get the day to a good start with a proper breakfast (usually scrambled eggs and coffee). 
You will find me mostly glued to my computer, but I do take time out to get some fresh air and do my daily walk – it's my way to recharge my batteries, brainstorm ideas and do some exercise at the same time.

What made you start the business and how did you get started?

The first iteration of Energya Ltd was purely a wellness company: I realised that the corporate world was plagued by stress and chronic disease and I wanted to find a solution. I trained as a massage therapist and self-funded my studies. Over the years the business has taken a different shape, focusing more on books and consultancy.

Image Credit: Paola Bassanese

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

In my past role as a therapist, winning Best Practitioner in 2010 and being awarded for my contribution as an international businesswoman in 2011 from the Chamber of Commerce in Trieste, Italy.
As a writer, self-publishing four books. I have also translated one of my books from English to Italian as I am bilingual.


What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

One word: Cashflow.

What are your future plans for the business?

I want to explore new avenues for my writing – I have no intention of building a large corporate company, as to me the corporate world is a step back to a life that I had left behind.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have prepared a 10 year cashflow plan. 

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

I think many women suffer from the so-called “imposter syndrome” (I have been guilty of that in the past). They feel they are not good enough or clever enough, but the reality is that there's plenty of opportunities for everybody and it's important to find your calling and make a contribution to society. It's empowering to be in charge of your own destiny.

One of Paola's books

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

I would say that qualifications are essential, but having a good marketing strategy is fundamental. Having the right connections help – you can start by joining a networking group like The 2Inspire Network.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I used to have role models and used to look up to successful people in business, but realised that I was doing myself a disservice as that mentality made me feel inferior to them. 
My new strategy is to be the best I can be.

Order Paola's books: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paola-Bassanese/e/B00HYUCT3U/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1
http://www.energya.co.uk 
Twitter: http://twitter.com/paolaenergya 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaolaBassaneseHealthWriter/