2Inspire Network - Mothers Day Special Feature & Competition: The Strength of a Woman

Mother's Day is nearly here, a celebration to honour mothers and motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world but most commonly it is celebrated in March to coincide with women’s history month and International Women's Day. March is a joyous month full of countless celebrations to celebrate women.

I have been fortunate enough to attend a few great women's celebrations this month but one that really touched me was the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trusts Women’s Awards which took place on the 7th March. It was a wonderful event as it celebrated the achievements of remarkable women who inspire those around them. Women were acknowledged and honoured for their amazing achievements. Along with promoting a positive image of women and recognising dynamic role models, the event raised an awareness of the work of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable trust which was set up in 2000. What really struck a cord with me was the courage of Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE who addressed the audience at the event, which was held the day after the revelations about the corruption of the police who were involved in the investigation of her sons murder came out. Doreen is truly a beacon of strength and I was completely humbled by her grace as she stood before us and spoke. 

My mother, Doreen Lawrence and I

My mother and Doreen are both formidable mothers who have inspired me by the way that they have become agents of change for their families, communities, and beyond. 

They are, in my opinion, prime examples of strong, selfless women who continue to have a powerful influence on those around them.

I have been fortunate to have cross paths with a lot of amazing women in my lifetime, particularly since I formed the network in 2012. Two that I would like to mention are two ladies that were recipients of the Ladies Day Award of Excellence in March and October 2013, Tricia Blake and Annette Clark-Headley, these are women that have beat the odds and have  overcome adversity by remembering what their goals are and what vision they have for their own future. You can learn more about these two from our feature on them in our blog and their spotlight interviews (details below*). 

                       

                              Tricia Blake, Divas Choice

Annette Clark-Headley, Almocado   

With them and the countless inspirational women that I have met in mind, I have decided that the theme for the next ladies day in June will be centred around the strength of a women. We have decided to run a competition whereby entrants will submit a title, slogon or catchphrase that highlights the strength of a woman which we will use for the event.(Full credit will be given to the winner). The prize will be a free exhibition stand at the event for the winner to promote a business or service. Please submit all entries to marketing@2inspirenetwork.com, the closing date is 8th April 2014.

I must end by saying that the strength and uniqueness of a woman can be compared to no other and I salute every woman out there.

Hazel Chawapiwa
Founder, Director 2inspire Network

*Interview & profile details of Tricia Blake & Annette Clark-Headley:
Tricia Blake: 
Blog: Tricia Blake Business Profile

Youtube: Tricia Blake Spotlight Interview

Annette Clark-Headley:

Blog: Annette Clark-Headley Business Profile

Youtube: Annette Clark-Headley Spotlight Interview

  

2Inspire Business Profile: Janvi Patel, Co-Founder of Halebury

Who says that Law has to be one dimensional? Janvi Patel certainly doesn't think so, establishing an alternative law firm which strives to give clients more from law with a flexible working model that is pioneering a refreshing way to do Law. A working mother of 3, who commutes between LA and London on a regular basis, Janvi proves that nothing is impossible. 

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

In just seven years and with no external funding, I co-built Halebury, an alternative law firm, to a seven figure turnover, team of nineteen lawyers and six staff with clients such as BSkyB, BT, Ericsson and Expedia.  Recently on BBC R4’s Today programme, Halebury was introduced as “the ultimate flexible working model” – an amazing achievement in such a traditional industry.

I also “manage” three children (aged 5 and under) and I have recently relocated to LA where I live during term time. I commute to London every 4/6 weeks and in LA work four days a week.  Although no two days are the same, my day starts around 4am for calls to London, stops around 8.15am for the school run, which usually involves a school fund raising or class parent meeting, then back to work until 2pm.  I try to fit in a work out before the kids come home when it is time for their activities.  It’s flexible working taken to the extreme. 

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

After many years of working in the City (Charles Russell solicitors) and in industry (Nortel Networks), I decided to launch my own business.  With an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit I started to consider ways of improving the legal service provided by private practice to clients.  I believed the service I received, and as is often received by clients, whilst legally accurate was not truly commercial or hands on and it was expensive.  The legal industry needed a change and therefore set out to revolutionise the legal market.  This was 2007 and the Legal Services Act was still many years away and not many legal service providers were thinking about fundamental change.

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

The amazing team we have grown, the incredible work they do, but overall we are making real waves and changing lives within a traditional industry – for clients and for the lawyers. 

 

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Firstly, we had to convince insurance companies that a truly alternative structure was possible. In terms of the legal sector itself, the main challenges were persuading lawyers, who are often risk averse by nature, to join a new entity with no guaranteed salary or support from an in-house team, to make the step away from a tried and tested but unsatisfying model to try something new.  Finally, we had to persuade in-house legal teams that there was a viable option outside of traditional magic circle firms on their panels, where they can access the best lawyers but at affordable rates.

What are your future plans for the business?

Halebury unveiled plans in July 2012 to double in size over the next 18 months to a team of 30 lawyers and its turnover.  Halebury is also looking to expand into alternative sectors and services, such as banking and litigation, all with an alternative spin.  Halebury plans to position itself as the genuine alternative law firm of choice for in-house teams.

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

 I was ‘late’ to the social media table.  The marketing benefits of social media, especially for working mothers is huge, as it is hard to attend networking events in the evening and to effectively market in the traditional way but with social media it is possible reach a huge market not only on a personal level but professional as well.

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

 All young people need inspiration to follow their dreams.  Young women have a harder time to manage career goals and their family dreams and aspirations.  Young women need female role models not just to show them that they can achieve their dreams but how they can logistically have it all. 

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

I have two pieces of advice for anyone who wants to start a business.  First is just to start.  Sometimes we get

stuck on planning and logistics which will often work itself out.  Secondly, make sure you surround yourself with a team that you can trust and are smart, even if their previous experience is not perfect for the role.  Smart people will be able to work it out and people you trust will have your back.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

Indra Nooyi – the Chairwomen and CEO of PepsiCo.  Her journey is inspirational.  She has had an amazing career.  Her rise has been extraordinary and what she has accomplished at PepsiCo incredible, but has also managed to balance her career with her family.

What is your favourite inspirational quote? 

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived.  It is what difference we have made to the live of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” Nelson Mandela

Contact Details

+44 (0) 207 127 2500 

@halebury

janvi.patel@halebury.com

FREE Live Online Presentation on "How to build a Health & Wellness Business from Home" with Tobi Ayowemi

The saying “health is wealth” can be interpreted in so many different ways. One common interpretation is that being free from illness and pain is more than any material possessions someone can have. It is a reminder about the richness of a healthy life and the importance of taking care of oneself. This philosophy is being adopted by the masses as research shows an amazing growth of the consumer health industry, this includes a huge increase in consumer health spending, a shift in consumer behaviour and attitudes with a huge number of consumers using the internet to research a broad array of health options and more noticeably retailers across all industries expanding into health and wellness.

With all this in mind and the fact that the health and wellness industry is an emerging trillion-dollar market this THURSDAY NIGHT (20/3/2014) at 9pm - 9:45pm, the network in partnership with Tobi Ayowemi will be holding a FREE Live Online Presentation on "How to build a Health & Wellness Business from Home" 

Successful Health and wellness entrepreneur,Tobi Ayowemi, will be sharing with you how you can increase your income in the following ways:

• Retailers £200-£400+ per month
• Team leaders - £800-£2,000 per month
• Business Developers - £3,000-£10,000 and more per month

She will be personally Training, Coaching & Mentoring You on using Facebook and other tools

to achieve the income bracket of your choice!

Please send an email to events@2inspirenetwork.com if you would like us to send you a link to the Live Presentation.

It will be online, from the comfort of your own home, we won't be able to see or hear you, so feel FREE to be in your PJs!

*With her Coaching & Mentoring Plan, you can build your Business to start making an income of £800-£2,000 per month in 5 months!

Think about what this can be mean for you and your family! It is a journey I have taken and I haven't looked back. Join the call and see what it is about, you have nothing to lose, your health to improve and financial freedom to gain! Contact us for the link to the presentation.

Hazel Chawapiwa

2inspire Network