Hazel Oatey is the founder of assess4success, an organisation which offers recruitment and development services to various clients. She ignored doubts from others to set up a company that matched her values on life and business, read her inspiring story.
Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?
There is no typical day, it is very varied and it includes writing, working with new ideas, running training/workshops, 1-1 coaching/mentoring sessions, psychometric profiling, client meetings.
What made you start the business and how did you get started?
Ten years ago I just felt it was the right time to work in a way that matched the values I held about life and business. Values of integrity, honesty, collaboration, empowering and so forth. I felt that I could do better by working for myself rather than have the message diluted through others/organisations. It was a fairly quick decision and I trusted and somehow knew it was right, despite a lot of other people worrying and calling me for quite a while after I set up the business with their concerns. I have never looked back. I set up a limited company and had on-going clients from day one.
Greatest accomplishment in the business world to date
The feedback I have received is that I act as a positive catalyst and inspire people to tap into and take the journey towards the highest potential of themselves in life and business. Being able to educate and make an impact in terms of positive shifts in consciousness in people and businesses towards empowerment vs power/control and collaboration vs competition continues to be a passion.
What has been your biggest challenge so far
Having the courage to be bold and go for the big dreams and trust it will all work out
What are your future plans for the business?
I am soon to re-brand using my own name and bring out a range of new workshops and products as well as starting to write the bones of a book.
If you had to do it all over gain what would you do differently?
Early on I would listen to the messages and intuition I have about how I contribute and get expert advice sooner in areas that are not my forte.
Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?
Women are not the underdogs by any stretch. I believe everyone has an important contribution to make whether they are male or female. So, I think it is vital to inspire young women to be authentic, step out and be confident about what they are here to contribute and help to lead the way, in a society that hasn't quite caught up.
There is still some old fashioned thinking and ingrained beliefs about women in business (particularly in some industries) and I do think the balance needs addressing. However, I feel it is more important that young women be supported to achieve in the world we are in today and without giving to much energy or attention to the old paradigm thinking that is currently dissolving at a rapid pace to make way for the new.
Women have a lot to offer and men and women can collaborate effectively, so having the courage to follow their passion and dreams and help to dissolve the gender imbalance in senior business positions / influence so worthy. It's time for more women to take centre stage. If women embody what and how they want to be the world will shift around it rather than give power to the outdated views. Many of the indigenous tribes, such as the first nation tribes in the US/Canada, understand and respect the contribution of women and the immense power women hold.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?
I'm in the "people" business so ensure you are passionate about people, be authentic to yourself, be an expert in your subject .
What or who inspires you in business and why?
I know several inspiring women friends who are successful in business and all are characterised by passion for what they do, innovative and inquiring thinking, tenacity, humour, intelligent and open minds, high quality delivery and the desire to make a difference for others
In terms of famous women - Oprah of course and the emerging younger generation such as Mary-Kate Olsen
For famous people the first that spring to mind are Steve Jobs and Richard Branson - for their creativity and not limiting ideas - understanding their strengths and gathering the right people around them to bring a project through to fruition.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
There are many quotes although in particular I like are:
"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle." Steve Jobs
and
"Simplicity is the key to brilliance" Bruce Lee
Contact details
Hazel Oatey
Twitter : HazelOatey
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