Experienced , Coach , Achiever

Female , 46

I grew up in Melbourne and moved to the UK in 1993. My business experience, gained over 25 years in both start up enterprises and established operations, spans multiple sectors (retail Ecommerce, catering, publishing and tourism and cultural) and includes two Directorships, one in the 3rd sector.
Academic qualifications include a Master of Business Administration and professional memberships include Institute of Directors.

Retail / Ecommerce

Since being awarded Management Graduate of the Year 1986/87 by Myer (Australia's largest department store chain) as part of their two year management development program, I have continued to lead SME retail and ecommerce multi site operations (up to £10mil, 180 staff). As a Director, I am experienced in managing all aspects of the business including finance, marketing, HR, supply and distribution, negotiations and contracts, reporting to shareholders and board meetings, plus projects and new business development.

Third sector management

Having worked in the cultural sector since 1997 including as a Director with Royal Armouries Museum, I have strong experience in developing suitable and sustainable commercial activity within a 3rd sector environment. I have also completed and presented to various academic conferences research on commercial development within a cultural environment and recently briefed industry bodies including HHA and ALVA on commercial opportunities in China’s emergent consumer market.

Business development

I have established new businesses such as retail for London Eye and Ecommerce for Q.com, plus delivered growth through repositioning businesses to gain market share – results have included growth of up to 21% year on year. I am experienced in working with partners to analyse all aspects of the market and operations to deliver and implement a sustainable growth plan plus any accompanying cultural change program.

I am seeking an opportunity to mentor so to: • continue developing my skills • return to volunteering • share my experience and gain a sense of reward at watching others achieve their goals. I have consistent experience of mentoring individuals in organizations in which I have worked. As these individuals have moved on to larger roles I have continued to support their business endeavours. In addition, I devised a management development program which was rolled out nationally by HR. I have also been mentored and found the experience valuable. I am able to commit to short or longer term business mentoring relationships, up to 8 hours per month. I am a member of the Institute of Directors thus have access to a meeting venue in central London. I am also experienced in mentoring by phone.

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