- Current page is 2: Deirdre who
So what makes me so special then?
Well, how many women do you know who:
- have done it: I built a company from an idea in a bedsit and, with no family history of business, have taken it global to 35 countries - then sold to a FTSE 100 company. All in ten years.
- have recovered from it: I've faced huge adversity and have recovered from ruinous addictions, and I found a code for living that has given me the opportunity to do all of this.
- are passing it on: through volunteer work, mentoring and speaking engagements.
Smart
I suppose what makes my story truly remarkable is that I’m an entrepreneur in the purest sense: no commercial experience, no family history of enterprise and no money…just a great idea, a real cause to help young people, a pile of passion, masses of mistakes and a sense of humour!I was responsible for making travel industry history by changing people’s perceptions of the ‘ethical travel’ movement. My outlandish ideas in the company I created helped changed the lives of 1000’s of people and protect the earth’s environment. In my talks I draw upon my broad range of experiences as a backpacker, stand-up comedienne, lost soul, hugely successful entrepreneur, a stint on 'Wife Swap' and bestselling personal development author.
Real
People tell me that it’s a refreshing change to hear someone who is g
enuine and who 'shares' experiences. You know, I can learn as much from you as you from me.
I believe that everybody has talent - it is FEAR that keeps them stuck in a rut. Is that true with you? I also believe that many brands are bland and success in today's world requires an authenticity, a cause - because people either buy 'why' or 'weird' or both. And while I'm at it, I also think that many sectors are 'tired' and need awakening to the new global era.
Sharing
As a business person, my interests range from the enterprising mindset, SME business growth, curing common brands, savvy marketing, zeitgeist spotting, the emotion economy, generation Y customers, fearless innovation, women in business and enterprising teens. Due to my international business experience I have much to comment about the global economy and why and how companies and individuals need to adjust to it.
As an entrepreneur, apart from founding and selling the world’s largest gap year travel company to a FTSE 100 company for an eight-figure sum, I have since set up an ethical children’s party company - the first of its type in the UK. I therefore have a connection both with business audiences and those aspiring to become the next enterprising leaders. This is revealed in the huge amount of practical advice consisting of both the successes and failures I encountered along the way. My audiences are left in no doubt that I know what I am talking about and take away much from my authentic wisdom.
As a commentator, author and speaker, I combine all of my life and business experience to create a memorable and helpful exchange of ideas. I passionately believe in helping each individual to survive the mental roller-coaster of work and life.
As an entrepreneur, apart from founding and selling the world’s largest gap year travel company to a FTSE 100 company for an eight-figure sum, I have since set up an ethical children’s party company - the first of its type in the UK. I therefore have a connection both with business audiences and those aspiring to become the next enterprising leaders. This is revealed in the huge amount of practical advice consisting of both the successes and failures I encountered along the way. My audiences are left in no doubt that I know what I am talking about and take away much from my authentic wisdom.
As a commentator, author and speaker, I combine all of my life and business experience to create a memorable and helpful exchange of ideas. I passionately believe in helping each individual to survive the mental roller-coaster of work and life.
Recent subjects covered are, SME growth masterclasses, personal and business authenticity, the cure for the common brand, relationships in the workplace, women in business, Gen Y customers along with my outstanding and inspirational keynote about the growth and sale of my travel company.
Ethical
You know, ethical businesses are often very profitable because they are niche. You don't need to be a mung-bean eating, Birkenstock -wearing greenie to be part of a 'good' enterprise. But having a cause at the heart of your business sure does help bring happy customers, creative staff and a great bottom line.
I still do my bit for the wider community, sitting on three public sector Boards, being the official Enterprise Ambassador for Yorkshire and financially contributing to my local University and a charity that aids suffering alcoholics. What do you do?
Fulfilled: The Book
Another one of those ‘who, me?’ bits. The largest publisher in the world managed to persuade me to take three months out of my life and reveal the real reason behind my success. So I’ve put it all into Fulfilled: A Personal Revolution in Seven Steps.
You’ll discover a new path drawn from age-old principles that will put you on the road to feeling more happy and free. It’s the most powerful life change programme in existence today, and it’s helped recreate the lives of millions across the world, including mine. Simple, but not easy, you'll learn about your ego, fears, resentments and how to work with them all.