Lainy Russell - International Women's Day Feature

This IWD we're celebrating some of the female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs in our Chamber. In this feature we talked to Lainy Russell from Flourish.

1. How did you get to where you are today?

My business evolved from working in education and senior management.  I was drawn to the students that were ‘difficult’ to manage and staff that seemed to mirror similar behaviours. This led to learning more about the ‘why’ behind behaviour. What I soon realised was the reasons were complex. Along the way I attended many courses, worked alongside a neuroscientist and read, researched and studied independently for over 30 years. I wanted to make the information, accessible, easy not only to understand, but with real tools you can pick up and use every day. Hence the name ‘Flourish’, as that is my mission for all clients.

2. What would you tell your younger self?

As a teen: keep dreaming big, you have plenty of time and you are freer now than you are ever going to be

In my 20’s: you can make anything a reality, it’s all about belief, learn to manage your mind and keep expecting the dream

In my 30’s: Don’t listen to advice from people who aren’t where you want to be

In my 40’s: Put your fingers in your ears when around negative people, don’t let it seep into your thinking, it’s never too late and you’re still allowed to dream big!

3. What advice would you give to the next generation of women in business?

Cultivate self-belief above all else, because when you are confident about what you do, it creates an invisible ‘energy’ that makes others feel safe around you and drawn towards you.

Never listen to people who don’t share or understand your dream, they cannot give you moral support or good advice because they are in the wrong place. 

Look at your competitors as potential collaborators, they are not the enemy, they are your tribe!

Hone your craft, never stop learning, always be curious; learn to love change and be flexible because your business will undoubtedly take you on many journeys.

Finally, age isn’t a barrier, you are not too young or too old, that type of thinking is called ‘conditioning’ and you need to erase that from your mind, and put a new message in there.

www.flourish.co.uk

You can find out more here about this year's International Women's Day agenda - Rights. Justice, Action. For ALL Women and Girls.