In this episode we are talking about your niche giving you a voice with Nicola Phillips. When you are able to be authentically yourself with what you do – when you have created your own way – providing you the platform to speak up on issues important to you.

Nicola is an Award Winning Chartered Landscape Architect who has grown a people focussed business putting humanity back into her practice. Out from the big glass offices and from behind large pr machines. Nicola’s first bold move was simply calling her practice by her name in a predominantly male dominated industry. Known as the great landscape architect she is, Nicola has got vocal about gender pay gap issues. The response can be surprising when you put yourself out there.

Speaking up in your niche. No more hiding and no more apologising. Humans are out there. And bringing your story as part of your niche can be a powerful force for change.

Let’s hear what Nicola has to say.

SHOW NOTES:

https://njlandscapedesign.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nicola-jayne-landscape-design-ltd/

https://www.instagram.com/nj_landscapedesign/

Find Penny here - www.thebranddirectoress.com

TAKEAWAYS

• Being authentic and speaking up about gender pay gap issues can lead to positive outcomes and help others in similar situations.
• Finding your niche and working with like-minded individuals is important for personal and professional fulfillment.
• Challenges and obstacles in the industry should not deter you from pursuing your passion and making a difference.
• Flexibility in work hours and prioritizing personal well-being can lead to a more fulfilling career.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating the Landscape of Gender Pay Gap

08:08 Authenticity and Advocacy in a Male-Dominated Field

13:32 Finding Your Niche and Like-Minded Collaborators

In this episode we are talking about celebrating uniqueness with Ingrid Raphael. Finding your niche by recognising your own uniqueness and what you can offer that is beneficial to others.

Ingrid works from her boutique skin clinic in North London having niched down from generalist beauty into healing skin care. We discuss getting to learn what you love and the realisation you need to break the rules to be able to do the work how you believe it should be done. Wanting to do things your own way. Questioning if you are doing something purposeful. Something that matters.

We talk how the more focussed you become the wider the learnings. As Ingrid says ‘like Alice in Wonderland getting curiouser and curiouser.’ Learning the Ingrid Raphael way. Her energy and belief in not just skin deep but soul deep – we can question, when it comes to your niche – how deep can we go?

SHOW NOTES:

https://ingridraphael.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ingridraphaellondon/

Find Penny here - www.thebranddirectoress.com

TAKEAWAYS

• Treat each person's skin uniquely and understand the internal factors that contribute to skin conditions.
• Empower clients through education and help them develop a deeper understanding of their own skin.
• Find your niche by recognizing your own uniqueness and what you can offer that is beneficial to others.
• Failure is a valuable lesson that steers you in a different direction and helps you grow.
• Dream big and have audacious goals for the future, such as writing a book, developing a product line, and starting a charity.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Getting Started in Beauty

06:04 The Importance of Treating Each Person's Skin Uniquely

12:13 Honing In on a Niche and Recognising Uniqueness

25:02 Dreaming Big for the Future

In this episode we are talking about carving your own path later on in a career with Auriel Majumdar. Auriel is a Creative Coach, Supervisor, Consultant and Educator.

As the daughter of first generation immigrant father, an Indian doctor – for years Auriel did the dutiful thing – until in her mid 40’s she didn’t and took a career shift – now at 61 she’s expanding more into that space.

We talk about getting started. The beginning being a tricky place and how you make that leap.

Building your body of work, 'your body of evidence'. Building your confidence and the trust of people who then work with you. Getting your reputation and having pride and love for what you do. Another reminder this is a long game. Niching down to build on that expertise. And the brilliant question 'does it thrill you to death?' when deciding on what. you want – really want – to be working on.

SHOW NOTES:

https://www.aurielmajumdar.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aurielmajumdar/

https://www.chrismsaunders.com/#/

Find Penny here - www.thebranddirectoress.com

TAKEAWAYS

• Carving your own path and following your passion can lead to a fulfilling career.
• Being authentic and expressing your uniqueness in business can help you stand out in a crowded market.
• Confidence and belief in the quality of your work are essential for success.
• Building a strong personal brand is important for attracting the right clients and opportunities. Start somewhere and evolve over time to build a reputation in your desired market.
• Practice and hone your craft to become excellent.
• Find joy and fulfillment in your work by pursuing your true passion.
• Embrace opportunities for personal growth and exploration.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Morning Greetings

08:07 Authenticity and Uniqueness in Business

15:21 Starting with You: Building Confidence

29:38 Finding Joy and Fulfilment in Your Work

39:01 Embracing Personal Growth and Exploration