On being a Northern Power Woman
“I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” – Malala Yousafzai
There is an amazing network of businesses in the North West, including a thriving and dynamic community of small and medium-sized businesses.
My eyes were first opened to this when Hydraulics Online, the family business of which I’m a director and co-founder, won its first business awards.
A first time for everything
I must admit that when I pulled together our entries into the annual business awards at our local Chambers of Commerce in 2017, my overwhelming feeling was one of imposter syndrome.
You know it…
Yes, we’d built a successful online business from scratch. Yes, we had a clear track in customer service excellence. Yes, we had established great relationships with fantastic suppliers. Yes, we’d worked on some amazing projects. And, yes, we exported all over the world.
But there it still was: that nagging doubt, is that enough; do we really deserve this?
Luckily, the judging panels thought it was and that we did. And they helped to silence that noisy imposter syndrome (although it still pipes up from time to time).
One door opens another
Winning those first two awards was an incredible moment for us. It gave us an opportunity to step back and reflect on how far we had come.
Most of all, it opened so many doors to us. And those doors opened more doors. And those doors opened more doors…
Before we knew it we were getting involved with projects at local universities, the Federation of Small Businesses here in the North West and nationally, being asked to join ministerial roundtable discussions and events at the invitation of 10 Downing Street.
What really matters to me is that we hold those doors open for the people around us, the people coming along behind and beside us, the next generation of would-be entrepreneurs and leaders. Those current leaders who may be full of self-doubt, have lost their mojo, are feeling tired…
Northern Power Women
That’s why I’m so excited about the latest door that has been opened to me on this journey.
In February 2022, I heard that I’d made it onto the Power List of the Northern Power Women community, a select list of role models here in the North of England who challenge the norm and use their influence and power for good; who are recognised for the work they do in making a difference in their communities and organisations while accelerating gender equality and social mobility in the region. The news has been embargoed until this morning – but I am now finally allowed to shout about it.
So shout I shall!
It's a really special achievement for me. Not least because making it onto the list isn’t an ephemeral event – once your name is on the list, it stays there. But also because of what that list celebrates: the holding open of doors to others.
Celebrate your success
I’m sure there are many small businesses all over the region that don’t recognise what a success story they are. Don’t recognise just what they have achieved. Or what they do for their local communities day in day out.
Don’t listen to that little voice that tells you that it isn’t worth celebrating.
Celebrate it. Tell others about it. Enter awards.
Those doors are within reach. And, more often than not, there is someone there waiting to show you the way through.