About

My Story

I was in my mid 30’s, outwardly successful but working long, hard hours in my career. I had a nagging feeling there must be more to life. Then everything changed. I found out my 57-year-old dad didn’t have long to live. I wanted to spend as much time with him as I could. How could I leave my long hours, stressful job, still pay the bills and have precious time to spend with my Dad? The answer was becoming a Non Executive Director. I had recently been offered a role as an NED on an NHS Board. Although it didn’t pay enough for me to leave my job, it showed me there was a way to start a portfolio career and change my life.

My journey to a full Portfolio Career was anything but straightforward. I’ve applied for over 150 roles, worked my way up and learned the hard way. Now I want to share my proven process to help you reach the Boardroom and grow your Portfolio quickly and easily. I grew my portfolio to 5 roles and added investing, property, and coaching to the mix! I had that special time to spend with my Dad, got the courage to leave my relationship and now live by the beach with my 2 small children.

Things have never been better. I earn more than I did as a full time executive and I work 2 or 3 days a week. I have interesting, stimulating work with people I respect and so much time to see friends or hang out at the beach with the kids. Imagine – having time for yourself, your family and friends and hobbies, just to be! I wouldn’t trade my portfolio career for the world.

“The key to keeping your balance is knowing when you’ve lost it. I can help you find it again..”  Lisa

 

A Non-Exec Directorship is your first step to taking back your freedom just like I did and I can show you how, step by step, with the Gravitas Process..

Am I Super Woman?

Heck no! I’m a single parent doing her best with a portfolio career. But I am determined. Our family motto is ‘Never Give Up’!

If I can do it, so can you!

I come from a working-class family, went to higher education late and have been self-employed for most of my working life. I’ve never worked in the corporate world at all. What I do have is confidence, self-belief and a proven process for securing Board roles.

I’m here to help, book a free discovery call

What Board experience do I have?

These are some of the roles I have held or currently hold:

  • Trustee Pancreatic Cancer UK
  • Non Executive Director Riverside Housing Assocation
  • Board Member NHS Ayshire & Arran – Chair Information Governance Committee, Vice Chair Pharmacy Practices Committee
  • Non Executive Director Ethical Property Company – Chair Nominations and Remuneration Committees
  • Lay Member Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal
  • Committee Member Scottish Land Fund
  • Board Member Firstport
  • Non Executive Director Ombudsman Services
  • Non Executive Director Scottish Police Authority – Chair Transition & Reform Group
  • Non Executive Adviser Forestry & Land Scotland
  • Member Doctor’s & Dentist’s Review Body
  • Board Member – East Ayrshire Integrated Joint Board – Chair Performance & Audit Committee
  • Trustee – Ayrshire Credit Union

What qualifications do I have?

  • Ambassador for Women on Boards
  • Gestalt Transformational Coach
  • Virgin Start up Mentor
  • Digital Strategy (Executive Education), INSEAD
  • Digital Leadership (Executive Education), Henley Business School
  • Strategic Performance Management (Executive Education), Cambridge University – Judge Business School
  • Fulbright Scholarship in CorporateEntrepreneurship (MBA Equivalent), Babson College, Boston
  • Management & Computing Science BSc Hons (2:1), Open University

Clients

Find out which service will suit you best:

Gravitas Process Group Program

How long: 12 weeks – 1 hour call weekly group call (with some homework before and after)

When: May to July  2020

Register Here (need link)

What is covered:

  1. What kind of Board roles are there?
  2. What kind of Board do I want to sit on?
  3. What kind of role am I suited for?
  4. What will be Board USP be?
  5. Where to find roles
  6. Recruiters/Headhunters
  7. Networking
  8. Board CV
  9. Covering Letters
  10. Interview Preparation
  11. Due Diligence
  12. Your Board Strategy

Who is this for:

  • Aspiring Non Exec’s
  • Happy working in a group
  • Can commit to one-hour call per week 

Cost: £1495

Board Bootcamp Women's Retreat

How long: 3 days (with some homework before and after)

When: 20-22, November 2020

Register Here (need link)

What is covered:

  1. What kind of Board roles are there?
  2. What kind of Board do I want to sit on?
  3. What kind of role am I suited for?
  4. What will be Board USP be?
  5. Where to find roles
  6. Recruiters/Headhunters
  7. Networking
  8. Board CV
  9. Covering Letters
  10. Interview Preparation
  11. Due Diligence
  12. Your Board Strategy

Who is this for:

  • Aspiring Non Exec’s
  • Happy working in a group
  • Looking for an intensive and fast solution

Cost: £995 – £1795 depending on room chosen

One on One Coaching

How long: 1 hour per session. Have as many as you like.

When: Start now

Schedule Your Session Here (need link)

What is covered: You decide! Any of the areas covered in the Gravitas Process for aspiring non-executives.

Support for existing non-executives with current Board issues they may be facing.

Portfolio Careers including:

  • What sort of things can I have in my portfolio?
  • How do I balance my time between work and family?
  • How do I transition from full time work to a Portfolio Career?
  • Help with specific areas of your portfolio
  • Developing Your Portfolio Strategy.

Who is this for:

  • Aspiring Non Exec’s
  • Current non-executives
  • Wants to work one on one

Cost: £150 per hour

CV Review

How long: 1 week depending on how quickly you can redraft

When: Start now

Schedule Now (need link)

What is covered:

I look at your current CV. We have a call where I ask you questions to draw out the information needed for your Board CV. I will then make comments on your first and final drafts.

Who is this for:

  • You know you need a Board CV
  • You know you need a Board CV
  • You’ve seen a Board role you want to apply for

Cost: £495

Not sure what is the best fit for you? Schedule a free call to find out.