The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
During the end of my time abroad, when I was managing a pre-school, I was criticised by an employer for being too friendly and talking too much. A happy social nature is truly who I am, however at that time I saw it to be much more valuable to be someone else, someone more serious and professional. This led me into the dark valley of depression and I felt stifled. I struggled to accept the diagnosis as it just wasn’t me. I sat back, stunned and embarrassed. I looked back in curiosity thinking how did this happen? Turns out I wasn’t living in an environment that was supportive of my fun, bubbly nature. This sparked a drive in me to teach parents and employers the importance of accepting people for who they are.
For better or worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
The pros are easy. I’m doing what I love doing, how I think it should be done. I’m busy, but flexible. No one tells me what to do and the love for my work keeps me motivated.
Turning your ideas into a business takes a lot of time and determination. And covering all the bases successfully is tiring and sometimes frightening. Planning has to be precise as I travel all over the country to observe and help families, writing behaviour plans and reports and answering more calls for help in between. Then there is the book work, marketing and networking that need regular attention. It all must to be monitored to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Hopes and dreams: What next?
I’m very close to completing a book about the four different natures of children. Having just finished my latest round of research and receiving a deadline for the editor, I’m excited to see the final product on display.
I get great satisfaction hearing feedback from parents that my solutions have helped. This drives me to do more, say more and give as much value as possible to everyone I meet. I’m in the midst of planning The NZ Supernanny Road Show in 2019. I’ll be travelling to the main centres to teach and inspire others on how they too can have Harmony in the Home.
Visit the Harmony in the Home website to learn more.
