Kirsteen Campbell
Kirsteen Campbell tells us that, “I am 43 I live in the Highlands in Scotland, I have had a long complex history with Endometriosis, during my own journey I have experienced a chemical Menopause, Peri Menopause and now in a surgical menopause. I am very passionate about women’s health and women’s rights to access to healthcare. I have done a lot of voluntary work around women’s health for the last 4yrs. I decided to train as a coach after my own menopause experiences recognising how life changing and incredible coaching can be.”
What were your early years like? Could you share a bit about your life before you began your coaching journey?
I have battled health challenges a lot with Endometriosis, I was only 26 when I had my hysterectomy. I understand how challenging it can be living with a long term gynecological condition. I have been working in the third sector for the last 9 years. For The last 6 years I have been delivering self-management training. I do a lot of voluntary work around women’s health running an awareness hub and 4 support groups with 2 other amazing women.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
In March 2020 I attended an Endometriosis Parliamentary Event, meeting others who ran support groups inspired me, I then set up a North Highlands support group. Endometriosis can be a very lonely and isolating condition but once you find the community it can be amazing with incredible friendships. I had anticipated having 25 group members, that group now has 309 members then we added in another 3 groups with now a total of 933 group members. It has built this amazing community and helped remove taboos and stigmas around women’s health in the North of Scotland. Women need a safe space to properly be themselves, where they are seen and heard.
Everyone faces unique challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. The most valuable lessons often come from understanding how these challenges are managed. Could you share the difficulties you’ve encountered and the strategies you’ve used to cope with them?
I am very cautious, I had my own outside catering business and café before and it didn’t end well. It left me in debt. So I am super cautious about everything now. I have taken my time to choose the right bank account etc this time. I was lucky to get a start up grant through Business Gateway/Highland council, which has covered all my layout costs. I am trying to do as much myself this time as possible. Business Gateway has been a great support.
What impact do you feel you have been able to create with your work so far and how would you want to grow in the next few years?
I am well known in the Highlands around women’s health, but mainly from a voluntary role. I have recently done a talk to the Highland mental health team. I am trying to keep my social media up to date to get word out into my community. The feedback I have had from clients has been excellent.
Would you like to share with our aspiring young women entrepreneurs the changes you would like to see in the world if given the opportunity?
I would love to see all women prepared and educated for menopause, armed with knowledge and tools to help them have better experiences. Helping reduce the mental health impact we are seeing from lack of knowledge and support.
Women are increasingly becoming a powerful presence in workplaces worldwide, breaking through glass ceilings and reaching top leadership positions. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
Women are amazing, encouraging, resilient and empowering. We need to see more women reach the top jobs. It will improve the world, making it a safer, healthier place to live.
Your grit and determination are making a significant impact, serving as an inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs. What message would you like to share with our young women leaders and audience reading this?
Everyone does have the option to change the world, to do so you just need to care and be kind. You will face challenges and obstacles and it is important to stay positive and learn to be resilient in being able to pick yourself back up and refocus.