Gill Tiney tells us that, “As a community catalyst I look after the Collaboration Global community. Together we are instrumental in creating collaborations that in some large or small part can and do change our world. We Connect, Collaborate and Grow! This community works to build and develop strategies that help collaborations to success by providing a safe space for abundant thinking and practical solutions to bring a project to fruition.”
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
I have worked in local government as a Housing Officer in the east End of London and learned a lot about life there. I became a primary school teacher and learned a lot about education. I became a partner in a stationery company and learned a lot about business. I built successful networking groups for a myriad of business communities and travelled the world teaching business owners about connection. I became a business coach and learned how many people are blocking their own success. I spent time researching and understanding the power of collaboration, wrote two books on why and how it can transform our economy and countries and founded Collaboration Global to support the SME world as it builds businesses for good. Today I am still learning! Learning how to help and support others to transform their vision for our collective futures.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/ business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
I hold the space for people to discover their passion, to connect to themselves so that they may connect more deeply to others and then collaborate within their businesses and grow. We share our collective wisdom and the community supports and shares that wisdom with our wider following.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
Many people say we are not what they expected. We do not fit expectations. A community that does not recognise competition, refuses to accept a scarcity mindset and believes that together we are stronger. My Ted X Talk elaborates on this as do my books.
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is. Share with us and let’s celebrate the amazing people in our lives who make a positive impact.
My husband of 40 years is my biggest supporter and the community at Collaboration Global, who are always there for me.
As a young woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world and what opportunities are you seeking?
Less labels that divide and more love that unites. Business for good that is not simply transactional but its purpose is to help as many people as possible. The SME (small medium enterprises) is the backbone of our economies, we need to demonstrate that we have a say and can be a powerful force for good, when we collaborate.
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
Women should lead as women and not try to compete in today’s broken world. We can lead with our superpower of love and bring everyone along on the journey. Just because a woman leads does not mean a man has lost. It is simply different. I think it is time for something different.
