Jacqueline Robertson is an International accredited life coach, NLP Master Practitioner, and certified Self-love coach.
She tells us that, “I help working mums achieve less guilt, stress and overwhelm whilst increasing energy, confidence and balance by examining those limiting/negative beliefs, self-care routines and time management. It’s about empowering and educating mums so that they can be their own cheerleader and teacher. Everyone has the power within themselves already! I help mums to tap into their potential and gain the strength and confidence to change whatever hasn’t been working. This then gives them the freedom, time, and energy to make those priceless family moments!”
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up, my mum worked and was the main career for me and my brother. My dad would work long hours and multiple jobs. My grandma was nearby to help when mum was at work. When I grew up, I moved away from home and was a police officer in London. I met my husband, but after we got married and had children, I still continued to work part time. I had no immediate family nearby and tried to do it all and be all! It was after a trip away for the weekend alone, that I felt the layers of responsibility piling up on my shoulders as I got nearer to home. I knew I would have to hit the ground running to get everything ready for work and school the next day. This was the epiphany I needed that things had to change. This is what I now teach today. I’ve been where other struggling mums are. I’m still not fully there, but I can teach the strategies I’ve learnt through my own journey.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
My own journey (see above) I don’t want other mums struggling along like I did, fuelled by social media to be ‘the perfect mum’ to do and be it all. I wanted to help educate others to look within, what they can do and what resources they can use to create more of a balance in their lives. We only have one chance at life. It’s for living to our (not anyone else’s) best and most fulfilling. The more I have gone through my own self development journey and researched, the more I find I am not alone in this need for balance.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would like to see more balance in pay and parental responsibility roles. The Netherlands are seen as the lead when it comes to balance and we could learn a lot from following their example. Papadays, where men regularly take a day a month (or more) from work to care for their children. More flexibility in our working so we can be there for school activities or when our child is ill, without feeling guilty for putting them first.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women are showing that they have a place at the top table with men, but I feel we still have some way to go:
Managerslab.com states that female leadership tends to be more collaborative and relationship-oriented, while male leadership is more task-oriented and focused on making quick decisions.
The gender pay gap is still being hotly debated and in May 2023 Forbes reported that women are 14% less likely to be promoted than their male colleagues because they are seen as having less potential.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
You have one life. Be prepared to reach outside your comfort zone as this is where real growth happens. I’ve really pushed myself both professionally and personally over the years and even surprised myself at just what I’m capable of. If things don’t work out, reframe, it’s a learning experience!
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
They say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now. Don’t wait. Perfection doesn’t exist and procrastination can stop you if you let it. Everything is a chance to learn, good and bad.
