Amelia Brooke is a globally recognised CV writer and career strategist with over a decade of experience in career coaching, job searching strategies, interview preparation, and workshop facilitation. Known for her energetic and inspirational approach, she turns CVs into powerful tools by focusing on personal branding and crafting engaging narratives. Amelia’s action-orientated, strengths-based approach boosts clients’ confidence and performance, especially during career transitions. Her engaging workshops and friendly guidance make her a sought-after speaker and a valuable partner in professional development, helping people worldwide reach their career goals.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I was born in Adelaide, Australia, and my journey has taken me across the globe. I worked in London for ten years before settling in Scotland.
I was the first in my family to attend university, where I earned a Bachelor of International Business. Straight out of university, I landed a graduate role, which kickstarted my career.
My professional path led me into traditionally male-dominated industries like automotive and oil & gas. These corporate roles involved extensive international travel, allowing me to meet and work with people worldwide.
My knack for connecting with engineers and technical specialists paved the way for a successful stint in technical recruitment, where I placed candidates with top companies throughout EMEA.
The birth of my first daughter marked a significant turning point. While on maternity leave, I felt a strong pull to start my own business. I began side hustling while working full-time, but eventually, my passion for helping people tell their stories and advance their careers convinced me to leave corporate life behind.
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!”
The idea for my business sparked while I was in my recruitment career. The industry is incredibly fast-paced and cutthroat. Imagine this: candidates are judged in mere seconds based on the presentation and content of a Word document. Crazy, right? But that’s the reality we faced.
In countless conversations with potential candidates, I discovered they had a wealth of skills and experiences that were missing from their CVs. It was frustrating to see how much valuable information was left out. With the clock always ticking and clients demanding quick placements, many recruiters couldn’t afford the time to help candidates revise their CVs. As a result, these talented individuals were often overlooked despite having incredible experience.
Seeing this gap inspired me to create my own business. I wanted to ensure that everyone had the chance to showcase their true potential and tell their full story. It’s all about ensuring those hidden skills and experiences come to light, giving people the opportunities they deserve.
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?
My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to start by researching and building a solid business case. Understand the landscape of your market—who your competitors are, how they operate, what they charge, and what makes them successful. What value do they bring to the world? Then, think about how you are different. What is unique about your business that will draw clients? Having a unique selling point or value proposition that sets you apart is crucial, just as it is when differentiating yourself as a candidate in the job search market.
Also, don’t be afraid to contact other business owners to learn about their journeys and seek advice. You’d be amazed at how often people are willing to share their stories and help others. The market is big enough for everyone, and there’s so much to gain from connecting with others who have walked the path before you. By supporting and learning from each other, we can create a more inclusive and collaborative entrepreneurial landscape.
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?
It’s fantastic to see more women reaching the top; many women are role models for the next generation.
However, significant barriers still exist. These can include unconscious bias, lack of access to mentorship opportunities, and the complexities of balancing work and personal life.
My own experience in a competitive environment highlighted this issue. In fact, it became a major turning point in my career when I encountered women creating barriers for other women, and this fuelled my decision to launch my own business.
While seeing women create obstacles for each other can be disheartening, it also highlights the need for stronger female networks and collaboration. We can all play a part in creating a more supportive environment that lifts all women up.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Never stop listening and learning!
Make a habit of seeking out diverse viewpoints by talking to people from different backgrounds and experiences. Learn from various resources, from books and articles to online courses, to expand knowledge on a wide range of topics. Actively participate in conversations by asking questions, listening attentively, and remaining open to contrasting perspectives. View challenges as stepping stones for growth and embrace them as opportunities to learn new things. Finally, take time to reflect on experiences, extracting the valuable lessons learned along the way.
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?
Traditionally, careers were viewed as a linear climb, with each rung leading to a predefined position. But the modern world offers far more flexibility. Today, your career is more like a climbing wall, with a vast array of handholds and footholds representing diverse opportunities. You can forge your own path, explore different directions, and even take a misstep without getting stuck. The key is to be adaptable, embrace challenges, and continuously learn new skills to navigate your unique ascent.
