Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, keynote speaker and published author. Stephanie has worked as a Health and Wellbeing Consultant to many companies across varied industries including Rail, Atomic Weapons, Civil Engineering and the NHS. Stephanie has successfully delivered interventions for companies ranging from Deloitte through to Everton Football Club and is flexible in adapting her approach to suit the environment she is working in. Stephanie specialises in delivering practical, evidence-based interventions, focusing on sustainable improvement. Stephanie is passionate about ensuring people are happy, healthy, safe and engaged in the workplace, and believes everyone can and should enjoy work.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before the venture/ corporate journey?
I grew up in the South-East of England and from a young age was interested in people and liked nothing more than being helpful to others. I was exceptionally close to my Grandparents and inherited a love of cooking and reading from my Grandmother which I still hold to this day.
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!”
I saw the same problems and the same patterns all over the world and knew that I could help people. Many people feel they have failed if they aren’t happy at work, and I wanted to give people the knowledge and power to feel happy and healthy, no matter what their role, or where they work. Often the conversation around wellbeing is confusing or overwhelming and I love giving people clear, practical and evidence-based interventions that they can put in place and see immediate results. Helping others be happy makes me happy!
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
I passionately believe that everyone can and should be happy, healthy and safe at work and I want to give them the knowledge and tools to be so.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I have been exceptionally blessed to have some amazing moments in my career. Being asked to advise the UK Government on Mental Health at Work was a huge honour. I have worked with multiple client groups but my clinical work in Oncology and my coaching work with elite athletes are inspiring and humbling experiences which I truly love. I have also delivered a lot for military personnel, in particular those with significant injury, which means a lot to me as my Grandfather was in the Royal Air Force (RAF) so it is my way of saying a small thankyou to those in service.
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 love to see young women stand confidently. So often we are told to doubt ourselves, to stand back, to not put ourselves first. I would encourage all women to take up more room and show the world just how wonderful, talented and awesome they are!
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’s leadership today?
The situation is improving but there are still barriers to female leadership. I encourage women to look for allies. There are so many good people in the world of work who will help you. For every person who is threatened by or uncomfortable with female leadership, there will be many many more who will help, support and cheerlead you on. Don’t be put off and never believe that you cannot be a leader because you are a woman.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
You will achieve so much more than you can even dream of in your lifetime. Stay focused, stay positive, stay optimistic and stay true to yourself. The rest will come.
