Liz Hamlet
Liz Hamlet “The Success Spark” is an internationally known Coach, Strategist, Speaker and Podcaster and, of course, Founder of Spark Succeed Coaching & Consulting. Named amongst “LinkedIn’s 1000 women who inspire through their work” (2022), Liz speaks at events, expert panel discussions and global communities – delivering TedX style talks full of beautiful storytelling on redefining success, entrepreneurship, leadership, mindset and the power of finding your true calling. Liz is passionate about helping leaders to lead better and helping budding entrepreneurs get their business dream launched. A “corporate escapee” herself, she founded Spark Succeed after making the leap from employee to entrepreneur.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before the venture/ corporate journey?
I had the entrepreneurial spirit even as a kid – I’d draw and create my own newspapers, I earned what seemed like hundreds by designing the front pages of sports programmes. So it was always there, but I sat on that dream of becoming my own boss for several years as an adult in my corporate leadership career. Until one day, I couldn’t keep it in any more. I took redundancy and haven’t looked back since.
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 superpower of helping others to lead better. I’d been coaching and mentoring for many years – often I’d be approached by upcoming leaders within the sector and organisation to mentor them through leadership interviews or the fledgling leadership careers. It was an idea that slowly burnt brighter and brighter that I could do this as a business and magnify that impact I’d had on those leaders. I now have the privilege of doing that daily in my work through Spark Succeed.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
There are 3 pillars to the work I do – all which underpin my work to help others LEAD BETTER – to lead their businesses better, to lead their people better and to lead themselves better.
Speaking – I speak on leadership, change, mindset and entrepreneurship. I also host the “How to Spark Success” podcast where we get to steal the success secrets of Global leaders – which is a lot of fun!
Consulting – I ask the questions my clients have been avoiding so they can grow thriving businesses with maximum impact and growth.
Coaching – Supporting my clients to lead better and overcome challenges that are holding them back from leading their business or teams effectively.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Aside from the amazing impact I’m seeing with my clients, I’m really proud of the pro-bono work I do in mentoring. I volunteer as a mentor at my old university – University of Birmingham – mentoring undergraduates and supporting them in moving into employment; and I’m a mentor for the Help to Grow Management program through Enterprise Nation, supporting startup founders to grow their business ideas and lead more effectively.
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’d like women to have access to diverse and inclusive women leadership role models. To see that you don’t have to be traditionally “professional” to be successful – in fact some of the most successful entrepreneurs I know have been through the most adversity.
I’d like them to embrace their individuality and recognise that you can be a rebel, a maverick, an individual and that this is your superpower in your entrepreneurship journey.
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?
I recognise that there are still industries where female representation and opportunity in senior leadership is hugely lacking.
However I’ve personally not felt hindered in my progress through leadership and entrepreneurship. I think mindset absolutely helps and not allowing that “imposter” voice to discourage you from taking leaps, opportunities and risks.
What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Be more rebellious. Question the norm, don’t be afraid of taking an opposing view, don’t go with the crowd.