How being a finalist in the Woman Who Achieves Awards 2022 has helped my business

In case you missed it, not only was I nominated for the Woman Who Achieves Awards 2022, but I am a finalist for the Health and Wellbeing category. The awards ceremony takes place on Friday 1 July, so watch this space!

This has meant a huge amount to me. These aren’t just any award - it's a support network of cheerleaders recognising each others' great work. The whole ethos felt very connected to my purpose and this is the reason I felt inspired to submit my first ever award application.

I have been surprised by how powerfully the awards process has instilled in me a sense of self-belief that I am worthy of an award. That sense of self-belief didn't change because of being shortlisted, it changed when I pressed submit on my application.

Having to reflect and talk about who I am, what I've done and how I've helped people in the health and wellbeing space helped me to recognise and own ‘my awesomeness’ - the really good stuff I have done and achieved.

Maybe that will come as a surprise to you. Maybe you’re thinking ‘but you’ve been in business over 10 years, surely you believe in yourself’? And I totally do believe in myself and the work I’m doing, but recognising and owning “my awesomeness” has taken it to a different level.

The underpinning value in my professional career is, and has always been, making a difference - I know I make a difference and I know I can help many people.

Everybody thinks 'elf and safety is all about dull, unhelpful paperwork stopping you doing things. I don't! It is all about enabling people, and a fabulous opportunity for businesses to put people's health, safety and wellbeing at the heart of what they do.

The benefits of my approach have never been more evident than throughout the pandemic. Many organisations tried wellbeing approaches, but they were very piecemeal, typically not getting the results that either managers or employees hoped for. Businesses that I support, including the financial, software, insurance and serviced office sectors, were able to demonstrate genuine care for their employees, providing support for one of the most immediate challenges – setting up a workstation at home. This has both mental and physical benefits as physical comfort promotes positive feelings about work or productivity. My clients' reward was increased employee engagement.

This has been an extraordinary experience and if you ever find yourself in a position of wondering whether or not to apply to awards, I would recommend doing it, particularly when the category resonates with you.

Thank you to everyone for your support. I have enjoyed every step of the journey, even the finalists interview with 4 judges! Wishing all of the finalists the best of luck for the ceremony on 1st July – I look forward to sharing the experience with a roomful of other business owners who have found and celebrate their awesomeness too.