About
When anyone looks at my CV, the first question they ask is "You've had so many jobs... why is that?"
Apart from the fact that a career is not a ladder, there are other ways of getting to the top of it without going straight up. I've had a curvy path towards the work I do today. One side of that was to take part in a nomadic life by being a partner to one of our military men. To adjust easily, I signed-up as a Professional Temp then, latterly, enlisted in a military support role which I held for over a decade.
Today, we're living in uncertain times. Redundancies are a natural part of life, as I was to find out when I had no choice but to take that opportunity myself.
These roles have proved my adaptability and flexibility and my success in these stress-filled environments.
These skills are available for you, alongside critical thinking, confidentiality assured, and a host of transferable experiences which I can put to good use by embracing new opportunities - particularly for Business 2 Business activities.
Indulge my story...
When I secured the job to work within the military welfare environment, in April 2009, my friends thought I was mad. At the time, I was giving up an exciting well-paid job working for top CEOs in television news media and publishing for what? To live 'the military way of life' by moving around the country on military bases.
Contrary to my friends' concerns, I was inspired by the young men and women I met. They continually earned my admiration and paved a new path for me. I was privileged to watch their commitment to make changes, their sheer enthusiasm to embrace new challenges and their utter determination to live a life battling for others. They showed me a thing or two about the pointy end of life.
The road their lives had taken to get to the point of 'no return', found me in a position of admiration for their sheer grit and determination to change their lives. So, I honoured their approach and took the time to invest in learning more - and earned a degree along the way.
Most people who choose to live the military life have struggled. Most have come from a home of addictions, financial issues, criminal activities and the most horrible of abuses (mental, physical and emotional). It was my job to help them transition the changes they made by assisting them reframe their thoughts, rewind their memories and restart their lives.
Many people are afraid of the people in this world. However, from my experience the majority of those that have crossed my path (and there have been a huge variety - from all walks of life!), have been good, kind folk - with an interesting tale to tell along the way.
Another thing I've noticed: all those who have dealt with the bombs and bullets on the battlefield (literally or figuratively), have a belief in a Creator.
And today?
Along with the rest of the population of the world, in 2020, I literally lost EVERYTHING. Redundancy lost me my job along with the military accommodation that was afforded me. Many of my friends and family either moved on out of the country or, sadly, passed away. The govt, bless their little cotton socks, decided I didn't look or act like a pensioner, so helped me identify with that, by informing me I had to wait just a wee bitty longer to receive my pension (it's not a benefit, by the way!).
One thing I've noticed, is that no one can accuse me of not embracing variety.
Or being persistent.
And resilient.
Today, I work with the attitude of an octopus. It looks better to say that I'm 'self-employed', rather than 'un-employed' and I prefer to keep it that way, even though it has been very difficult to secure any clients for therapy in this day and age. However, I am privileged to be able to welcome any enquiries for remote work as a Virtual Assistant, PA or Administrator. Or to be asked to work part-time work as counsellor (chiefly, I give my time to charities, for veterans on the verge of suicide); I also dabble in painting pets (mainly horses and dogs!) and I've also enjoyed looking after people's pets too. And I've written and published books, which I chiefly give away for free, so that I can help others achieve their own dreams.
During my decade working for the military, I helped thousands (literally) of young men find their path in life. Healing emotional turmoil and easing mental health issues with such a huge variety of personalities was indeed a challenge, but with a down-to-earth, non-judgemental approach (i.e. no bullshit or psychobabble), I was able to help them exceed their own expectations.
As you can see, I have a wide range of knowledge and experience under my belt, so, why wouldn't I want to put that to good use and help others through the rollercoaster of their life?
CV
20+ years as a PA to C-Suite personnel in media, marketing and publishing where I became a leader of a team of department managers in revamping an office product showroom and increased dealer network sales. Organised dealer incentives, where I sent them off to the Barcelona Olympics, to watch David Soul in the Rugby World Cup and arrange a luxury Golf Tournament Event at the Belfry - as well as a host of regular dealer conferences, organised presentation material, travel and accommodation for hundreds of Directors across the world. I earned an MA in psychology while working full-time and travelling from Germany to the UK. Learned IT and DTP programmes to produce authors books, B2B magazines and influencers newsletters. Have personally created and presented group workshops to help teams work together and improve communication. Plus, I've spent 15+ years delivering counselling to military personnel network and supporting agencies.
- One-to-one and couple counselling sessions
- Course creation, production and presentation workshops
- Publishing books and producing newsletters and magazines
- Building strong professional links within the military structure
- Liaising with outside service care, charitable and mental health agencies
- Developing meaningful support for individuals suffering stress, anxiety, alcohol/drug addictions and low self-esteem issues
- PA duties for BBC News, Sir Trevor McDonald at ITN, Macmillan Publishing and other C-Suite personnel
- Organising dealer sales incentives and company sponsorships, such as attendance at Rugby World Cup ’91 and Olympic Games ‘92
- Led a team of directors in revamping an office product showroom for increasing sales across dealer network
Charitable Work for Veterans
SELF EMPLOYED – recent venture
Worcestershire & Oxfordshire
Charitable work for mental healthcare charities for military veterans and first responders.
Services Welfare Officer
SERVICES WELFARE CHARITY – 2009-2020HM Forces, UK and Germany
Identifying and providing guidance to military personnel suffering from mental health issues, emotional difficulties and family challenges.
Personal Assistant to CEOs, Directors and Executives
CAREER MOVES EMPLOYMENT AGENCY – 1994-2009 London and Dundee
Supporting and structuring top level CEOs calendars and tasks with organisation and planning abilities.
Education
MA (Hons) Psychotherapy
CBT Diploma
EFT Diploma
Some Example References
Ricoh UK
Sutton Council
London News Radio
Cardinal Lysander
WRVS/MoD
