I have spent my whole professional life working with and for women – from selling them boutique briefs to helping them stand up and be funny!
JOURNALIST…
Nowadays I write for my own company’s website www.funnywomen.com, the Huffington Post and a variety of national newspapers and magazines. I began my career as a journalist for magazines such as Harper’s & Queen (now Harper’s Bazaar) and Mirabelle. If you’ve seen the film, The Devil Wears Prada, you’ll get some idea of what I went through when I started my career. I even knocked my teeth out while a young writer (don’t ask) and wouldn’t be at all surprised to discover I was the inspiration for Ugly Betty.
Read my Huffington Post columns here
BOUTIQUE OWNER (no, really)…
I went on to become editor of an influential fashion trade magazine called Body Lines. What do you do when you have the absolute last word on fashion-forward frillies? You open your own lingerie boutique. My shop – Pillow Talk in Reigate – gave me even more priceless insight to how we women tick. I learned so much from helping women purchase their most intimate items of clothing. Whether it’s buying your knickers or making a speech, it’s all about confidence.
PR GURU…
The world of public relations was a natural progression from journalism and retail. I set up my first PR consultancy at the age of 27 and I’m proud of my work with successful brands such as Asda, W H Smith, The Prince’s Trust, Thames Water, Hyundai Car UK, Pepe Jeans, Umbro, Nike, Avon, Almay, Innoxa and Yardley. I became a member of the Certified Institute of Public Relations and was president of Women in PR from 2001-2003.
COMEDY PRODUCER…
In 1999 I had a conversation with a client that changed my life. A comedy promoter told me that there weren’t any funny women. So I created Funny Women in 2002. The rest is comedy history. I’ve enjoyed 15 years of revenge proving him wrong by creating one of the UK’s leading comedy brands.
Have a look around Funny Women here
PERFORMANCE COACH…
I run comedy workshops for women who want to try stand-up but don’t know how to get started. I also introduce people to a range of performance techniques to improve self-confidence and presentation skills – both professionally and personally. I also offer one-to-one coaching for anyone who wants to really up their game, either as a performer or as a public speaker.
What people have to say about my workshops
AWARD-WINNER…
I received two awards at the NatWest Ladies at E11even Business Awards in November 2011 – the Inspirational Woman Award and the NatWest Award for outstanding business success. I was also named in the One Hundred Unseen Powerful Women (who change the world) by the charity One World Action in recognition of my work in arts and media. In November 2012 I was named Women’s Champion by the Achievers Academy for Women and more recently I was runner up for both Arts/Creative and Women’s Champion in the 2017 Kent Women in Business Awards.
Watch the film about why I’m a women’s champion
MEDIA PUNDIT…
I am very passionate about giving women their voice, that’s why newspapers and broadcasters come to me for comment on women in comedy. I’ve appeared on flagship BBC programmes such as the Today Programme, Women’s Hour and Radio London. I have written for the Independent and Guardian and am a regular blogger for The Huffington Post.
CAMPAIGNER…
I am a passionate supporter of charities Refuge and Rise that help women who are victims of domestic violence. I am also a member of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Women and Enterprise, bringing together women in business and parliament to share skills and increase diversity.
AND IF ALL THAT WASN’T ENOUGH…
What else? I did a successful stint as TV presenter for Living. And I’m writing a book. In my few moments of spare time I quite like to sleep.