Women in Business: Q&A with Nicky Marshall

We chat with Nicky Marshall, founder of Discover Your Bounce, about her business, her working life and her thoughts on women in business, after her recent talk at our launch event celebrating women in business: 'Business West Women'.

Founding the business in May 2013 after she suffered and recovered from a stroke, Nicky used her experience as an accountant and business woman together with her years in the holistic and wellbeing industries to design a foundation programme to help people address overwhelm and stress that leads to illness.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your business and your role? 

I run three companies, one in partnership with a Co Director. My day to day is very varied, from presenting, writing courses and business development as well as mentoring in personal development and book writing.

What’s a typical working day for you? 

I’m not sure there is such a thing. Sometimes I’m travelling to present, by plane or train, other days I’ve got client or potential client meetings. I do try to spend at least one day at home to catch up on admin and sometimes this even happens!

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

People are just amazing! I love finding out about people and helping them to realise their dreams, whether that’s helping a passionate HR Manager to bring in a wellbeing programme, helping a CEO to manage stress or working with a busy mum so that she can have more energy. If you give a person some tools and encouragement magic really can happen.

And what are the most challenging aspects of your job? 

There are so many stressed out people and I would love to help everyone – so making sure I pace myself and look after me is important and this can slip sometimes. Also focus - with three companies I am having to be more and more discerning about what I say yes to.

What techniques keep you focused and motivated?

I am a great sleeper – with lots of sleep I can do anything! Also getting to the gym or going for a walk clears a busy brain. I plan everything into my calendar and find writing a fresh list every morning gets me focused.

When have you had to be courageous in business and how did you go about it?

I think being in business needs courage full stop. Over the years I’ve done things in ways that aren’t conventional – if I see an opportunity I just start. Stepping into corporate wellbeing was a brave step for us as it’s just starting to be recognised as the next big thing. When I started talking about health and energy twelve years ago in my first business I was quickly labeled a hippy.

What are the challenges facing women in business today, especially the next generation?

I think being yourself in this world in general is hard! We are influenced by media and social media, either consciously or unconsciously every day and for women, with fashion and beauty, the pressure can be even greater.

I think women struggle to be as confident in stepping forward unless they feel they 100% fit the bill, whereas a man is more likely to give it a go anyway – not all men and not all women of course but generally.

For the younger generation they have access to the world 24/7 and that can put pressure on to make your mark, have a voice etc. Finding perfect for you is a life long journey.

Name 3 key things you think are important to succeed as a woman in business?

Knowing that you are enough – it’s easy to think ‘Who am I to do this?’ but what happens if you don’t?

Sustaining yourself while being compassionate and empathetic with those around you – emotional intelligence can be draining unless you look after yourself first.

Having a clear vision. Staying the course and not letting day to day or ‘shiny object syndrome’ distract you.

How can we help a younger generation of women be prepared to succeed in life and business?

I love being a mentor and think it’s so important to support the next generation – they are amazing! My daughters inspire me every day in what they have achieved.

Do you have any tips for women looking to progress their career in leadership roles?

I think reflection and self-awareness are really important – having a check in and taking a good look at what’s going on. It’s so easy to get busy and miss the mark.

Also remember – stay in your own lane! It doesn’t matter what someone else is doing, stay focused and trust your talents.

What's the best piece of business advice you've ever been given? 

Ask yourself, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” If you can cope with that – go for it!

What women inspire you and why?

There are so many. People like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama stepping out and having a voice. I’ve had two great business mentors; Marsha Wright and Tracy Repchuk, who helped me make quantum leaps in my business. My fellow director Sharon Critchlow, for taking the big steps by my side.

Also my friends, my daughters, my mum and the women I meet through business – if you really look and take some time, everyone is doing something inspiring!