5 Min Read1. We will start off with a BIG question Oprah Winfrey states, “Saying no, without feeling guilty, is one of the greatest achievements one could achieve.” Being a mother, CEO, wife, sister, daughter, and friend, how do you manage your boundaries?
It took me a long time to understand and implement boundaries. It's still very much a work in progress for me, but having a baby has actually, surprisingly, made it easier to practice boundaries. For example, it's a non-negotiable now for me that I must be home at 5:30PM every evening to do bath and bedtime with Xanthe. If I miss that special time with her, it's really difficult and upsetting, so I move heaven and hell to avoid it! Over time, I've realised (as Oprah also says), you truly can't have it all. I've chosen to have a family and a career and that unfortunately means I have to say no a lot - no to social events, no to frequent catch-ups with friends, no to 'me' things like exercise, at times... and that's ok.
2. You've achieved remarkable success with JShealth Vitamins. Could you share, from experience, tips on goal setting and turning dreams into reality?
Naivety played a big part in our UK + EU success with the brand because we set sky-high goals and then chased after them, perhaps not realising the hurdles we'd have to jump, and it paid off! Jess (Founder), Dean (global CEO), and I have an incredible relationship whereby we just run, run, run towards whatever we're trying to achieve and don't stop until we make it happen. I have the most incredible team who support our wild dreams and go above and beyond, so it's definitely a 'one team, one dream' mentality + coupled with hard work = results.
- Start with Charge your phone out of the bedroom and don't look at it until after you've done your morning routine and at least 1 thing for yourself. I also encourage this to avoid scrolling first thing in the morning when your mind is clear post sleep.
- Meditation (you don't have to be 'good' at meditating, just pick an app and do even a 5 minute guided meditation for mental clarity, focus and positivity to start your day. (I use CHOPRA App or Insight Timer)
- I have to shower every morning, allow a few mins to put myself together for the day and then go to my favourite coffee shop for a coffee (and often a croissant) for a little 'me' time before the day is taken from me.
- Affirmations - I record my affirmations in my voice and listen to them on playback on my way to work for just 2-5 mins/day using the App 'Think Up'. This process really gets deep in your psyche and changes behaviour for the better.
- During the day, I try to take some time out for myself, to walk to get lunch or a smoothie without my phone - just for some fresh air and to get clear on what I want to achieve for the remainder of the day.
- At night, after the chaos of the workday, the most important time in my day is having a bath in the evening and using it as an opportunity to write (usually a mix of gratitude, to-do lists and my thoughts) and read (10 pages ideally, not a lot but it adds up!).
4. Confidence is crucial, especially in leadership roles. How do you cultivate and maintain your inner confidence amidst the pressures of leading a company and fulfilling multiple roles?
Preparation = success. If you show up, do the work and prepare yourself as best you can, it will give you the confidence you need to make it happen. I am also not afraid to ask questions and to put my hand up and say I don't know! Most people are winging it, don't feel you have to have all the answers.
5. There are times when the journey can get tough. How do you find the strength to keep moving forward, both personally and professionally, during these challenging times?
I really lean on the people around me in those moments. I have an incredibly supportive husband and family, and close friends, who always encourage me to take a minute and then go back in as a better version of myself.
6. What are your favourite hobbies or activities to stay creative, motivated, and inspired?
Reading and writing! I love writing, and wherever I go, you'll find notebooks everywhere. I am constantly jotting down thoughts and ideas and trying to work out how to do and be better at everything I'm doing - from running the business to being a stepmother.
7. If there are three attributes that you think got you to where you are today, what would they be?
For me, it comes down to one thing: good, old-fashioned, hard work. The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy is a great book to read for inspiration on this point.
8. What is the best advice you've received to date?
Get up and show up.
9. What is the worst advice you've received to date?
Don't have anything for this one Olivia!
10. What is your favourite quote or advice for others striving for personal and professional success? My Grandfather used to say, 'The harder I worked, the luckier I became'. I was never the brightest in the room, but I've often been the hardest working. I have always done my best with whatever was in front of me.
Visit Hermione's website here & see more on her IG - she's the best inspo.