Mardi is a former c-suite corporate executive who now runs her own consultancy teaching organisations and professional women how to achieve new levels of performance in today’s rapidly challenging corporate landscape. Her unique approach shows you how to thrive in a state of wellness and achievement without having to compromise yourself or your organisation’s bottom line.
Her professional portfolio of 20 years spans internationally having previously worked as a lead HSE and Legal Compliance Advisor and System Auditor for global corporate’s in oil and gas, mining, healthcare and hospitality throughout the United States, Canada, the Asia Pacific and Australia. Mardi holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Health and Safety, supported by a Business Management Certificate and is currently undertaking a Post Graduate Diploma in Organisational Coaching and Leadership.
Committed to breaking new barriers in the gender equality field, Mardi has recently been selected and featured as an International Professional Women’s Mentor with WomenWay Switzerland (www.womenway.org), a global innovative network platform for mentoring and career development for business women. WomenWay’s mentoring program is supported by the Federal Office of Gender Equality, Switzerland.
Can you give us an overview of your business?
I run my own consultancy firm teaching new ways to perform and lead for both individuals and organisations in today’s challenging corporate landscape. In my old life as a Senior Health and Safety Executive I had to identify performance problems fast, people’s lives literally depended on it. Now I specialize in identifying very quickly the performance barriers that are causing chronic deficiency within an individual or organisation and with my unique approach I show you how to thrive in a state of wellness and achievement without compromising ourselves or the organisation.
What is the vision for your business?
To create a healthier performing corporate landscape where people’s welfare and wellbeing are paramount. To assist professional women to be their trueselves, succeed in the business world without distorting their true identity nor their technical capabilities.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business venture?
Human fatalities and injuries as well as being a professional woman working in male dominated industry and job roles. I witnessed repeat negative outcomes relating to people’s wellbeing and welfare in organisations and I knew what needed to be done to make a difference, however I wasn’t in a position that allowed me to be creative. My business started purely by the knowing that I could be more creative, impactful and an influencer in assisting both organisations and professional women in todays corporate world.
If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing, I believe building your professional portfolio is like life, all of our experiences both the good and the tough contribute to our evolution and influencing positive social change.
Was there a significant turning point when you decided to become an entrepreneur?
Burnout!!! I got to a point in my career that physically and mentally I could not sustain the old way of living and doing, so I had to change my ways. As a Senior Health and Safety Executive I gave my soul to ensure people’s wellbeing was paramount and I neglected my own holistic health. This experience provided the opportunity to enter into the world of entrepreneurship.
Was your entrepreneurial journey linked to your personal one?
I would say that my professional profile gave me the insight into starting my entrepreneurial journey however my personal experiences are invaluable for the ride.
Initially, what difficulties did you face?
I was quite overwhelmed as to where to start the whole new business adventure. The two biggest challenges for me were, how do I package myself up, I am the product and how do I tell my story, share my unique professional experiences and show my distinguished point of difference. This then raised the question – who am I now, my new identity and with that came new beliefs, values and obviously a new vision in business and life.
Who or what was integral to you overcoming these hurdles?
I was extremely fortunate (after extensive research) to find a few key people that do absolutely amazing work in their field of expertise. I found an incredible woman who was the catalyst of forming my professional story, services and website, not to mention helping to redefine my new identity and I also came across a remarkable woman who worked with me to establish my new beliefs and values both professionally and personally which also contributed into identifying the “new me” along with my new business vision. I must also acknowledge a few key friends that also helped through this phase.
What do you believe was the best decision you made in business?
To back myself. Know that I have the knowledge and experiences to be impactful, help people and deliver progressive change.
Looking back is there a piece of advice you wish to pass onto someone starting out their entrepreneurial journey?
Yes. Invest in your brand framework and website. Find an expert(s), who will take the time to understand you and your business, what you stand for, your values, message and your uniqueness. This will provide a sustainable business platform. Secondly, dare greatly at all times through the start up process that way you don’t limit yourself.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Be Open-minded
- Be Fearless
- Be Authentic
What do you think your key to success has been?
Having clarity and confidence in what I do and deliver. Showing up and saying yes to opportunities that align with my business and my values.
How have you personally measured your success?
Two things, referrals, you always know you are making a positive difference when your business operates primarily on referrals. Secondly, being trusted with my work and witnessing organisations and professional women take the brave and bold steps.
How do you make the most of your day?
Each week I allocate a certain amount of time to meetings, calls, article writing, strategy sessions, adhoc events etc. So each day I feel like I am moving and accomplishing my business goals.
Do you have any tips for those struggling to gain a successful work life balance?
I’m not a fan of the work/life balance phrase. I believe in an integrated/awareness approach. Our lives are constantly in flux so knowing what you need to operate at an elite healthy level is the key and doing your best to meet your requirements without self-judgement.
When you think of your journey, what is the thing you are most proud of?
Testing societal beliefs. Being brave and bold to redesign them for the better. It has taken courage and some tough work but I have witnessed the benefits.
How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
I don’t have a timeframe, I believe that if an idea is meant to grow, opportunities will arise, if not, the idea will dissolve in its own time.
What motivates you?
Seeing my clients excel in areas they want to improve in but above all, seeing people thrive in their workplaces /businesses in a healthy holistic state.
Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Through my entrepreneurial adventure, I have come across some amazing organisations that are purpose led, not profit led and that are actually walking their talk. I admire that concept in today’s business world – it’s brave. I have also met pioneering business and corporate women that are trailblazing in their industries – I admire how they are doing it differently.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?
Sometimes it’s nice to hold a vision but not limit ourselves by the detail. In 10 years my vision is to have a global company that supports my philanthropy work providing opportunity for others. The exciting bit is that you never know where your entrepreneurial adventure will take you.
If you’re interested in working with Mardi – head to mardikeyes.com
