About DEBO
I will never forget the worry and fear.
After several years as a corporate financier in the City, the recession hit. I was told about the team restructure; I needed to reapply for my job.
I knew I was the more experienced team member. I had kept my head down, my nose clean, worked twice as hard.
So I did what I always do.
I prepped harder than ever.
But at my work project meetings, I carried on as usual.
Although I had great ideas and responses, I shied away from speaking out, as I was nervous and cautious of making the ‘wrong’ impression. I didn't want to be accused of being the aggressive woman, or be seen as over-emotional just because I disagreed with a suggestion, or be told I was too pushy when I pitched ideas to the team.
So by the time I got to the interview, I folded under the intense questioning. I didn't have the social network built up by my other team mate, so I had no-one to speak up for me in the decision making that happened afterwards.
I remember the sense of failure and defeat, the pain and embarrassment when I was told I was unsuccessful... and then let go.
I was angry and depressed. Worse still, I lost my confidence.
On the face of it, my move into a small venture capital tech based firm in Cambridge was a promotion; I used my chartered accountancy qualification to shift effortlessly, it seemed, into a new career. In reality, I’d simply fled into another job, seeking security, to feel safe. I lacked confidence to lean in for what I was passionate about.
As time passed, I slowly returned to helping entrepreneurs in the tech startup world, first as an advisor, and later as an early stage fund broker. I developed a portfolio of board level roles, building my fortress of authority and reputation that I hid behind. Wanting to move away from being labelled the 'short, mouthy, specs-wearing black girl.'
Over the years, I listened more to my inner voice.
I became more comfortable speaking up, speaking out and sharing my ideas - because I became more confident in myself and the value I had to bring as a unique individual.
I became more comfortable taking chances, because I renewed my confidence in myself.
Today I have build a portfolio of fantastic board director roles, all based on my core values and passions, my skills experience, and my personal strengths.
Each year I also work with a small group of equally ambitious women, either one-to-one or in group online (and when possible at person sessions). The online sessions are truly international as I really enjoy helping women around the world.
I work with career women and entrepreneurs to help them develop their voice, and build their own Confidence Vault. In our programmes (3 months, 6 months or 12 months) we help women10X their Confidence.
I love to help build your career or take your business ideas to the next level. I can help YOU find YOUR confidence and become the best version of your unique self, so that you can live your most awesome life.
And if I can’t help, we'll know someone who can.
So what’s holding you back?
Click the button below, let me help you get started!
After several years as a corporate financier in the City, the recession hit. I was told about the team restructure; I needed to reapply for my job.
I knew I was the more experienced team member. I had kept my head down, my nose clean, worked twice as hard.
So I did what I always do.
I prepped harder than ever.
But at my work project meetings, I carried on as usual.
Although I had great ideas and responses, I shied away from speaking out, as I was nervous and cautious of making the ‘wrong’ impression. I didn't want to be accused of being the aggressive woman, or be seen as over-emotional just because I disagreed with a suggestion, or be told I was too pushy when I pitched ideas to the team.
So by the time I got to the interview, I folded under the intense questioning. I didn't have the social network built up by my other team mate, so I had no-one to speak up for me in the decision making that happened afterwards.
I remember the sense of failure and defeat, the pain and embarrassment when I was told I was unsuccessful... and then let go.
I was angry and depressed. Worse still, I lost my confidence.
On the face of it, my move into a small venture capital tech based firm in Cambridge was a promotion; I used my chartered accountancy qualification to shift effortlessly, it seemed, into a new career. In reality, I’d simply fled into another job, seeking security, to feel safe. I lacked confidence to lean in for what I was passionate about.
As time passed, I slowly returned to helping entrepreneurs in the tech startup world, first as an advisor, and later as an early stage fund broker. I developed a portfolio of board level roles, building my fortress of authority and reputation that I hid behind. Wanting to move away from being labelled the 'short, mouthy, specs-wearing black girl.'
Over the years, I listened more to my inner voice.
I became more comfortable speaking up, speaking out and sharing my ideas - because I became more confident in myself and the value I had to bring as a unique individual.
I became more comfortable taking chances, because I renewed my confidence in myself.
Today I have build a portfolio of fantastic board director roles, all based on my core values and passions, my skills experience, and my personal strengths.
Each year I also work with a small group of equally ambitious women, either one-to-one or in group online (and when possible at person sessions). The online sessions are truly international as I really enjoy helping women around the world.
I work with career women and entrepreneurs to help them develop their voice, and build their own Confidence Vault. In our programmes (3 months, 6 months or 12 months) we help women10X their Confidence.
I love to help build your career or take your business ideas to the next level. I can help YOU find YOUR confidence and become the best version of your unique self, so that you can live your most awesome life.
And if I can’t help, we'll know someone who can.
So what’s holding you back?
Click the button below, let me help you get started!