Businesswomen in Coventry and Warwickshire inspired by stories of resilience

Two female leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire called upon their experiences of resilience to inspire a group of businesswomen at an event in the region.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce held its latest Women in Business networking event at the Best Western Plus Windmill Village Hotel, just off the A45 in Coventry.

The guest speakers were Laura Shapiro, Group Event Director at Coventry-based CloserStill Media, and Carol Thomas, Principal and CEO of Coventry College, after being introduced by Keely Hancox, Operations Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber.

Laura spoke of how she’d studied Chemistry at Glasgow University but wanted to work in the events industry and moved 450 miles to Southampton to get her foot in the door.

She described how family and work matters had tested her resilience – from redundancy through to dyslexia – and how she had overcome those to be with CloserStill Media for more than 11 years, where she has risen through the ranks.

Laura was employee number 21 when she joined the business. Now, it employs around 400 globally.

She said: “When it comes to resilience, I have a few tips. Firstly, have a happy email folder. Keep emails where people have praised you for the work you have done. It’s a great reminder when you are having a bad day, that you are really good at what you do.

“I would also suggest trying to create a support group of peers. It is invaluable to have people who you can talk to who understand what you are going through.

“And, I’d say try to be positive as much as possible – even on those days when you really don’t feel like it!”

Carol described the path that had seen her take on the role at Coventry College in August 2020 and how it is now known as the ‘fastest turnaround college’ in the FE Sector.

But she also described how a family bereavement had taught her that whatever her job throws at her, in terms of perspective, nothing would ever be as bad.

Carol spoke of how climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was an example of her determination to overcome any challenge.

She said: “A few days before the climb, I cleaned my teeth and must have swallowed some water without thinking.

“I was so ill that nothing but water could pass my lips for the whole nine days of the trek and the lead guide said I wouldn’t be able to make the final climb. There was no way I was going all that way not to reach the summit, so I managed to force a tiny bit of food down and although it didn’t really impact on my depleted oxygen levels, after some persuasion they allowed me attempt the summit - and I did it!

“Was it resilience or just sheer determination not to be beaten? I think we have to start to better understand that if we step outside our comfort zone, we will undoubtedly feel anxiety but it’s only then that you can start to develop a growth mind-set and ultimately develop your resilience.

“One of my favourite sayings is life begins at the end of your comfort zone!”

Keely Hancox said: “It was a wonderful, inspirational Women in Business lunch and we are so grateful to Laura and Carol for sharing their personal stories. The fact they were so open about their careers and their personal lives really brought their stories to life and made each and every one of us leave feeling inspired and uplifted.

“Resilience is hugely important in business – especially in challenging times – and that really shone through at the event.”

Paula Moran, Hotel Group Sales Manager of the Best Western Plus Windmill Village Hotel, said: “It was great to host the Chamber’s Women in Business lunch at the hotel.

"It was a great chance to hear two fascinating stories and to network with fellow businesswomen from across the region.”

Pictured (left to right): Paula Moran, Keely Hancox, Carol Thomas, Laura Shapiro