4 minute read
WHO IS?
Tell us why you wrote Rise of the Girl? As a mum of three and mother of a daughter, I was reading many reports in the media describing the mental health of our girls as being at a ‘crisis point’. I wanted to understand what was happening. There is no magic formula to raising strong, confident girls. However, when I considered what impact we can make when we use our own voices to share what we know, it gave me an idea for a book. Our girls go through a number of changes and challenges, and so I used my own platform to share seven empowering conversations I am having with my own daughter, Erin, who is almost twelve.
How did you choose the contributors? Over the last three years, I had been considering individuals who have made an impact on me, and I gathered a list together of both men and women that I wanted to include in the book. I was so thrilled when they all said YES!
Pick one piece of advice for parents raising girls (or boys for that matter)? A great piece of advice is to be an active listener. Your daughter may act like she doesn’t need you right now, but, in reality, she really needs you to be there. Many of us are never taught how to listen properly, and most of us don’t actively listen very well. We all get into bad habits but listening is a skill that can be improved all the time. Not being listened to (at any age) can really hurt us. Often listening to your daughter can be more important than her listening to you. So, if she isn’t talking yet, don’t worry and try not to lecture her too much. Give her the space and the time to talk and be ready to give her your time. It’s all girls really want and need, your time. Your Insta handle is @guiltymother – how have you dealt with mum guilt? My relationship with managing my own mum guilt is much better than it used to be! I used to refer to the relationship I had as ‘the guilt burglar’ because I could only describe it as someone who comes and steals all my good energy! I think many of us have guilt, because in many cases it means we care. What I have learnt over the years is that everything you are feeling at this moment is completely natural, valid and it is okay.
JO WIMBLE-GROVES
ENTREPRENEUR, BLOGGER AND AUTHOR OF RISE OF THE GIRL
What’s your day job? I am the co-owner of a global, award winning mobile tech company, Active Digital which I have run with my brother Richard for over twenty-five years. As well as this, I am a motivational speaker and take time going into schools, colleges and universities to share what I’ve learnt. And finally, I have my blog, Guilty Mother and co-own another organisation called, We are Girls in Sport to help more girls see role models in over 100 different sports. I’m always working on lots of exciting projects!
Three words to describe yourself. Kind. Passionate. Driven.
Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you. I was invited for tea with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street in 2018 to celebrate International Women’s Day. I couldn’t believe it when the invitation came through!
Where would your favourite date night be? A lovely country hotel (with a spa and beautiful gardens). I love being in nature. Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest would be ideal if my husband is reading this!
Where’s the best place to take kids in London? We love the SEA LIFE Aquarium in London. We have been many times. As we have a toddler who is almost two, he is just mesmerised by the entire place and says ‘Oh wow’ all the time!
Where’s your happy place? At home.
Last book you read? Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I loved it!
Signature dish? I’m not a great cook, so one pots work for me! Chicken and chorizo stew would probably be a good signature dish for me or anything easy! I try to get inspired by my friend, Anna’s Family Kitchen as she has lots of great family recipes on her website.
What would you take to a desert island? If I was being smart, I would take lots of food and drinking water and matches to light fires!
What’s your proudest moment? I have many proud moments and I was blown away when I received a standing ovation at my book launch recently. This was a huge personal career highlight and a moment for me to truly recognise myself as an author.
What’s next for Jo Wimble-Groves? Lots of great things to come, I hope. I’d like to publish some varied editions of Rise of the Girl alongside more motivational speaking and, perhaps, another trip to Downing Street would be nice!
