Modern Woman 1st Birthday issue! by Modern Woman

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WOMAN 1ST Y BIRTHDA E U ISS

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INSIDE

Micky Lawler: Women’s Tennis Association

Kate Beaumont: Samsung Pamela Jones: TPICAP Travel: Dubai, Bahrain, Lindos

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CONTENTS 8

Women making headlines across the globe

Future proof: Samsung’s Kate Beaumont

Forever in BlueJeans: Rosanne Saccone

New balls please: WTA’s Micky Lawler

Epicurious: hot spots in London and Essex

Trading up: Dessy Ohanions

Fashion: models of diversity

Beauty spot: Jo Sugar’s best buys

Building tomorrow: CBRE’s Amanda Clack

Music box: Ronnie Herel’s sounds of summer

It’s all Greek: Lindos, Rhodes

Women of note: Amelia Earhart

PUBLISHER: MODERN WOMAN LTD 13-17 HIGH BEECH ROAD, LOUGHTON, ESSEX, IG10 4BN 020 3011 1194 HELLO@MODERNWOMAN.CO EDITOR: ROSIE COXSHAW

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BEAUTY & FASHION EDITOR: JO SUGAR DESIGN & PRODUCTION: STEWART HYDE WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT: TOTALDESIGNWORKS.COM CONTRIBUTORS: MAUDE HIRST, JESS BAKER, POPPY CROSS, RONNIE HEREL, NICOLE BREMNER, PAULA LOGAN, LILY ROBINSON, ALEX LARMAN

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CONTRIBUTORS

MAUDE HIRST

ALEXANDER LARMAN

JESS BAKER

Maude is a born-and-bred east Londoner. An actor, writer and yoga teacher, she is best-known for her role as Helga in the hit TV show, Vikings. In her work both on- and offscreen, she is dedicated to creating roles that showcase women’s talents and address gender inequalities in the industry. As a yoga teacher, she focuses her practice on reconnecting breath, body and balance to promote well-being in our busy modern world. @maudehirst

Alexander Larman is an author and journalist who writes food, travel and lifestyle features for titles including The Resident, The Arbuturian and many more. Additionally, he is the author of three non-fiction books, including Byron’s Women and Blazing Star. He contributes book reviews and arts features regularly to The Observer, Drugstore Culture and The Chap. He lives in East Sussex with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Rose. @alexlarman

Jess is an independent business psychologist and women’s leadership coach (CPsychol, AFBPsS). She feels most fulfilled when running workshops that help women to own their space emotionally and physically. As well as her column in Modern Woman, Jess speaks on stage at wellbeing events, is quoted in magazines and interviewed on podcasts. Check out her body confident #elbowselfie campaign. @therealjessbaker

JO SUGAR

RONNIE HEREL

PAULA LOGAN

From fashion to the media, Jo has a client list that reads like a celebrity Who’s Who (Serena Williams, Vanessa Feltz and Lorna Luft). One of the most sought-after make-up artists in the country, she is also an educator, lecturing at events and seminars throughout the year. She is a regular at LFW, heading her own shows each season. Jo says, “Every job is different, so you never stop learning.” @jo_sugar

Ronnie Herel is a true ambassador for urban music after over a decade at the BBC, as one of Radio 1 Xtra’s first DJ signings. He is a champion of new talent and, indeed, was a talent scout for The Voice UK. Today he is Head of Music at Mi-Soul Radio, as well as presenting its drive time show and #TheBigRnBShow on Monday evenings. Check out ronnieherel.co.uk to find out all about his latest gigs. @ronnieherel

Paula obtained her Law Degree at Oxford University and subsequently studied for a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice at Queens University, Belfast. Paula’s key areas of interest include, current affairs, social matters and human rights issues. Paula has been published on topics ranging from the social impact of Reality TV through to the underrepresentation of women in senior positions of the legal profession.

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EDITOR’S letter Welcome to the first birthday issue of Modern Woman! Would you believe it’s been a whole year since this baby launched, and three since I first conceived of the idea to create a multimedia platform upon which business news and discussion points meet diverting lifestyle and dreamy fashion for women spinning many, many plates. The whole encompasses work, family, friends, socialising and how to somehow cram in some vital moments for self-care. It seemed a daunting mountain to climb – and we’re by no means at the summit yet – but somehow us women do have a knack of pulling things off. Modern women, as was our founding ethos, are an indomitable bunch. To celebrate, in this issue we have cherry picked some awe-inspiring success stories which include illuminating and instructive interviews with Samsung’s Kate Beaumont on the future of tech; CBRE’s Amanda Clack on nurturing tomorrow’s property and construction talent; and CMO of US-based company BlueJeans’, Rosanne Saccone, who provides us with some invaluable and insightful marketing tips. Plus, there’s a shedload of news and helpful takeaways for making working life more efficient and enjoyable. Our travel pages take us on an odyssey to the pretty, white-washed Greek village of Lindos, before whisking us away to the intoxicating Kingdom of Bahrain and then on to Dubai. And I am delighted to share that we have some exciting expansion news in the Middle Eastern territories – all will be revealed very soon. But right now, we are pleased to announce our newest launch: Modern Woman Chapters. After watching the brand grow over the past year, I have been paying close attention to where we can add value for our readers and followers alike. MW Chapters’ purpose is to build communities in specific industries, allowing you to connect and grow in your field. We feel that by targeting niche sectors, we can not only provide a platform for sharing inspiration and knowledge but also the resources to yield optimal ROI. Read all about it in this issue, or to discover more, visit our website, modernwoman.co. I’d like to thank you all for supporting us whether as an avid reader, listener or guest at one of our many events, or as MW world newbie. It’s you that drives us. It’s been one hell of a journey and this is just the beginning. With love, Rosie

We would love to hear from you! Do get in touch on... hello@modernwoman.co @moderwoman_int Modern Woman International

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WOMEN OF THE WORLD All the must-know news from women in work across the globe

USA Serena Williams funds new maternal health care venture Tennis star Serena Williams is one of several high profile people joining forces to improve maternal care by supporting LA-based initiative, Mahmee. The brainchild of start-up founder Melissa Hanna, it aims to support pre- and post-natal health, a cause close to Williams’ heart, following the birth of her daughter, Olympia. ‘Mahmee is a HIPAA-secure care management platform that makes it easy for payers, providers, and patients to coordinate comprehensive prenatal and postpartum healthcare from anywhere,’ she explains. ‘I believe that it is absolutely critical right now to invest in solutions that help protect the lives of mothers and babies,’ continued Williams, who contributed to the $3m round up for new maternal health firm through her VC firm, Serena Ventures.

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NEWS: GLOBAL ROUND UP

AFRICA Chioma Onwutalobi launches Sky TV show for Glam Africa ‘I’m young, I’m female, I’m energetic, I love that we are showing women who are doing amazing things with their careers,’ said Chioma Onwutalobi in a recent interview with the BBC. Onwutalobi is the founder and CEO of Glam Africa, a brand which showcases African lifestyle globally, and if you’re one of her 38k Instagram followers, you’ll already know about its beautiful lifestyle, fashion, culture and art posts. Its unstoppable momentum was evidenced most recently at the London launch of a new cooking channel under the Glam Africa umbrella, soon to air on Sky TV. Onwutalobi champions diversity, celebrating our differences and keeping connected with neighbours, colleagues and friends. Via her magazine, website, event series and now TV show, Onwutalobi shines a light on African lifestyle while gathering a diverse community of women from all over the world, and inspiring young people to work together for the betterment of the community.

SAUDI ARABIA

Discussions open in Saudi Arabia around women’s civil liberties Is SA approaching an era of commerce around the clock and freedom to travel for women? Prayer closures have impacted commercial life in Saudi Arabia, but that may be about to change. It was recently reported that the government in SA will permit certain shops and eateries to keep trading around the clock, including during prayer times. And alongside suggestions for the highly controversial changes in trading hours comes speculation about changes to various women’s freedoms without the consent of her male ‘guardian’. Some local media outlets have reported a decree from the king enabling women to access government services such as education and health care permission free, while there is some uncertainty as to whether or not this applies to travel too. It’s a conversation we will be following.

UNITED KINGDOM LVMH buys minority stake in Stella McCartney Sustainable fashion designer Stella McCartney has given a minority stakehold in her company to LVMH in a new deal. The partnership between the vegan fashion founder and the fashion giant LVMH signals a commitment to more sustainable values in luxury fashion. McCartney will maintain her position as creative director of her company and remains the majority shareholder, but she’ll also act as special advisor to executive committee members. In line with her principles, expect no leather, no fur, no skins, no feathers, no PVC and no sandblasting. Further championing a change in values, in May, Rhianna announced that Fenty, her beauty brand offering shades for all skin tones, became its own line within LVMH. The conglomerate tweeted: ‘LVMH and Stella McCartney announce a new partnership to further develop the Stella McCartney House. We are delighted to open this new chapter together.’

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SOCIAL: OUR EVENTS

The social network Did you know that Modern Woman hosts regular networking and speaker events at locations across London – and soon we’re expanding across the UK! Whatever stage in their career they’re at, we welcome women – and men too – to come and exchange ideas, connect and find inspiration and support in their industry sector. It’s a great space to gain the confidence you need to succeed – all in a friendly and convivial setting. What can you expect from our evening events? Modern Woman chairs an in-conversation panel of wonderful women from diverse industries to discuss issues affecting women in business. Enjoy a drink, do some relaxed networking and even throw shapes to some great tunes courtesy of our resident DJ Ronnie Herel. We can’t wait to see you! For further information and our next dates, subscribe at www.modernwoman.co/sign-up To discuss sponsorship opportunities call 0203 011 1194 or email events@modernwoman.co @modernwoman_int

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MENTAL HEALTH: MAUDE HIRST

MIND Power

Have you checked out your mental health recently, asks MAUDE HIRST

t’s ever easier to be reminded of external appearance, thanks to a near-constant stream of ‘perfect’ pictures (whatever they are) on our social media feeds. But have you spent much time looking at your internal health lately? If not, take this as a cue to consider some ways to look after yourself mentally and make sure you’re listening to your body’s needs. Women particularly feel the pressure to juggle a myriad of balls in our lives – as powerful business women, great home makers, hilarious socialites, all the while keeping fit and, in many cases, raising a family too. Unsurprisingly, it can feel overwhelming, and with so much on our plates, it can be easy to fall into a coping mentality, when emotions get pushed down and we stop looking out for what makes us feel truly happy. Without realising it, we have put our mental health very low down the priority list. The good news is that women are multi-taskers. Make your mental wellbeing a priority and the rest of your many jobs will be affected for the better too. That’s all great in theory, you may say, but how? The trick is you have to take a pause from your busy schedule and look inward, really listen to yourself and your needs. How are you feeling physically and emotionally? As little as ten minutes a day to sit in peace can make all the difference.

One step at a time Wake up in the morning ten minutes before you usually do. Sit upright, close your eyes and bring your focus to your breathing. Allow your breath to be the guide into how you are feeling. Notice the physical and emotional state you are in and whenever you feel your mind wa ndering, bring your attention back to your breath. The more you do this, the easier it gets and the more connected to yourself you become. When you listen to your feelings, the quicker you’ll become at knowing when to take some time out and rest. Catching this before you hit burn out is so important for your emotional wellbeing. Another benefit that regular mindfulness practice can lead to is a better connection to your gut instinct. Do you have a question or a decision that you are feeling stuck on? If so, close your eyes and ask yourself that question during meditation rather than looking for the answer externally. You may be surprised at how quickly the it comes and how empowered it makes you feel. We know ourselves better than anyone else possibly can, yet we so often look to other people to make those big decisions because we’re fearful we’ll get it wrong. However if we’re truly listening to our gut, we can’t get it wrong. It is the answer that’s right for you. Trust it. Your super power is your

‘Do you have a question or a decision that you are feeling stuck on? If so, close your eyes and ask yourself that question during meditation rather than looking for the answer externally’ individuality. Trust that the more you listen to you, the healthier your mental health will become and in turn the easier and more joyful your external world will be. It is not selfish to take time for yourself; it is self-care and a necessity. Make the decision; today is as a good time as any to start this journey. You are worth it.

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Inspiration ‘To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone.’

‘To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.’ Oscar Wilde

Reba McEntire

‘Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you’d like to act.’

Rumi

‘Be fearlessly authentic.’ Anonymous

Bob Dylan

‘Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.’

‘In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.’ Coco Chanel

‘If you’re your authentic self, you have no competition.’ Anonymous

Anais Nin

‘Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.’

‘Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.’

‘If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not making decisions.’ Catherine Cook

‘If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.’ Anonymous

‘Buckle up, and know that it’s going to be a tremendous amount of work, but embrace it.’ Tory Burch

Hillary Clinton

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Issue 5

TECHNOLOGY: SAMSUNG

FUTURE Proof KATE BEAUMONT is Director of Innovation and Tech at Samsung. She tells Alexander Larman about being at the forefront of the tech industry and why 5G will be relevant for decades to come

K Listen to the Po d c a st at mode rnwom an.co/ podca sts

ate Beaumont rejoices in the mighty title of Director of Innovation and Tech at the world-famous firm of Samsung. According to her, the role now focuses on emerging technologies which, as she puts it, ‘are important from a future-proofing perspective, rather than simply a device manufacture one’. The core inspiration comes from consumers; Beaumont says that ‘research and development are very much informed by consumer needs and wants, but we also look at what the future holds. Any development has to be meaningful; by the time it comes to market, it has to add value to people’s lives.’ Keeping up with ever-changing trends is not always easy, but Beaumont believes that the level of investment that Samsung pursues will be a great help. ‘We’ve recently put in $22 billion to investigate AI and emerging technologies, including 5G, and we want to ask, ‘what are the opportunities?’ and ‘how can we bring this to life in a meaningful way?’ Sometimes, as in the case of Samsung’s new folding device, the Galaxy Fold, this process can take a decade. ‘We’ve even patented our own hinge’. Nonetheless, the time spent is invariably worth it. Beaumont grew up in New Zealand, but was originally born in Halifax, Yorkshire. She moved back to England 15 years ago, to take advantage of the opportunities that the country offered, and moving into the tech industry was not a conscious plan. ‘I’ve had a varied career, which began in the insurance industry, and included media; I loved the creativity around that. Then I moved into consumer retail and electronics, working for a New Zealand operator called Spark, and by the time I arrived in the UK and at Samsung, I’d worked on the product side and on commercial strategy.’ All of Beaumont’s roles have had their own strengths, but she has a particular passion for her current job. ‘I love being in tech, I find it really energising. ‘Tech’ sounds like a cold world, but when I look at the developments that are happening, I find it really exciting, as well as daunting. At

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TECHNOLOGY: SAMSUNG the leading edge of tech, you watch a sci-fi film from a few years ago and say ‘I can really see that happening’. I come from a pre-digital age, so I am conscious of data privacy and social media, but I also take the attitude that if it’s coming, I might as well be at the forefront of it and see how it develops.’ She considers old-fashioned print as having its place (‘I saw a woman on a tube platform today with an actual book!’) but believes that technology has offered us a choice that makes our lives easier. ‘We’re very interested in the zeitgeist and wellness at the moment, which is a reaction to the pressure and stress of modern society, so balance is really important.’ The major challenges that she has faced are succeeding in male-dominated industries as a woman, and moving between sectors and industries, which she admits has had its moments; her current success speaks for itself. Nonetheless, the glass ceiling exists, although Beaumont argues that it was a far worse problem in her career in the insurance industry; ‘I thought it was impossible to break, and there was a lot of compromise to be successful as a woman.’ She would like to see change happen at greater pace, but believes that companies that have a female quotas are opening themselves up to accusations of tokenism and box-ticking, which can be difficult; nonetheless, as she says, ‘I’m always pleased to see steps being taken, even

Listen to the Po d c a st at mode rnwom an.co/ podca sts

ABOVE Kate Beaumont is endlessly thrilled by the prospect of bringing to life ideas that were once relegated to the confines of sci-fi

if they’re not always the right steps, in terms of making things better for women.’ At Samsung, marketing has always been a sector that attracts both sexes, but tech production remains a male-dominated side to the company, and Beaumont believes that attracting the right candidates, whatever their gender, is vitally important. She is excited about the opportunities that 5G technology will bring – ‘it’s so much bigger than 4G, and will lead to things like your devices talking to each other, and smart cities; the challenge in the short term is how we make things relevant for consumers using it on a daily basis’ – but believes that the time that we spend on our phones means that the amount of effort involved will be a useful and constructive one for the company, as well

‘I come from a pre-digital age, so I am conscious of data privacy and social media, but I also take the attitude that if it’s coming, I might as well be at the forefront of it and see how it develops’

as keeping it relevant until well into the 21st century. The research and development labs are working on a vast range of products ‘which I can’t tell you about at the moment, but watch this space’, and Beaumont, who listens to Adele and Kate Bush when she’s not coming up with new ideas, is driven by a desire both to solve problems and to learn as much as possible about new technology. ‘I’m intrigued by how things work, and I want to know more, understand more, and share that information.’ When asked what her advice would be to women coming into the tech industry, Beaumont suggests ‘find a company where the principles match your own, with integrity and adaptability’, and her life mantra, ‘which has resonated for quite a few years’, is simple: ‘whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. Although she admits that it sounds harsh, she claims that ‘when you boil it down to a dayto-day thing, whatever adversity you face, the challenges make you better, stronger and more capable, all day long.’ It’s hard to argue with that, nor Beaumont’s excitingly varied and hugely successful career at the forefront of one of the world’s most intriguing and innovative companies.

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AMANDA CLACK is Head of Strategic Advisory at CBRE and was the second-ever president of The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. Nancy Larman explains that few people are as well qualified to know how to build a better world

BUILDING tomorrow’s world

Issue 5

or Amanda Clack, former president of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and current Head of Strategic Advisory at CBRE, the M25 motorway has a lot to answer for. For it was this motoring game-changer, the snaking conveyor of commuters being created right next to her family home in Essex, that fostered an immediate and lifelong fascination with construction. ‘I got to know the Clerk of Works and he would take me out to see this big earth moving machinery,’ she recalls. ‘It was at a time I was making career choices and I knew more what I didn’t want to be than what I did. For me, it was such an amazing way to help build and change the world around you.’ Clack’s captivation has abided over 33 years, and her genuine love of her industry – which a myriad of roles has ensured she’s considered from every angle – is palpable. It is this deep-seated curiosity that has informed her drive, helping her to carve an inspirational path, beginning with

CBRE: AMANDA CLACK her forward-thinking approach to 123 years. We had our 150th qualification. anniversary in 2018, and it has ‘There was a lot of study!’ she taken us a long while to get laughs. ‘But interestingly for female presidents. Louise Brooks my school, I didn’t go straight Smith was the first and we’ll to university to do a full time get another through in the next degree. I studied a day a week couple of years. It is happening at university over five years – it and it’s so important – people was like the apprenticeship want to see women up there. route today. The other four days To have a female role model I worked full time and learned in that senior position is really to become a surveyor, which important.’ allowed me to progress more During her term representing quickly in my career. Then I her industry at the highest did a masters at Reading over level, Clack’s core criterion was two years, part time examining how to bring the while working with best and brightest people BDB Surveying into the profession. Services, a QS ‘That’s such a key issue Listen to the practice. After for real estate and Po d c a st at mode that I moved construction,’ she rnwom an.co/ into property elucidates. ‘Particularly podca sts development, when you look at the and also did some statistics. The RICS has computer systems 120,000 professionals stuff, so a wide variety and graduates and students of things in those formative all around the world, and only years.’ 13 per cent of those are female. A stint at Price Waterhouse The good news is that figure is Cooper further consolidated her coming up, but the key thing stellar and solid foundations, is how to retain and support a meteoric rise that would talent as individuals go through eventually be rewarded in being their careers and the demands named President of RICS – only and pressures it puts on them. the second woman to have taken It is also about diversity and up its most prestigious position inclusion. I’ve written a book in the institute’s 150-year history. recently – Managing Diversity ‘I wanted to make a difference and Inclusion in the Real Estate and contribute to my profession,’ Sector (2019) – authored with she explains. ‘I became the Judith Gabler from the RICS, longest serving president in and one of our topics is how

ABOVE Speaking in the Lecture Hall at the RICS Global Headquarters In London : speaking here whilst RICS President 2016-17 and unquestionably a career highlight to have my name listed on the board behind me as the 135th President in 149 years and the second female

BELOW Setting the international strategy and accountability for the 130,000 land, property and construction professionals around the world : Global President and Chair of the RICS Governing Council 2016-17 in Shanghai

to change the dial around the diversity and gender agenda.’ For Clack, the answer lies in education, going all the way back to schools, to really alter entrenched gender preconceptions and expectations. ‘I think you have to educate the educators. That’s not just the teachers, it’s the mums and dads. You have to help them to help their children to understand. I always say to anyone in the construction industry, you’re all role models, you owe it to the next generation to go out there and tell people why you love your job. It’s about showing what the horizons are in the profession.’ Clack is under no illusion that easing entry into the profession is the end of the story. Truly changing deep-rooted ideas is, after all, a long process, and one that requires support from beginning to end. Once those initial gender-informed obstructions are overcome, it is, argues Clack, imperative that women should be enabled via a host of routes into the industry. ‘For some they might go through the traditional degree route, and that’s brilliant, but for others that’s more difficult, which is why apprenticeships can work. I sit on the board at the University College of Estate Management – I love the way they work, it’s a very flexible way of learning, it enables people to study while they are working, which I think will be increasingly important. People don’t want big debts when they are starting out. It’s about allowing people to study in

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CBRE: AMANDA CLACK workplaces for people to be in. It is about people, places and, of course, property.’ Whilst Clack counts herself lucky not to have experienced her gender as a hindrance in the workplace, she is equally cognisant of those who have. ‘Not everyone’s route or experience is the same. I’m a real believer in climbing the ladder but bringing someone with you. I want to really support the next generation and encourage people to talk about things to bosses and people in the workplace. Judith and my book is about action, not words – it’s ABOVE about giving men and women On the President’s balcony the confidence to talk about overlooking things in their jobs that allow Parliament Square, London: them to do the deal, and to talk as RICS President to their manager or employer frequently hosted about how it is that they want overseas officials, government to do their jobs and how they’re leaders, dignitaries going to do it.’ and members to see this iconic view She is optimistic enough to predict that a change is on the horizon – and as a veteran of the construction industry, she is no stranger to seismic shifts, not least in the buildings Listen to the challenging role as Head themselves. ‘We’re seeing Po d c a st at of Strategic Advisory at much more densification of mode rnwom an.co/ the CBRE, the world’s buildings and more advanced podca sts leading real estate advisor. technology going on. Not one to take it easy, it is, Buildings are getting smarter, as she explains, every bit as more high-rise, more exciting. fascinatingly all-encompassing Broadly in the industry, I think as her RICS tenure. ‘At CBRE, we people are realising the value of do everything around property buildings that are people-centric and a lot in construction as well, and with consideration about supporting our clients. For me, how people are going to occupy BELOW it’s about creating value, ensuring and use the spaces. Creating Developing one of London’s the business agenda combines places people want to be, not icons: Site visit to with the real estate agenda. You just places people exist in.’ And Battersea Power Station, London can name any one of the FTSE that is, surely, what it is all about. 100 or FTSE 250 companies and they will either own or occupy property. That isn’t what their core business is about so we’re helping them at board level think through what they want to do with that property. And we work a lot around people too, creating environments people want to be in. We talk a lot about place making, which might be around cities and developments. It could be creating really healthy

‘We’re seeing much more densification of buildings and more advanced technology going on. Buildings are getting smarter, more high-rise, more exciting’ a way that suits their life.’ Clack’s driving desire to open the industry to those to whom it had hitherto been closed extends overseas too. In her presidential capacity, she travelled extensively as an ambassador for the profession, but one particular trip was a highlight. ‘One of my favourite experiences was being at the School of the Built Environment in India, in front of 1,500 students. Four years before I took up the role that course didn’t exist. I can remember the RICS making a really important strategic decision as to whether to invest in the school. The Indian government wanted to create a property and building profession, and asked whether RICS would help. The calibre of those students was something really quite phenomenal.’ In the intervening years since Clack hung up her presidential chains of office, she stepped into another high profile and

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PROPERTY BE FEARLESS

The home for sharing and connecting in the property industry. Unlocking your property business’ potential

LAUNCHING SOON WORKSHOPS • NETWORKING • EVENTS • PODCASTS • NEWS Modern Woman Property exists to inspire, empower and enable property professionals to make all the right connections in a relaxed environment. The concept is synergetic, designed both to help you grow your business, as well as to help one another. The ultimate aim is to generate optimal ROI by working both with those developing their businesses, as well as professionals from across the industry, from property right through to construction. It is a space in which to exchange and share ideas, and to shape the future of property. For further information and how to be part of the community, head to: www.modernwoman.co/mwproperty

SLEIGH the saboteur Perfectionism and procrastination are at opposite ends of the spectrum, yet most of us have some experience of the two extremes, and both can sabotage optimal work/life balance. JESS BAKER guides us through some psychological tools to help despatch those undermining inner voices What would you do if your manager asks you to write and deliver a presentation for a group of senior managers in two weeks’ time? Would you jump for joy or hide in terror? Most of us get in our own way to some extent. But how do you

Issue 5

recognise what self-sabotaging behaviour can look and feel like? Do you recognise any of this in yourself, or in your friends or colleagues?

At your best You might have highly positive

thoughts like, ‘Thank goodness! About time! This is my chance to shine and raise my profile’. You believe that you’re going to do a great job. You’ll feel delighted to have been given the opportunity to impress the senior leadership

PSYCHOLOGY: EMOTIONS IN BUSINESS team. You approach the task in a methodical way, plan the content, set a deadline for the full first draft, schedule time with your manager to proof-read it, make further amendments and practice several times. You feel confident that you know your topic and prepare a number of answers to questions you might be asked.

At your worst At the other extreme, you might have highly negative thoughts such as, ‘Why ask me? I don’t know anything. I’m rubbish at presentations. I’ll embarrass myself. They’ll think I’m stupid and fire me’. You believe that you’re not good enough and that this will then be reflected in your presentation. You might even wake up fretting about it at 3am. You imagine yourself mumbling your way through the content, standing nervously in front of a bored audience staring blank-faced back at you. In this nightmare they question why you work in this company and you are fired that afternoon. At this level, you avoid taking any action at all whatsoever. When your boss asks you how it’s coming along, you lie outright – ‘Yeah, fine thanks’ – because you know that’d cause you more hassle. Thoughts of the presentation haunt you, but you are frozen in fear.

Most of us, most of the time If we’re really honest, most of us recognise the procrastinator and perfectionist tendencies. As a procrastinator, your only concern is to delay starting preparation for as long as possible. You might tell yourself that procrastinating is an important part of the thinking process, but on day twelve of fourteen, you wake up with the hangover of shame, regretting not having given yourself more time to prepare, and now there’s no more time to practice or

perfect it. You convince yourself that you enjoy the pressure and actually pride yourself on ‘winging it’ in this way. I have met a few people who fit what I call the ‘lucky procrastinator’ profile: they delay things until the final moment then, as if by magic, do a fantastic job. As a perfectionist, you’ll tend to have an initial mild panic, but instead of avoiding or procrastinating, this mild panic fuels productivity. You have a need for everything you do to be perfect. You want to ‘wow’ your audience. You go beyond the remit of simply reporting on the project and you look for other pieces of data that tell a broader story (interviewing people, researching industry data etc) and, because you want your presentation to be memorable, you spend your personal time searching the web for gifs and movie clips that highlight the themes of your presentation. Your only aim is to deliver the best presentation in the world, ever, and secretly look down on people who believe that ‘good is good enough’. You work longer hours to ensure you get everything done in time. Having such a high personal standard creates a lot of stress for you, your colleagues and your family, but because you’re absorbed in the process you don’t recognise this negative impact at the time.

Identifying the selfsabotaging cycle As you know, your thoughts impact your emotions, which in turn impact how you behave. These three elements form what I call the ‘self-sabotaging cycle’. Your behaviour feeds back into how you think and feel about yourself; and as you probably know from experience, selfsabotaging behaviours cause you to feel worse. But we don’t just selfsabotage our success at work. We can self-sabotage

BREAKING THE CYCLE Notice what you think, how you feel and what you do It sounds so simple, but tuning into your unconscious thoughts is neither easy nor comfortable. But raising your conscious awareness of what you think about yourself is the crucial first step to being able to reclaim your self-worth.

Call it out It sounds scary because you’re about to share your inner most thoughts and make yourself vulnerable to ridicule. But actually, telling someone you can trust about how you are really feeling has two benefits: firstly they’ll probably say how they have felt similar and admire you for owning up to it. Secondly, it will help you transition from passively worrying about, or avoiding, the situation to having control over it.

Reframe negative beliefs This is a useful technique used in cognitive behavioural therapy. Consider how you can ‘reframe’ the negative beliefs about the situation. For example, instead of thinking, ‘I’m going to make a mistake or humiliate myself ’, you could think, ‘I’ll give it my best shot, plan ahead and ask an experienced person for advice’.

in all aspects of our lives: love (staying in an unhealthy relationship, or looking for it in the wrong places); with family (always putting them first without taking time to reenergise or relax ourselves); our health and fitness (not allocating the time and effort it requires); or money (getting into debt, not paying parking fines on time). There’s so much on this subject to cover, but for now, I’d like to gently challenge you to be brutally honest with yourself and reflect on: • What areas of your life are you sabotaging right now? • If you could be, do or have anything in this area of your life, what would it be? • If you didn’t change anything about this situation, how will you feel in one, three, and five years’ time? • What are the limiting beliefs underlying your selfsabotaging behaviour?

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to the Listen st at Po d c a n.co/ woma n r e d mo sts podca

Forever in

BLUEJEANS ROSANNE SACCONE, chief marketing officer at cloud video conferencing company, BlueJeans is a marketing veteran with 25 year experience under her star-studded belt. Based in San Francisco, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s widely acclaimed for building the best, most slickly executed campaigns. By Rosie Coxshaw

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Tell us a little about what BlueJeans does? We are an enterprise video conferencing company focused on helping people meet and engage more collaboratively at work, regardless of where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re located around the world. A lot of our customers are large global brands where part of their job is to be in different locations all the time

MARKETING: ROSANNE SACCONE but they need to connect with their colleagues to get business done. Our job is to provide that personal engagement. What are the three main areas of your role as CMO? First up, leadership. Focusing on getting the best talent I can, inspiring them to win and setting a direction and strategy that really helps the company and the team to own the brand and bring it to life. Second, developing a voice for the company that helps our employees and customers understand the business values that BlueJeans brings to the table. And third, pipeline: concentrating on how we transfer brand awareness into leads for the sales team and helping them communicate the value that comes from a BlueJeans solution. How did you get into tech marketing? I fell in love with business when I was an undergrad at Stanford University in California, and after taking my first economics class I just thought, ‘That’s how the world works’. Supply, demand, pricing, it really made sense to me and I never looked back. Then when I achieved my masters degree in business, I worked for Hewlett Packard in finance, I’m quite an analytical person, so I started in finance before tech, then moved into a

marketing function. What I love about marketing is I am in the driving seat, getting results and I love the energy and passion that comes from it.

ABOVE Rosanne Saccone delivers inspirational insights into the marketing industry

Did you envision that tech would have evolved as it has done today? I grew up in Silicon Valley in the 70s and 80s, when it was full of orchards, fruit production and there was not a tech building in sight. But there was always a passion for innovation and trying new things, camera culture and diversity of opinions. I saw early companies wanting to solve this through different

‘I grew up in Silicon Valley in the 70s and 80s, when it was full of orchards, fruit production and there was not a tech building in sight. But there was always a passion for innovation and trying new things, camera culture and diversity of opinions’

technologies, starting small. I remember when the WWW really kicked off and Yahoo came to fruition. The CEO, Jerry Yang, was a neighbour of mine when I was a kid and I remember thinking it was a toy. Discussing it with Jerry, I recall saying. ‘I can see you indexing things but nothing’s on there’. To see that as the foundation of business today is just amazing to me. Now we’re looking at AI. As a tech company, how do you make money? Our revenue comes from a subscription model, which means we sell a yearly subscription for our Cloud services to people who are passionate, or who own the collaboration experience in their company. They would be in charge of business results, culture, employee engagement and they bring BlueJeans in for the visual experience. The fickleness of a Cloud subscription service is, if you don’t meet the customers’ needs, they can go somewhere else next year, so you really have to prove your worth in terms of simplicity, ease of use and innovation to help customers.

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MARKETING: ROSANNE SACCONE

I have always been so lucky to have mentors where the outcome has been about results, the kind who tell me; ‘Hey Ro, go solve that problem’

KEY STRATEGIES What are the three key marketing strategies for any business?

Focus. Who are you trying to target? Who is your customer? And what are they willing to spend money on?

Ask how much money can you afford to spend on marketing. Look at that budget and if it’s a young company, start with digital spend, because it’s cost effective and you can target and achieve reach. Then add in traditional marketing such as trade shows, events and advertising as you go.

Measure results. Figure out how you can measure the success of your campaign. You may not get it right first time but you need to measure it so you can grow and build your sales funnel to generate revenue.

In terms of sales funnel, what is the critical tactic for a company to generate revenue? From a B2B perspective, take the time to understand what the customer is trying to achieve for their business and the outcome they are looking for. They want to see a solution, so take the time to see their plan and objectives to answer this solution. You also need to understand who has the purchasing power. There are always other influencers who are driving the decision and you want to understand their needs and address them as a group to get to the win you’re looking for. Listen to the podcast to find out about obstacles facing women in the US; why education is important; and how knowledge is always, always power

Issue 5

ABOVE Rosanne Saccone grew up in Silicon Valley in the 70s and 80s, where she witnessed the birth of the Internet

Was it hard to get off the ground and build as a business? The company started just under 10 years ago, beginning as a pinpoint need that wasn’t covered. At the time, there was just audio conferencing, but when video come along there was no way to bring this into the audio, so BlueJeans built a MCU (Multipoint Control Unit) bsridge where it connected all the different conference room phones to video, bringing that whole experience to life. We sold the inter-mobility middleware to all phone providers including Cisco or Polycom. We were the first to market this idea and it really took off.

Have you ever felt held back as a woman in tech? I have always been so lucky to have mentors where the outcome has been about results, the kind who tell the me; ‘Hey Ro, go solve that o t n Liste at t problem’. The key is to s a c Po d an.co/ m develop a support network o w n r mode sts a early and make it broad. c d o p Find both men and women that are in your company community that you can bounce ideas with. You will always meet old-fashioned people that don’t like successful women but figure out how to navigate around it. I always tell people, ‘If you focus on getting results then people will always want to be on your team’. What are you passionate about? I love building really strong powerful teams that work well together and seeing them getting out there and winning. I have two children – a daughter who is 21 and a son who is 18 – and I want them to be proud of what they see in their mother, as a leader and someone in the community. This drives me a lot. Who do you aspire to be? Someone who makes a positive impact on other people’s lives.

ModernWOMAN

SPORT BE FEARLESS

Shoot and score: hitting aces in the sports world The winning formula in the sports arena

LAUNCHING SOON WORKSHOPS • NETWORKING • EVENTS • PODCASTS • NEWS Modern Woman Sport is an arena in which aspiring professional sportswomen and athletes from across all fields can inspire, be inspired and make connections to enable them to achieve their goals. It is a place in which to shape the sports world of tomorrow. For further information and how to be part of the community, head to: www.modernwoman.co/mwsport

FITNESS: MICKY LAWLER

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SPORT: WOMENS TENNIS ASSOCIATION

New

BALLS Please When MICKY LAWLER took over as President of the Women’s Tennis Assocation, she set about transforming it into an unstoppable commercial growth engine. Game, set and match to her, says Nancy Larman

Listen to the Po d c a st at mode rnwom an.co/ podca sts

t the time of writing, Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff had just thrillingly and convincingly knocked the Queen of Wimbledon, Venus Williams (a sobriquet she must, of course, share with her sister, Serena) out of the first round at Wimbledon. That the 15-year-old Gauff is a person of colour today is, happily, not out-of-the-ordinary; the Williams sisters’ domination of the game for two decades has rendered what once a talking point a matter of simple fact. Gauff is tipped for a big future. Meanwhile, this year Naomi Osaka, raised in America but representing Japan, became the first woman of Asian origin to be ranked world number one. And rolling back the years almost four decades, Martina Navratilova came out as bisexual in 1981, the same year Billie Jean King confirmed that she was a lesbian. Women’s professional tennis is a game that as well as being riveting and boasting a wealth of superstars, has long been trailblazing. It is hard, then, to imagine that there was a time when the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) was considered a fledgling companion to what was then the main event: the men’s. As if to underline the point, the Dutch-born, Columbia-raised WTA President Micky Lawler’s route into the game came via the ATP (Men’s International Tennis council). ‘I found myself by complete chance working as communications officer for the ATP. At the time, the women’s game was a much younger sport – the professional evolution of the men’s scheme seemed much more established, although it was interesting because the women went into markets where the men didn’t. Say the men were in London, Paris, Berlin, the women would go to smaller markets. But this changed quickly.’

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‘It’s about growth of the digital footprint. I’ve always been astounded by the number of mindblowing stories the athletes have’ At 27, Lawler considered herself lucky to be on the men’s side, a rationale perhaps more illustrative of the game then than of her preference. Some three decades later, most of which was spent at Octagon, which represents the sport’s most stellar talent, she stepped into the WTA presidency in 2015 – though, as she stresses, it didn’t take three decades to realise the possibilities of the women’s game. ‘As soon as I acquired more wisdom and experience,’ she explains, ‘I realised the upside was on the women’s because there was much more growth potential. Women were also heavily involved in growing their tour, which made it a very different scene. They were equally great but had to go that extra

Issue 5

mile, which I feel parallels life generally.’ The rewards are, she says, substantial for those with the talent and the drive. ‘Tennis has achieved so much, it’s never lost its start-up mentality – you want to walk that balance between confidence and humility. Even though there is this great mentality, there’s been huge progress for women and, financially, it’s miles ahead of other sports. Women tennis players have the opportunity to play day-in, day-out across the world. The season is long, almost too long in my opinion, but it offers a lot of opportunity for a professional athlete.’ That comparison to other sports is striking, not least women’s football, which only now, in 2019, has gathered a

ABOVE Micky Lawler with the players at the WTA finals in Singapore

BELOW Lawler with her three children , whom she has always involved in her career, sharing the highs and lows

momentum that feels as though it as has cut through – an achievement hard won after the first professional national women’s football team was assembled in the 1960s. Why then, has women’s tennis flourished where other sports have ailed? ‘Because,’ says Lawler, ‘from day one at the grand slams in the open era, men and women competed on the same stage. When I grew up, women weren’t that welcome to go to football games. But the US open, Wimbledon – they provided equal gender entertainment properly. It was wonderful to watch the likes of Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova.’ Since her appointment in 2015, Lawler has worked tirelessly to transition the WTA from an august governing body to a commercial growth engine. They are, she says, at a pivotal moment in the organisation’s history. ‘There is tremendous opportunity to align with brands and organisations whose values we share. We are living in such a turbo-charged world in terms of the speed at which things need to get done to stay relevant, it feels like a race against results.’ And in a results-driven world, Lawler is at once driven by the idea of being a custodian (‘to me the end is passing it over to the next generation in a very healthy state and giving the athletes tournaments in which they can thrive’), and communicating the

SPORT: WOMENS TENNIS ASSOCIATION sport’s myriad of compelling stories. ‘It’s about growth of the digital footprint. I’ve always been astounded by the number of mind-blowing stories the athletes have. Previously, we would focus on the action on the court and if you were lucky you would get an interview. Digital has created a space in which to share those stories where they will make the biggest impact.’ In her years in proximity to players at the peak of their powers, Lawler has borne witness at close hand to what makes a stellar athlete. ‘The superstars are superstars because they perform. Having 23 grand slam titles is truly extraordinary; it transcends tennis. Serena Williams is a ABOVE superstar and to perform at that and then not being able to win Lawler poses with level so consistently you almost again because life changes WTA players have to be superhuman. Steffi overnight. It’s those who are Graf, Monica Seles, Gabriela able to fall and climb back up Sabatini, Chris Evert are just to success who usually stay incredible athletes but they around.’ also have a big presence. Then Lawler may have taken up you have Anna Kournikova who the presidency in 2015, but she never won a title but was pivotal served on the board when the because she transcended the much-debated and campaigned sport as a supermodel. Yes, for pay parity between men looks have a big part to play, and women on the tour came whether we like it or not. It’s into play. It was, she says, a just as important for the men. long journey. ‘Back in 1975, When I worked on endorsement Wimbledon prize money was deals for the guys, the ones that £144,875 and last year it was looked that superman were £34million. Equal prize money Listen the ones who earned like happened in the UK in 2007. to the Po d c a superman!’ What we argued was the st at mode rnwom First and foremost, she value of entertainment, an.co/ podca says, the players need which women brought sts mental resilience and, she to the table. Wimbledon argues, to tread a line between argued that the women did confidence and humility. ‘It is not perform as well as the that ability to put things into men. I said, ‘Ok, prove that to perspective and the idea that us, we absolutely don’t want they can do anything that sets anything for free.’ That was them apart, but I would also a hard argument to make for argue that it takes a fine balance them because there are so many between being confident, partners who want to align well-prepared, humble and with the women because of the respectful of your opponent. economic opportunity of women It’s how you hold that balance as consumers. Women make which determines your level 90 per cent of all purchasing of success. One thing I see decisions. It was the right thing consistently in sport in general to do. It’s much more than sport is a very young super talented and entertainment, it’s also the athlete winning a Grand Slam impact you have on humanity

and sending the message that equality is here to stay. We earned it.” Success, to Lawler, looks like a balance between a manageable, happy and healthy life. And for her, balance is a theme that has run through her life, not least when it comes to her family. ‘People often say there needs to be a clear delineation between your career and your home life but I’ve always taken the opposite approach. It has been hard at times and I can assure you my kids have wanted to throw my phone in the river but simultaneously I’ve always involved them. I’ve explained problems to them and dilemmas I’ve faced even when they were young. I was conscious early on to show them the upside opportunities that come with my career: to visit different places, meet people from different cultures and to learn to be adaptable and open-minded.” Despite her success, Lawler is reticent to issue advice, though she does lament her observation that, ‘women underestimate themselves. At 58, I still do and there are many moments I question what can I bring to this conversation.’ From where we’re standing, however, it’s game, set and match to Micky Lawler.

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ADVERTISING PROMOTION: DRAMA

HE says MAUDE HIRST @maudehirst Photographer: Pavzo @pavzo_ Make Up: Jo Sugar Using One Skin Skincare, Maqpro and Mineral Air @jo_Sugar @agency105 Hair: Tim Furssedonn Using Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oreal Pro @tfurssedonn Styling: Steve Vyse @stevevyse Off the shoulder dress and underdress: Sorapol www.sorapol.co.uk Boots: Malan Breton www.malanbreton.com

Issue 5

SHE says

ADVERTISING PROMOTION: DRAMA

Actor MAUDE HIRST hit our screens in The Tudors and Vikings. RICHARD WISKER meanwhile is a cbbcs star of the big and small screen with a debut single out in the autumn. They brief Rosie Coxshaw on the highs and lows of showbiz How did you get into acting? I got into acting in an unusual way. When I was around 9 or 10 I used to do gymnastics and I was spotted to audition for a film that needed a gymnast. I didn’t get that first film, but from that point on I began to audition. I wasn’t getting on great at my normal academic school, so it became more and more my focus until (much to the surprise of my mum) I decided to take it more seriously and train. The rest is history. Tell us what you have starred in? I started by playing Kat Ashley in The Tudors, followed by a series of independent films and a play that went to Edinburgh festival. I later started writing and producing my own short films creating strong roles for women on and off screen. Then I got my largest role, playing Helga in Vikings. What’s the hardest challenge you have faced in your career? The hardest challenge for me in the acting industry has been not having very much control over my own career. Constantly being at the mercy of other people’s decision-making. I have overcome this over the years by filling my life up with lots of other empowering things. I have also challenged the idea that we have to be defined through our work and so I am not only Maude who acts, I am Maude who does an array of things from acting to writing, to meditation, to yoga, to owning my own business, so that when the auditions come along, it feels like a beautiful creative outlet and not something that is out of my control. How do you retain your confidence after setbacks? Because I was auditioning from such a young age, I have become very used to getting told no. At

first it upset me because I would really visualise myself playing the roles so when it didn’t happen, it would feel like a loss. However, I quickly learnt how impersonal the audition process is. There are so many factors that have to come together before you get a role that you can’t let it dent your confidence. Now, I just show up and do the very best I can in the audition room, enjoy the actual audition process and then forget about it until I hear either way. I also meditate daily which brings me back to my inner confidence. What has been the highlight of your career so far? Playing Helga was a wonderful experience. Getting to be part of such a big show amongst some incredible actors was a real highlight. I felt I had stepped into a role that I had grafted for years to get and so I tried to enjoy every minute. What’s the best thing about being an actress? Doing a career that from a very young age I had visualised myself doing. I have always loved collaboration and I feel the acting industry is a very powerful form of collaboration when so many different people and professions have to come together to create art. I also love having a creatives outlet. What advice would you give to someone coming into the industry? Don’t let being an ‘actor’ define you. Be someone who has many different outlets and things that fulfil you in life. Acting is a career of many ups and downs. It can be the most incredibly creative place to be and can be a hard place at times, so work on gaining a strong sense of self, so nothing can throw you off your centre.

M A U D E H I R S T

Do you think the challenges for men and women in the industry are different? Yes very different. Times are definitely changing for the better but the acting industry has been mostly run by men for many years. The effect on this has been an over sexualisation of women and often at times not having very many strong roles for women on screen or stage. We are in an exciting time where this is changing and women are creating and playing inspiring/powerful roles but my experience of the industry, especially entering into it young, was that it was harder to truly gain respect as a female actor. There was a lot of emphasis on appearance and getting my voice heard on set seemed to be more challenging than the men around me. However, I have changed as well as the industry changing so fingers cross these differences can become a thing of the past. What’s does the future have in store? The future is always the unknown in this industry. I hope it to hold many empowering roles and exciting collaborations. I have also started my own mindfulness business called ‘EnergyRise’ so building a business alongside my acting career is an exciting new empowering venture. What does success look like to you? Success looks like doing what I love and being happy while I do it. Constantly growing and empowering myself and other people around me. Describe yourself in one word? Evolving.

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ADVERTISING PROMOTION: DRAMA

RICHARD WISKER @richardwisker Photographer: Ejphotography @ejlewis Make Up: Jo Sugar  Using One Skin Skincare, Maqpro and Mineral Air @jo_Sugar @agency105 Hair: Tim Furssedonn Using L’Oreal Pro @tfurssedonn Styling: Steve Vyse @stevevyse Leather Jacket and Shirt: All Saints www.allsaints.com Jeans: Hera www.heralondon.com Jewellery: Hand made pieces by Anna-henna @anna_henna_tradition Trainers: Gucci www.gucci.com

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ADVERTISING PROMOTION: DRAMA How did you get into acting? A friend ask me to go along to an open audition for a TV commercial in South Africa. I really enjoyed it and then from that day on I decided it was what I wanted to do.

me through my grief and put me back on track. I credit her with educating me on the business side of the industry, which can be a web.

Tell us what you have starred in? I am lucky to have been in a lot of great show, from The Bill, Casualty, Law & Order, Dumping Ground and Tracey Beaker Returns to Millie InBetween and the film, Friday Download.

How do you retain your confidence after receiving setbacks? Knowing that I have so much support from those around me, and from my loyal fans who have followed my career, is everything. I know it sounds like a cliché, but you must believe in yourself no matter what.

What’s the hardest challenge you have faced in your career? The hardest challenge was getting over the death of my previous manager, Eric Cook. To lose someone so close is tough, and it took a lot to get through that. I am thankful to have met my new manager/ mumager Sue Sheridan from Opaque Artists. She helped

What has been the highlight of your career so far? I so enjoyed filming across the pond in America. Travelling around the USA is definitely one of my highs. The show was called All Over The Place and it was about travelling to different states of and discovering all the weird and wonderful things that people

R I C H A R D W I S K E R LEFT Richard at the Toy Story 4 Hype clothing launch party with his best friends, celebrity stylist Steve Vyse and Singer/ song writer Tay Tay

do. One of my favourites was New York, going around Central Park and tasting all the different world cuisines blindfolded. What’s the best thing about being an actor? Bringing characters and their stories to life for an audience. What advice would you give to someone coming into the industry? Make sure you have good representation and no one tries to rip you off. Always believe in yourself, keep working on your craft and be prepared for a lot of people telling you ‘no’ and push on anyway. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Do you think the challenges for men and women in the industry are different? This is a very difficult industry for anyone of all ages and genders. The challenges are there no matter who you are. It starts with getting a great agent and goes right through to the fundamentals, namely having enough work to pay the bills. Equality is vital, not just in the industry but in life; everyone should be treated the same. What’s does the future have in store? I have new show out in September called Flatmates. It will be for BBC iPlayer, but unfortunately I can’t say anymore at this stage. What I can say it is a more grown up show than my most recent work. Also my debut single ‘Wildfire’ will also be out at some point this year, I am very excited about shooting the video. I have seen a couple of storyboards and it is looking hot. What does success mean to you? Having people who love and support you. Describe yourself in one word? Creative.

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Models of

DIVERSITY Can we get a hallelujah? Cutting edge fashion has at last cottoned on to the idea of diverse role models â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to stunning effect Photography by Stefan Sieler Styling by Bernard Connolly

Left to right: Ashley Young @ Zebedee Management Abira Abdikarim @ Umma Models Tereza Brantlova @ ELY Management Alex B @ Grey Model Agency Lola Onasanya @ First Models

Ashley wears: Dress: Wall G at Topshop; topshop.com Shoes: River Island; riverisland.com Scarf: Zara; zara.com

Alex wears: Jacket: The Kemist at Fashions Finest; thekemist.com Trousers: The Kemist at Fashions Finest; thekemist.com Scarf: HermĂ¨s; hermes.com Boots: Office; office.co.uk

Lola wears: Dress: ASOS; ASOS.com Shoes: River Island; riverisland.com Earrings: Topshop; topshop.com

Tereza wears: Trouser suit: Zara; zara.com Shoes: River Island; riverisland.com Scarf: HermĂ¨s; hermes.com

CREDITS Photographer Stefan Sieler @stefansielerphotography stefansielerphotography.com Fashion stylist Bernard Connolly @bernardstylist bernardconnolly.com Hair Tim Furssedonn using R&Co @tfurssedonn Make-up artist: Jo Sugar @ Agency 105 using One Skin Skincare, Maqpro and Mineral Air @jo_sugar @agency105world Models Ashley Young at Zebedee Management @zebedee_management @orlandocyborgashley Tereza Brantlova @ ELY Management @teracek111 @elymgmt Alex B @ Grey Model Agency @greymodelagency @alexb244 Lola Onasanya @ First Models @firstlondon @omogirl_ Abira Abdikarim @ Umma Models @ummamodels Make-up assistant Binti Katelia @binti.k.makeup Hair assistant: Donna Oliveiro @dboliveiro Location Motion Photo Studio Unit E, 141-153 Drummond Street, London, NW1 2PD. 020 7112 8189 @motionpstudio motionphotostudio.co.uk Special thanks to Models of Diversity modelsofdiversity.org

Abira Wears: Dress: ASOS; ASOS.com Shoes: River Island ; riverisland.com Scarf: HermĂ¨s; hermes.com Tights: River Island; riverisland.com Jewellery: Topshop; topshop.com

FASHION: INTERVIEW

MODEL behaviour ROSIE COXSHAW grills our brilliant and diverse cover stars on the challenges and triumphs of modelling at all stages of life Tell us three things about you people might not know 1) I am a NAUI Rescue Diver with 1600 logged dives. I have spent a total of 14 days of my life under water. 2) I’ve ridden horses my entire life and competed at world championship level.

Name: Ashley Young Age: 24

What challenges or prejudices have you faced during your career? Mainly agencies telling me that they don’t have the clients for my ‘kind’. And, of course, people not booking me because I’m different.

3) I worked as a professional scare actor for six years at Universal Studios in Orlando.

How did you overcome them? I just kept going! Every ‘no’ could some day be a yes and I never wanted to stop before I found that person who accepted me for who I am.

How did you get into modelling? I always enjoyed expressing myself in front of a camera. I put myself out there so others who have a limb difference feel confident that they can model too if it’s what they want to do.

What advice would you give to other models coming into the industry? Do push yourself to be better and always, always learn from everyone around you. And in fact, vow never to stop learning.

www.modernwoman.co

Tell us three things about you people might not know? 1) I can sing. 2) I love pizza. 3) I have a heel addiction.

Name: Abira Karim Age: 21

How did you get into modelling? I love taking pictures and styling my own outfits. I would always get people on my social media and in person asking if I was a model. But I had never really considered modelling as I didn’t have a proper understanding of how the industry works. However, thanks to the encouragement of my friends and family, it made me consider signing up for modelling agencies and here I am! What challenges or prejudices have you faced during your career? I believe there are fewer opportunities for models like me, as modest fashion comes with its boundaries. I think it is important that brands consider hijabi models and the beauty of modesty.

Tell us three things about you people might not know? 1) I am a law student just going into my second year. 2) I have a passion for styling and hope to do something with that later. 3) I can wiggle my ears.

Name: Lola Onasanya Age: 19

How did you get into modelling? My mum always wanted my sisters and I to start modelling from a young age. But we soon realised it wasn’t as easy as it seemed to get into as an industry, so we gave it a break. Some years later, I was scouted by First Models outside Wireless festival. This made me believe that what is truly meant for you in life will come to you. What challenges or prejudices have you faced during your career? I believe that every model has their own individual challenges. Mine has been understanding that not every show or job is going to have the

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How did you overcome them? It’s all a matter of time, but already it’s amazing to see modest fashion slowly growing and gaining momentum in the industry. There are so many more hijabi models from different ethnic groups becoming the face of brands. Women like Halima Aden and Shahira Yusef are giving young woman confidence in coming up as hijabi models and in pursuing careers in the modelling profession. What advice would I give to other models coming into the industry? I know this sounds pretty clichéd, but be yourself. Stay positive. Confidence also plays a big role. I was once a shy girl but, over time, having supportive friends and family allowed me to gain confidence and to pursue my career as a hijabi model.

equipment or skill to cater to a black model, whether that’s to do with hair or make-up. Another challenge I have faced is remembering that not every ‘no’ is a failure. When I first started and didn’t hear back from clients, I would get upset and feel down. It made me feel like I was incapable. But as time goes on, you realise that there is a bigger picture and opportunities will always be there regardless. How did you overcome them? By being prepared. For example, bringing my own make-up or offering help to stylists when they are attempting to do my hair. What advice would you give to other models coming into the industry? To grow a thick skin as there are a lot of things they may not like to hear. Also, try to be patient, as there are off periods where you may have no work, or you’re waiting for confirmations from clients. Lastly, to have fun, make new friends and trust the process.

FASHION: INTERVIEW

Tell us three things about you people might not know? 1) I never liked being photographed when I was younger. You will hardly find photos of me before I began modelling as I tended to destroy them. 1) Modelling was never high on my list of possible careers. I wanted to be a dancer, not a model. 1) I speak five languages, not all with the same degree of fluency. I’m currently learning Farsi.

Name: Alex B. Age: 62

How did you get into modelling? Entirely by chance. I was in my late forties and had a senior lecturing position at a London-based university. A stylist I knew told me about a shoot for a magazine that would feature unconventional beauty. In those days my grey hair was regarded as unconventional. Following that shoot, I had a set of professional images and for fun I approached agencies. I got

Tell us three things about you people might not know? 1) I’ve been playing basketball for 30 years and am an elite international basketball player (World Champion) and now Worldwide Colour Commentator for FIBA, and a coach. 2) I’m a soon-to-be mum who really loves travelling. 3) I have a Masters of Physical Education and am a level three personal trainer.

Name: Tereza Brantlova Age: 36

How did you get into modelling? One, the modelling agency, contacted me through my social media one day and we went from there. What challenges or prejudices have you faced during your career? I started modelling quite late, when I was 30 years old. So given my age and being considered a plus-size model at a UK 14, there have been huge challenges. Since I am a pro

signed and I’m still modelling, though I am now with a different model agency. What challenges or prejudices have you faced during your career? Where should we begin? I was always the odd one out: older, not thin, not ageless enough… How did you overcome them? By persevering. I was told early on I had ‘a look’. It was up to me to see how far I could go. What advice would you give to other models coming into the industry? Develop a thick skin because one minute they like you, the next they don’t, no explanation given. Make sure you’re with a good agency that does not rip you off. Keep your portfolio upto-date but make sure your images are not used commercially without your permission. Take time out if you need it. Modelling is only a thing you do, among many. It should not define you.

athlete, I am quite fit, so as a plus-size model, a lot of brands tell me I am too small for them. How did you overcome them? I remind myself my value all the time. I have learned so many life lessons and had so many experiences, and they are my motivation to keep going and inspire younger generation of models to believe in themselves, and to know their own value. There are no limits to what you can achieve. You either win or you learn. What advice would you give to other models coming into the industry? Be unique. Don’t try to fight Mother Nature. Be sensible, and be realistic. Talk to more experienced models. You will hear ‘no’ many times, but don’t let it get under your skin or make you feel anything less than you are. Balance your body and your soul.

www.modernwoman.co

HEALTH & BEAUTY: PRODUCTS

BALMAIN Luminous Blonde Summer Set & Summer Rituals Set This brand is a firm favourite amongst hairdressers for very good reason: the products really work. We love the Summer Rituals Set, the secret to ultimate beach waves. Sea salt offers both body and flexible hold, adds texture, control and is humidityresistant. To shield the hair against sun exposure, spritz with the conditioning and protecting Sun Protection Spray after styling, which prevents hair colour fading and keratin damage. £47.50; includes 2 x 200ml bottles and a white comb per box set; balmainhair.com

BEAUTY Spot Tried and tested: Jo Sugar shares the hottest summer beauty looks

MAQPRO Foundation Palettes A good friend introduced me to this iconic French make-up brand, originally known as Le Maquillage, and I haven’t looked back. The formula is so lightweight, it looks like you’re not wearing anything, making it perfect for creating fresh-faced ontrend healthy skin. It’s great for men too as it’s so natural, and it photographs beautifully. For a healthy hydrated glow, use it with make-up mixer; it won’t crease and has become a firm favourite in my kit. I like to use the darker colours to bronze or sculpt the face and lighter ones to highlight in a beautifully natural way. Once it sets, this product is surprisingly long-wearing. It is paraben-free not tested on animals. £34.50; six colours per palette, multiple palettes available in every skin colour; maqpro.com, preciousaboutmakeup.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY: PRODUCTS

DEPIXYM Cosmetic Emulsion Hot new brand Depixym recently launched this clever and versatile concept. I love that the make-up has endless multiple uses: foundation, eye shadow, blusher, lipstick, eyebrows, liner, mascara, highlight and contour. It even works in your hair. The formula is long-wearing, waterproof, does not transfer and is vegan- and cruelty-free, with recyclable packaging. It is presented as artist’s professional paints and suitably the product can be mixed to create the perfect colour (there’s even a clear option that revives the colour you have already applied, giving you the ability to re-blend or change your look easily from day to evening). Currently there are 20 shades but I am assured there will soon be more. This product is a great new addition to my professional make-up kit because it is perfect for creating endless looks. £18 for 12ml tube, available in 20 colours; depixym.com, gurumakeupemporium.com

MAQPRO Make-up mixer This light emulsion is ultra versatile. You can use it directly on the skin to moisturise and prepare for foundation application, or to hydrate and thin your foundation, especially under the eyes where it can often get a little cakey. It gives a natural light reflective finish and acts as a fixing agent. You can even turn your foundation into a tinted moisturiser for a summer look. Use it to remove your make-up too. Suitable for all skin types and colours. £10.50 and £19.99 for 60ml and 125ml respectively; maqpro.com, preciousaboutmakeup.com

BALMAIN Conical Curling Wand Inspired by the hands-on expertise of the brand’s backstage hairstyling team, the Professional Ceramic Conical Curling Wand features a tapered barrel delivering the ultimate styling surface for creating naturally curvaceous curls. Ceramic barrel technology, multiple heat settings, 360-degree professional length cord and an automatic shutoff safety feature make this a wand to be reckoned with. £99.95; includes a luxurious pouch, heat-resistant travel-mat and protective glove; balmainhair.com

www.modernwoman.co

ADVERTISING PROMOTION: BE YOU

Get Your

SEXYBack You’re successful, you’re Driven and you’re used to getting what you want. But something seems to have changed. (Especially when it comes to your sex life) If YOU: • Feel every day like the ‘to do’ list never ends - and your needs have started to come bottom of the pile (if they were ever at the top at all!) • Are fed up that your partner seems to have lost interest in sex (and is more interested in watching sport than they are in you!) • Feel like ‘middle age’ has hit and you’ve lost your sex appeal (you’re tired of feeling middle aged, fat and frumpy!) • Are starting to give up on the idea of ever having mind-blowing sex again!

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ADVERTISING PROMOTION: BE YOU If you are, you are not alone. Millions of women all over the UK in their thirties, forties and beyond are feeling exactly the same way. The truth is, there is so much media BS blasting us about how we ‘should’ look and feel - and be spending our time in between the sheets! - that, quite frankly, it is no surprise most of us end up feeling ‘less than’ and turn to a glass (or 3) of wine at the end of the day to comfort and console ourselves. Our sex drive seems to have disappeared - and our selfconfidence with it. “I’m Suzanne Pool, Women’s Sexual Empowerment Coach, and I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be this way. I am a stand that women EVERYWHERE feel amazing (no matter what age they are!) AND have the sex life they want, need and deserve. I firmly believe this is possible at any age, in any type of relationship and no matter where in the world you are.”

Imagine IF... • You walk in a room, and heads turn because you look (and feel!) so damn sexy - no matter your dress size! • You totally own your body and feel hot, hot, HOT every day (and I don’t mean because of hot flushes!) • You are the master (mistress!) of your own orgasm (no more waiting for your partner to provide that toe-cramping experience you’ve been craving!) • Your partner can’t wait to spend time with you - every single look they give you tells you they want you (more hot sex please!) I’m here to tell you this IS possible. How do I know? Because I’ve been there. Today, I feel really good in my body AND have an amazing sex life – but it wasn’t always this way. A few years ago, I felt resigned about the way my

body looked and felt. I didn’t feel sexy at all (far from it!). I hated the way I felt undressed AND even dressed (trying to find clothes that actually made me feel good was a nightmare). I became so bored, disillusioned (disappointed!) and frustrated with how I looked and felt that I made the decision I wasn’t going to let anyone else see me like that either. So I avoided sex. And I hid. I didn’t have sex for seven years. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it. I just got on with my life. I figured there were ‘more important’ things to be getting on with, than rolling around feeling good between the sheets. (And as for the hassle of finding a man who could actually understand what made me feel good - forget it!) There was too much else to be getting on with. So I did. But after a while, it began to occur to me that I MIGHT be missing out...and unless I took matters into my own hands, I might CONTINUE to be missing out for a long time to come (no pun intended! ;) And that’s when I made the RADICAL DECISION to bring my own ‘Sexy’ back. So I started to change things. I stopped beating myself up about my looks and my weight. I stopped worrying about what others thought of me. And I started to look out for myself and take control of my life. It wasn’t always easy (old patterns die hard!). But piece by piece, I started to feel more like ME again - the me who was full of confidence, who could walk in any room and hold her head high (and watch heads turn!) It felt AMAZING. And something else shifted too: My Sex Life! I discovered that feeling confident in my body (even BEFORE I’d lost the weight, been to the gym or done all the million-and-onethings the magazines tell you you ‘should’ do to look and feel your ‘best’!) made me feel HOTTER

SUZANNE POOL Women’s Sexual Empowerment Coach

and more CONFIDENT in bed too! And it felt GREAT!! (not to mention the smile it put on my face!) And I want the same for you. You see, so many of us get caught in the day-to-day, our endless task lists and the media BS we see everyday, that we forget who we truly are. We forget in this moment, RIGHT NOW, we can feel more sexy, more powerful and more beautiful than we have ever felt in our lives. And I am here to help you do exactly that. I’m Suzanne Pool. And if what you have just read resonates with you, let’s talk. I invite you to book a call with me here : www.bee-you. com. Together, we’ll map out EXACTLY what it’s going to take to get “Your Sexy Back!” and how to put this into action in your life. Book your “Under The Covers” Call with me via www.bee-you. com because you in your sexy knows no bounds!

www.moderwoman.co

FOOD & DRINK: EATING OUT

EPICURIOUS

THE HERO OF MAIDA Alexander Larman digs in to the 55 Shirland Rd, London W9 2JD very best of what’s hot in London, theheromaidavale.co.uk while Lily Robinson has a revelatory Once the chef-patron of the late, lamented Racine in Knightsbridge, Henry Harris has now set himself up as ‘Admiral of the Fleet’ of a trio of upmarket curry in Essex gastropubs, serving the kind of gutsy, Frenchaccented fare which made his name. He’s taken over the equally much-missed Truscott Arms in Maida Vale, and the short, well-chosen menu offers an intriguing mix of pub classics (burgers, sausage sandwiches) and what the knowledgeable manager Thomas describes as ‘a few old Racine favourites’. So, what to choose? A couple of glasses of sparkling English wine (Hambledon, naturally) smooth the passage to a couple of unusual but excellent starters; I plump for the fish soup, which comes adorned with rouille – which I hadn’t known hitherto and is excellent – and grated gruyere. My companion has gazpacho with avocado and crab, which is flawless. But we’ve been saving ourselves for the steak, and the porterhouse does not disappoint. Harris’ team are connoisseurs in the art of presenting an honest cut, not least with excellent chips, béarnaise sauce and the whole shebang. It costs £62, and would serve three normal-sized people, or two trenchermen. I leave it to you to guess which we were, especially when washed down with a fine Chianti Classico. By now, we’re starting to feel slightly punchdrunk in the best possible way. But we find space, and desserts of crème caramel and a take on Eton Mess, the ‘Maida Mess’, are accessible and moreish. If only all pubs produced food this innovative and fun – and with such superb service, too.

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FOOD & DRINK: EATING OUT

EAT NATIVE 32 Southwark Street, London Bridge,SE1 1TU eatnative.co.uk Lurking in the shadows of Southwark, a short walk from Borough Market, Native is now in its second location. The first, in Neal’s Yard, was both too small for it and, as is depressingly common in central London, subject to ridiculous rent increases. Its owners, Imogen Davis and Ivan Tisdall-Downes, relocated to Southwark Street a year ago, and here operate a clear ethos; the menu is heavy on foraged food and game, as well as produce sourced from various trusted farms and suppliers. If the food wasn’t any good, then all this would be a moot point, but my persistence in arranging a visit is rewarded with a brisk canter through a perfectly judged tasting menu. I suspect we’re in for a treat when the first course, a potato waffle with duck liver parfait, combines a sublime lightness of touch with a rich depth of flavour. Paired with a delicious glass of Three Choirs English sparkling wine, it is truly a treat. Thereafter, it is an assured march through a mixture of fish, vegetarian and meat courses. There are lots of interesting detours such as the ‘cod toast’, and a yarg and nettle arancini, as well as a bold 54-day aged piece of Dexter rump. This is adventurous, exciting cooking, served at reasonable prices (£60 for a tasting menu of eight courses; £40 for the matching wines). My lunch companion compares it to Stockport’s much-praised When The Light Gets In; as he put it, ‘I probably had the best meal of my life there. This isn’t far off at all.’ We thank Davis at the end of the meal and she asks, with genuine interest, ‘So you enjoyed it?’ We assure her that Native will soon be in everyone’s little black book of wonderful experiences. I’ll be back as soon as I can get a booking.

GRAND TRUNK ROAD 219 High Road, E18 2PB gtrrestaurant.co.uk The West End comes to Essex at the Grand Trunk Road in Woodford Green, with dishes inspired by its namesake, the longest road which runs through several regions and connects Bangladesh with Afghanistan. The spices, aromas and recipes smack of authenticity and are a world away from the standard Anglocised Indian cuisine, which reassures me from the outset that this is already destination dining for anyone looking for a true taste of India. I opt to try the scallops to start, which are light and divine, while for the showstopping main course we share the classic lamb curry; it is rich and redolent of the complex spices it is comprised of. But no less astonishing is the paneer-stuffed mango, which is packed with flavours and spice, and balances the sweet with the savoury in exemplary fashion. We share a bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc, Land Made, Yealands, 2018, which slips down smoothly and enjoyably. The service meanwhile is excellent; the friendly and professional staff give every impression of truly caring about our visit. This is an upmarket, beautifully presented restaurant, and while it may be fairly expensive for local dining, it is absolutely worth every penny – and all without the hassle of commuting into London.

www.modernwoman.co

MUSIC: LEADING LADIES

Imported JESSIE REYEZ FEAT 6SLACK Straight out of Toronto’s hotbed of talent, Jessie Reyez has worked as a singer/ songwriter with the likes of Eminem, Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa and THEY. She’s currently on her own prolific journey, here linking up with 6Slack on this smooth R&B gem. It’s much more grown up and sophisticated than her 2017 Kiddo EP, and this track feels like it could bring Jessie Reyez into the pop spotlight. It deserves attention.

MUSIC Box

RONNIE HEREL serves up the singer songwriters who’ll be providing the soundtrack to the summer of 2019 Surface ft A2 ETTA BOND Etta Bond has been making sultry soulful music since 2012, when she was signed to the hit-maker Labrinth’s then Oddchild Music stable. Labrinth has since flown the nest but Etta has continued to release music through the label and has just unleashed an absolute beauty of a concept album in two parts: He’s [Not] Mine and He’s Mine. Thanks to its honest account of her journey through emotional turmoil to find love and finally feeling at one with the world, it’s a strong candidate for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize. The highlight is Surface featuring the super talented A2 on this double helping of brilliance. Top drawer.

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MUSIC: LEADING LADIES

No Place Like Me MOLLY HAMMAR FEAT BIG NARSTIE This Stockholm-born 23-yearold singer/songwriter is quickly gaining hype and momentum following Sex, her 2018 EP, which gave her a second gold single. Given her flawless delivery, it’s hardly a surprise. Now she’s linked up with one of Grime’s biggest artists and personalities, BIG Narstie, to deliver a sweet slice of R&B that’ll have you head nodding. No Place Like Me is getting loaded up on many DJ’s sets right now, so look out for Molly Hammar in clubland.

I Want You Around SNOH AALEGRA There seems to be surge of soulful artists coming out of Sweden right now. Snoh Aalegra, born to Persian parents, is among a current crop of singer/ songwriters serving up soulful yet soothing vocals. Snoh has been hard at it since 2001, when she was signed to Sony Music in her native Sweden. The deal didn’t quite work out but she’s recently come to prominence, rising to the pop soul surface after being signed to Hip Hop producer and mogul No.ID’s Artium record label. IWYA is seductive, soulful and indispensible. Keep an eye on this super-talented lady.

Mixer AMBER MARK This New York native has one of those vocal tones that really makes you sit up and take notice. A retro yet refreshing bit of funk-filled soul which oozes class, it also has a great video in keeping with the whole stylish vibe. Amber is set to have a great summer with this hooky and infectious record – and with support from super label, Universal Music, it’s set to grab some serious attention. It’s great to see always-consistent Amber back with something sizzling to fill dance floors this sultry summer. Hot, hot, hot!

www.modernwoman.co

ModernWOMAN

MUSIC BE FEARLESS

Hitting the high notes in the music business Keeping your business in beat

LAUNCHING SOON WORKSHOPS • NETWORKING • EVENTS • PODCASTS • NEWS Modern Woman Music is a platform for professionals in the music industry to exchange ideas, make connections and build an all-important little black book of contacts. It also exists as a space for those passionate about music to develop their careers and to learn from one another, to build industry knowledge, to lend one another support and to make contacts in harmony with you. Moreover, it is a space in which to share ideas, and to shape the future of music. For further information and how to be part of the community, head to: www.modernwoman.co/mwmusic

TRADING: ACADEMY OF TRADING

TRADING Up

DESSY OHANIANS, interim CEO of London Academy of Trading (LAT), argues that mobile technology enables anyone to trade from the sofa – good news for women who wish to side-step male-dominated trading floors

hen I was asked to step in as Interim CEO of the London Academy of Trading (LAT) in 2018, I realised that in order to be an effective industry leader, I needed to fully understand its language and culture. One of my take-aways from this fast acclimatisation was the ease with which anyone can enter the field, which in turn led me to wonder: why aren’t more women opting for futures in trading? Unlike other strands of financial services, it can be undertaken by individuals trading personal funds, as well as by institutions such as banks and hedge funds. And yet in the professional arena, we are still talking about the fact it is a ‘man’s world’ and traditionally ‘alpha-male’ terrain. There is hope, however. The good news is that we are finding different ways to access the trading game and female participation is higher than ever. Many women choose not to engage with the banks’ slowchanging culture, choosing instead to take charge and trade for themselves. This last is a category into which I fall. As a mum of two young children, I am not attracted to professions that consume so

much family time. The European markets open at 7am (GMT) and, as a consequence, a lot of traders are at their desks even earlier to analyse the overnight activities. That would mean barely seeing my children before it’s time to take them to school. For many, the enabling factor for entering the trading world has been advances in technology. With a mobile device, you can trade from the sofa, on the school run, or at the coffee shop. The transition from men in bright blazers shouting on the trading floor to highly accessible electronic trading has opened this profession to a much wider audience. 1 You can access trading in just a few simple steps. If you just play the market on chance, you have 50/50 odds of making a win or a loss. By learning how to maximise your wins and limit your losses, you will be guaranteed to beat the market over a period of time, even if you don’t win all your trades. 2 Open a demo account with a broker where you can practice risk-free until you perfect your strategy. Investing in a dual–screen set up is extremely helpful when trying to compare data from various sources.

ABOVE Students at the London Academy of Trading

3 Keep your head in the game by monitoring the news. World economic, political, and even natural events can and will affect the market. There are many trading/market news outlets to stay up-to-date with. 4 1 Put limits to the risk in each trade you enter so that you do not wipe your account in a few days. I would risk only two per cent daily, five per cent per weekly and 10 per cent per month. If I reach those limits, I stop trading for that period. That then gives you enough opportunity to learn from your mistakes and regroup. 5 Learn to eliminate psychological biases from your trading and not get emotionally involved. With the correct strategies and discipline, trading really need not be the emotional rollercoaster that it is so often portrayed as in the movies. www.modernwoman.co

‘That was my introduction to financial services – working on a dealing floor with over 400 men and women in the most wonderful environment’

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FINTECH: TPICAP

Have you met

MS JONES? PAMELA JONES is Operational Change Manager at TPICAP and a champion of women’s leadership. She chats to Rosie Coxshaw about how the industry has changed and the challenges she’s faced as a woman of colour within it

amela Jones has worked in trading and banking for 25 years, holding senior positions at Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and today as Operational Change Manager at TP ICAP. Pamela is also an advocate for women’s leadership. She is director of and a board member at Women in Listed Derivatives; a corporate brand ambassador for the charity Dress for Success; and a committee member of Connect: TP ICAP’s Diversity and Inclusion Directive.

Can you explain a little about the work that TP ICAP does? TP ICAP is an inter-dealer broker and has been around for years. I started at ICAP, which was owned by Michael Spencer, and I’ve been there for 10 years. We were acquired last year by Tullet Prebon to become TP ICAP, now the world’s largest inter-dealer broker. What does your work involve as operational change manager? I get involved in all operational change around the business – basically anything that affects our trading platforms and is operational based. I am here to ensure that the business runs as smoothly as possible. What inspired you to get into trading? It was a happy accident. I met a friend of mine who was a broker and we got chatting over coffee. He asked what I was doing and at the time I was working for an accountancy firm. He said, ‘Why don’t you come and try the City? They need people like you with talent.’ And the rest is history.

Listen to the Po d c a st at mode rnwom an.co/ podca sts

Did you ever think you would get into finance? No, not in this way. I never even knew what a dealing floor looked like. I worked hard at school but I was always told I’d never have the options I wanted. Teachers had low expectations of me so I always felt I needed to prove myself. When this opportunity came up, I grabbed it with both hands. That was my introduction to financial services – working on a dealing floor with over 400 men and women in the most wonderful environment. As a woman, did you feel in the minority? When I got there, I was shocked by how many people were on the dealing floor. The

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FINTECH BE FEARLESS

Building communities at the cutting edge of finance and technology

LAUNCHING SOON WORKSHOPS • NETWORKING • EVENTS • PODCASTS • NEWS We created Modern Woman Finance & Tech to provide a platform for businesswomen and men to meet, make connections and develop their careers in a relaxed and informal setting. Our aim is to offer an environment where authenticity meets corporate professionalism, where climbing the ladder is made simple and fun, and where mutually beneficial links are forged. For further information and how to be part of the community, head to: www.modernwoman.co/mwfintech

FINTECH: TPICAP activity and the buzz were really striking, but I was the only black woman on the whole floor. I just threw myself into working as hard as possible and making sure that I was competent and did well. It was only after a few years that I thought about leaving after finding out my peers were being paid a lot more than me. What did you do you about it? I spoke to my boss at the time who tried to soften the blow by saying it was comparable. But they didn’t really have a full answer for me and so I made the decision to leave. I felt so upset and let down because on the one hand they said how talented I was but on the other hand, they were not paying what I was due. What drove you to keep pushing up the career ladder? My mum and dad at first, because they’re such huge supporters and my dad was an ex-parliamentarian in Guyana, South America, so he’s always been a massive advocate of education and self-employment. I latched onto that idea of selfbelief and to keep going no matter what.

ABOVE Pamela Jones on a Divercity podcast panel

‘When I was introduced to my team, it was clear they were just not happy that I was a black woman in a leadership position. I got a lot of resistance’

have contributed, claim your contribution. So many times I Listen What are the positives of feel women don’t claim what to the Po d c a working in finance? they’re due and we feel like st at mode rnwom The fact that it’s a dynamic self-promotion is a dirty an.co/ podca sector and you do feel word. Now is a good time for sts you’re making a contribution women. There are so many and a difference. It also areas where we can make an affords me a level of autonomy. impact in finance. Because I’ve been in the industry a long time, I can use my time What have you found constructively – not just for challenging? my day-to-day work, but to do Years ago, I had the opportunity ancillary stuff, like mentoring to work in New York City. When younger women which I’m I was introduced to my team, passionate about and speaking it was clear they were just not to women inside and outside of happy that I was a black woman my industry. in a leadership position. I got a lot of resistance. People felt that What’s your advice for women they could just be discourteous entering the sector? and disrespectful. Be mentally agile, ready to be questioned and have your ideas How did you overcome this? unpicked. And then be willing to It was hard. I remember staying reform and refine those ideas. late every night for three Be forthcoming; say what you months just so I could get

my head together and build a strategy as to how to deal with the team as a whole, as well as specific members of it who were aggressive and unapologetic for undermining my position. What asset do you need to excel in your industry? Courage. It’s hard to make a stand, but you must have courage. Yet delivery is as important; being professional and measured is vital. If you are non-white, there can be racial stereotypes; it’s delivering that message so that when it lands people know exactly where you’re coming from. Life mantra? Work hard, play. Be kind. Listen to our podcast to find out how the finance industry has changed for the better

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PROPERTY: NICOLE BREMNER

INVEST In The Best Property might be a national obsession, but for a diverse portfolio it is vital to invest in all the asset classes, writes NICOLE BREMNER

he popularity of shows like Homes Under The Hammer speaks to our national obsession with both buying property and indeed with securing a portfolio of properties to fund our retirement. While bricks and mortar might be a passion point for many investors, it’s only one of the four major investment classes that are important for a truly welldiversified portfolio. Paul Luetchford of SeventySeven Wealth Management explains, ‘The importance of diversifying your

investments across equities, bonds, cash and property is widely known. By investing in unrelated assets, your portfolio benefits from the fact that whilst one asset class might be falling, it is very rare that all of the others will be as well.’ Property, and this is particularly true of investing directly as a landlord, remains the most tax inefficient of all the major classes. Stamp duty on the purchase, capital gains tax on the sale, income and corporations duties can all apply. And that is without getting onto inheritance tax. But it takes more than taxes

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PROPERTY: NICOLE BREMNER

to dissuade British investors from their favourite asset class. While your home doesn’t constitute part of your portfolio, it generally is the largest investment most people make. But the dream of owning a property remains just that for many younger folk. The average first-time buyer is now seven years older than in 1960 and needs to save a deposit of around £20,000, according to a poll. It is no wonder nearly 70 per cent of people believe it’s harder than ever to buy a home. ‘It’s worrying to see just how much tougher things have become, particularly since 2000, with research showing house prices have risen by over £55,000 and the average deposit has increased significantly from £12,988 in 2000 to £20,622 today,’ says James Thomson, CEO of Keepmoat Homes, which

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commissioned the research. However, do not despair, there are other ways to gain exposure to property as an asset class without saving a huge deposit or dealing with tax inefficiencies. One approach is crowdfunding. ‘We support the creation of UK housing by providing access to the right crowd finance to property professionals, whether equity or peer-to-peer lending. Everybody has the opportunity to access properly backed investments that often offer an education element, allowing for ‘learning whilst investing’’, says Atuksha Poonwassie, MD of Simple Crowdfunding. Peer to peer (P2P) lending is similar to crowdfunding but investors offer up loans to borrowers with cash secured against residential and commercial properties or newbuild developments. With bank

‘Crowdfunding has unlocked access to the UK property market. We are supporting the creation of UK housing by providing access to the right crowd finance to property professionals, whether equity or peer-to-peer lending’ savings rates at less than one per cent, P2P lending offers investors a more compelling return with a number of platforms offering returns above 10 per cent. For those wanting to invest in property while taking advantage of their tax-free allocations within the ISA environment, Innovative Finance ISA (IF ISA) might offer the solution. Launched by the government in April 2016, the ISA lets investors use some or all of their £20,000 annual ISA investment allowance to invest via Peer-to-Peer products and Crowd Bonds. Any interest or capital gains made through these investments are tax-free. More traditional investments are shares in listed property companies, often available by the stock market or directly. They tend to invest in commercial real estate, which offers further diversification if the rest of your portfolio is residential-focused. Make the right choice in any of the four investment opportunities, and there’s a good chance that you’ll end up taking the first step on the property ladder while diversifying your portfolio with a high yield property investment.

LAW: PAULA LOGAN

Time at

THE BAR Dana Denis-Smith

Women account for more than half of all law graduates but fewer than a third of senior lawyers. Time’s up for the structural obstacles that hold women back from breaking through the glass ceiling, argues PAULA LOGAN 66

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he shortage of women in the legal profession, particularly at the most senior levels, is arguably the greatest challenge facing the profession today. The reasons for the under-representation of women at high-ranking levels in particular are complex and diverse. The situation is evident across Europe and the USA too; redressing the imbalance represents a global challenge. Dana Denis-Smith is CEO of Obelisk Support and the founder of the First 100 Years project, the national campaign celebrating the centenary of women in law following the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919. Dana explains, ‘Women are the majority in the solicitor profession in the UK and make up

about one third of all barristers and judges in the lower courts. These numbers are however not represented at the higher levels. Women equity partners make up less than 20 per cent, Queen’s Counsel around 15 per cent and on the bench and we have three women out of a total 12 Justices in the UK Supreme Court.’ The challenges women encounter in the attempt to reach the upper echelons of the legal profession are also evident across European Jurisdictions. Dr. Alix Frank-Thomasser is an award-winning Austria-based lawyer and strong advocate for women in the law. She indicates, ‘When we review the partner structure in medium-sized and large firms, one has to recognise that an average of only two per cent in senior partner positions

LAW: PAULA LOGAN across Europe are women.’ It is clear that women feel empowered to thrive and flourish at law school and subsequently at lower levels of the legal profession. It is further up the chain that female lawyers seem to encounter serious obstacles. Kimber Russell, producer of Law School Transparency’s mini-series, Women in the Law, agrees. ‘Women do not begin their legal careers underrepresented — quite the contrary. Women account for half or more entering law school classes in the US, although LST’s research shows that even those figures are misleading. But where things particularly break down is at the firm level. Women are often shunted into niche areas, sometimes referred to as ‘pink ghettos,’ such as family or employment law. Women have fewer mentors at top firms because so few women manage to become partners and even fewer reach managing partner levels. Much of the networking happens at night-time or weekend events that women are less likely to be able to attend due to family obligations because many gender norms still permeate American families.’ Is a major factor the perception that the legal profession is simply a ‘man’s world’? Denis-Smith says, ‘Nearly two thirds of law

graduates have been women for more than a generation. So I don’t think the perception is that it’s a man’s world in terms of technical ability to do the job, but it is in terms of sharing the spoils. I think it is viewed as a profession that is structurally set up to earn, mostly men, a lot of money.’ So, how can the problems be best tackled? ‘These require addressing on a number of fronts,’ Denis-Smith suggests, ‘from new legislation – I support quotas for access to leadership roles – to structural changes to the partnership model. Certainly action cannot be expected only from the professional bodies

‘Women do not begin their legal careers underrepresented – quite the contrary. Women account for half or more entering law school classes in the US, although LST’s research shows that even those figures are misleading’

UPPER LIMITS Women have long been pushed into legal ‘pink ghettos’. It is time for change, including bringing in quotas for access to leadership roles and making structural changes to the profession

such as the Law Society or the Bar Council but on a wider level.’ In a similar vein, Dr. FrankThomasser has established an initiative, Women in Law (womeninlaw.info), to help break the ‘glass ceilings.’ Dr. Frank-Thomasser contends, ‘It is not about making law appear to be glamorous. It is about the appearance that climbing a career ladder is possible, rewarding and enjoyable. There need to be more women in positions of power who did not give up their femininity and identity to get there.’ Dr. Frank-Thomasser continues, ‘Role models like Sandra Day O’Connor play an important role. However being ‘only’ an inspiring and encouraging role model alone will not change figures in the long run. Role models will have to take over the mentoring role. It is incumbent on women in the most senior legal roles to allow other women to climb the ladder.’ While many women have broken down barriers and overcome substantial obstacles to reach the most senior legal roles across UK, Europe and the USA, the current state of affairs is possibly best encapsulated in a political slogan popularised across Europe in recent decades: ‘A lot done. More to do.’

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TRAVEL: POPPY CROSS

And did those

FEET

POPPY CROSS pounds the spectacular ancient pavements of Jerusalem’s historic walls alongside 40,000 participants for its annual marathon and running races

arlier this year, 40,000 runners ran through the hot hilly streets of Jerusalem to mark the capital’s ninth annual marathon. I was lucky to compete in the 10K race and running its historic walls felt somehow momentous. Jerusalem has borne witness to so much over two millennia. Its history makes it impossible not to feel moved. Running its narrow ancient streets where Jesus once trod and was crucified felt poignant. The endless hills along the route offered superb views of the city. I’ll never forget it.

Jerusalem highlights The shuk in the Muslim Quarter: These busy, narrow streets are the spot for market vendors selling religious items, traditional foods, herbs, spices, smoothies and keepsakes for tourists. Tower of David: This archaeological museum offers great views of the city and details the major events in its history, beginning with the first evidence of a metropolis in the second millennium BCE through to when it became the capital of the State of Israel. The three largest monotheistic religions are also explored (Christian, Judaism, Muslim) here.

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Facilities

Church of the Holy Sepulchre: This is the holiest site for Christians, since many believe Jesus was crucified and buried where this church now stands. Go early to beat the crowds. Western Wall: A sacred site for Jews, it is the closest retaining wall to the former temple on the Temple Mount. Thousands of people pray animatedly at the wall every year and some place written prayers into its cracks. Temple Mount: This is a religious site for Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. The site is only accessible at specific times and non-Muslims aren’t allowed into the Dome of the Rock. But you can catch great views of its bronze dome from the Old City.

Gym, group fitness classes (including Pilates, yoga, spinning, interval training) spa, sauna, swimming pool, children’s play area and executive lounge. RACE AHEAD Poppy runs the 10k race in Jerusalem

Food No chance of going hungry here. Its five eateries include Scala (traditional Jerusalem fare); Seasons (fresh salads, fruits, grains, smoothies, nuts, breads); Lobby Lounge (fresh salads, sandwiches, cakes); and Sushi bar and Grill Bar.

Day trip to The Dead Sea MOUNT UP Poppy looks towards Temple Mount

A little over an hour’s drive away, the Dead Sea is a must to experience floating in its medicinal waters.

Where to stay

Beach time

The David Citadel (thedavidcitadel.com) is situated within the old City. Built from Jerusalem stone, its design unites the ancient and the contemporary. The grand, spacious hotel offers expansive views of the city and its cypress trees, the fruit of which, so locals believe, can treat diabetes, strengthen the immune system, heal gum infections and alleviate toothaches when ingested or applied topically. Magic.

Tel Aviv is an 80-minute drive away and combines sandy beaches with electric nightlife, a buzzing cultural scene, incredible food (do try the brilliantly named Vicky Cristina Barcelona restaurant), UNESCOrecognised architecture, and an international outlook.

AGAINST THE WALL Poppy leaves a prayer at the Western Wall

It is advisable to get a guide in Jerusalem to ensure safety. www.jerusalem-marathon.com www.itraveljerusalem.com

TRAVEL: THE MIDDLE EAST

PEARLY Queen Rosie Coxshaw can’t keep away from Bahrain and its stunning Ritz-Carlton hotel – and this time, she ventures to its Dubai beachside hotel too and to explore beyond the tourist trail

fter a whistle stop introduction to the magic of Bahrain last year, a return seemed inevitable – inexorable even. My second time on this island in the Persian Gulf is every bit as seductive, the more so with an added stop in intoxicating Dubai during Ramadan.

Bahrain Monday: After touching down on the redeye flight, arrival at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is like a big luxurious, infantilising hug. The exceptionally friendly staff proffers coffee and an array of breakfast delights, and after refuelling, I spend the rest of the morning by the pool, soaking up the sun. It’s all in the name of preparation; I’ll need my energy for my next stop: Gravity Indoor Skydiving. The butterflies in my stomach are part excitement, part queasiness at the thought of my last experience of this, which wasn’t, shall we say, entirely

ABOVE A guest tries out the Gravity Indoor Skydive on offer

optimal. But it’s a different story here, where you can experience the exhilaration of human flight while feeling completely safe. Prepped thoroughly, the instructor will tandem with you before you go alone if you feel brave enough, buffeting side to side in the tunnel, which may sound like an ordeal but is in fact highly invigorating. Gravity, situated in Zallaq which

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TRAVEL: THE MIDDLE EAST avocado, seafood as well as delicious humous and breads washed down with a lime/lemon juice. A perfect-sized repast for a lazy day’s lolling in the sun.

is accessible by car (there is no public transport), is Bahrain’s only wind tunnel, and is open to anyone over four years old. Back at the hotel, celebrations for Ramadan, which occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community, are in full swing. Most hotels throughout the Middle East have vast pavilions hosting nightly buffet feasts serving traditional iftar and ghabga. The VIVA Massaya Pavilion at the Ritz-Carlton, is impressive with its opulent décor and culinary delights which showcase all 12 of the restaurants within the hotel. I dutifully try a serving of each dish, which spans Indian to Mexican to Italian, as well as tucking into the decadent desserts (think tiers of dates surrounded by other treats). Sated, I venture to Mattar Jewellers, a family business that goes back decades and one of the longest established pearl manufacturers in Bahrain. I meet with Talal Mattar who greets me with traditional unfiltered coffee before sharing the history of his business. Bahrain is where the Cartier brothers once sourced their pearls; before the discovery of oil, it was the country’s chief export. Sea pearls are rare and fishing for identical pearls to produce

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ABOVE Ariel view of the stunning Ritz Carlton pool area

BELOW Matter Jewellers, long established pearl manufacturers in Bahrain

a piece of jewellery can take years. I am shown behind the scenes to where they handmake jewellery, highlighting how much care goes into each piece. Tuesday: After a jam-packed first day, it’s time for some pampering. A full body massage with ESPA products is a perfect way to switch off from work and the outside world for a while. The therapists are so friendly and remember me from my last trip, making it feel like a home from home. Next up it’s lunch at La Plage, which is situated on the outside terrace near the pool and perfect for feeling the sun’s rays while gazing over to the beach and sea. The menu is full of delicious salads, chicken,

Wednesday: It’s my last day in Bahrain, it’s 9am, the sun is blazing hot and it’s time for an adventure, so I head out for a day at sea on board speedboat. Our driver makes straight for Jarada Island, otherwise known as the ‘disappearing island’, which is 45 minutes away from Amwaj Island where the hotel is situated. Here high seas adventurers will find crystal clear blue waters and a strip of glistening beach in the middle. It’s a perfect place to swim in a sea so warm it’s as if you’re having a nice bath. We snorkel and soak up the magnificent views before going further out for a spot of scuba diving. I’m a total newbie, but my instructor puts me fully at my ease, helping with the oxygen tank, flippers and goggles ready to go down to the coral reef. Once in a relaxed state of mind, it’s surreal to be able to breathe underwater and swim amongst the beautiful sea creatures while searching for oysters full of pearls. We bag a lot of shells which we open on the boat. No pearls, alas, but it is a never-tobe-forgotten experience.

TRAVEL: THE MIDDLE EAST

Dubai Thursday: Continuing my tour of Middle Eastern Ritz-Carltons, I arrive at its Jumeirah Beach Dubai outpost, where I check in at the Club Lounge. My jawdropping room awaits on the sixth floor, with its king sized bed, stylish bathroom sporting a huge bath, walk-in shower and stunning sea views. I’m having dinner with a friend at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Splendido, where we share all our dishes, starting with the Burrata di corato e caponata which is fresh, creamy and perfect alongside home-made breads to dip into olive oil and balsamic vinegar; a simple dish done well. For the main course we share the chef’s special for the night: seafood linguine. It is ultra fresh with simple yet elegant spices to give it a nice kick. We share a bottle of Gabbiano which compliments both dishes delightfully. Friday: Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular places in the area with British tourists and residents for sunbathing, eating and hanging out, and its gorgeous sea views make its appeal no mystery. From the Ritz-Carlton, you can spot the famous Atlantis Palm, while parallel to the beach, guests can get an eyeful of the strip which sets the scene for this flamboyant place. The pavements are decked with palm trees that almost look set

designed, and there is a huge array of shops surrounded by fast cars and flash hotels. It’s my first time in Dubai, so I’m curious to see The Dubai Mall which is also adjacent to Burj Khalifa. It’s rather like being in an airport, with every designer brand you can think of and an abundance of restaurants. If you’re here to shop, this is the best place for household brands but do beware, they are expensive. After exploring, it’s time for some dinner at the hotel’s Blue Jade restaurant, which serves up pan-Asian cuisine. We start with an array of dim sum; chicken siu mai, prawn har gow and vegetable dumplings, all cooked perfectly, some steamed and fried but equally light and flavoursome. I opt for the lemongrass chicken next, and it comes served as a grilled breast of chicken on a bed of dalkon pickles, vegetables and chili fish sauce. I have a pad Thai as a side, which is delicate and delicious though perhaps overkill; the chicken would have been filling enough on its own.

ABOVE The VIVA Massaya Pavilion at the Ritz-Carlton

Saturday: After a couple of days in Dubai, I begin to feel culturestarved, so I go to seek a little history. I’m curious to see the stunning architecture opposite the water and so I take a little boat for 1 diner (approx 25p) to the old town. Walking for a while I stumble across traditional souks selling engraved wooden signs and so many beautiful garments, from hand-made LEFT The very cute Arabian Tea House in Dubia’s Old Town

shoes to pashminas. I pass by the government buildings and find food at the Arabian Tea House, a boon since every other cafe is closed for Ramadan. However this house caters for non-observant visitors and whilst it is touristy, it’s cute, surrounded by flowers and white pebble stones on the floor. After some restorative humous and salad, I walk round the Al Bastakiya quarter, which is the oldest residential area of Dubai, first established at the end of the 19th-century by rich textile and pearl merchants from Bastak, Iran. Today the Bastakiya Quarter or Al Fahidi neighbourhood is a maze of oldworld wonders. After leaving the old town, I get the metro back to the hotel (the metro is a fraction of a taxi and much swisher than London’s tube system). The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Jumeirah Beach Residences, with its stunning beach and sea views, is a paradise and yet it’s right in the heart of tourist city. Dubai is what you make it – yes, there are amazing attractions, pool parties and extravaganzas as one might imagine, but there is culture and class too if you step outside of the bubble to explore and feel what the Middle East really has to offer.

INFORMATION • Fly with Gulf Air, flights are approx £400 return (out of season) • Transfers and excursions can be organised via The Ritz-Carlton • Club Lounge rooms are from £200 based on 2 people sharing Ritzcarlton.com

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TRAVEL: LINDOS

It’s all

GREEK Rosie Coxshaw checks into the Gennadi Grand Resort in Lindos, Rhodes, for a dose of total relaxation and some vertiginous history lessons

Day 1 An hour’s drive along the dusty roads from Rhodes airport, The Gennadi Grand near Lindos instantly exudes five star luxury. The warm and lovely staff show me to my room, a resplendent junior suite, which is capacious, minimal, and features every mod con you could possibly need. The pièce de résistance? Throwing back the sliding doors to reveal views of the shimmering sea below. A morning coffee on the veranda, or something stronger in the evenings, is a pleasure I’ll never forget. This hotel has some 288 rooms and suites, all of which have been designed to be ecofriendly, and some of which have private pools (others are raised with sea views and verandas). After a day’s travelling, I am powerless to resist a massage

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BELOW Lindos’ Gennadi Grand Resort is a dreamy place to lounge by the pool

at the stunning Thalasso spa with its owner Alexandros, who explained all the various signature rituals, facials and body treatments. Every one focuses on relieving stress and tension, and in keeping with the hotel’s eco credentials, one of the treatments is totally vegan. I opt for the full body massage,

and leave mentally unwound with every muscle relaxed. Dinner on the first night is served in the fine dining Eoesma restaurant, where our repast consists of a six-course tasting menu of intricate and beautifully presented dishes, featuring seafood so fresh it practically winks at you, and an inspiringly

TRAVEL: LINDOS contemporary approach to Greek cuisine. For committed foodies, it is unmissable, though the more informal main restaurant at the hotel, the Table D’Hote, serves up beautiful simple classics too.

Day 2 Is there a nicer way to start the day than with breakfast on a veranda accompanied by panoramic sea views? If there is, I’m yet to discover it and so it is that I linger over coffee and juice, fish and meat platters and pastries (there are traditional English breakfasts too, but you’d have to be mad to opt for that over this). Sated, it’s time to explore Lindos, a beautiful white-washed village nestled in the mountains, and to climb up to its stunning and vertiginous acropolis. En route, we pass lots of little establishments comprising of shops, restaurants and cafes, all higgledy-piggeldy and quaint though unmistakeably aimed at the town’s many tourists. Before long, we’re climbing the Lindos Acropolis, an impressive archaeological site steeped in history that will wow any budding classicist. The dramatic natural landscape is enhanced by the picturesque town that sits atop it, while the acropolis rises above it all, carved into the 116m steep cliff like a stage overlooking the sea and framed by mighty fortress walls. Those

who suffer from vertigo would do well to admire the acropolis from below only; there are moments that are alarming even for those without a fear of heights. At the summit you can see the ruins of the goddess Athena’s Lindia temples from the 4th-century BC on one side and St Paul’s Bay, which looks like an upside down heart and is a spot popular for weddings, on the other. On the way down, we reward our exertions with a large Americano and some huge slices of home-made cake.

Day 3 As it’s my last day, it seems a perfect opportunity to relax at the hotel, a place perfectly geared up for lounging. The the large outside pool has a bar serving cocktails and juices to sip whilst sunbathing, while for those who prefer the sea, the main outdoor pool leads on to a pebble beach where there is a little bar serving a tipple or two. After soaking up the rays, it’s time for some lunch at Ten2One, which is situated by yet another outdoor pool, this time in a slightly more secluded location. Its chefs rustle up an array of simple lunchtime dishes including salads, pizzas and burgers with various alcoholic or soft drinks (there is also an all-day à la carte menu for those who like a nod towards formality at lunch). Gennadi Grand Resort is part

ABOVE The Lindos acropolis from which there are panoramic views to be had for non vertigo sufferers

RIGHT The heart-shaped St Paul’s Bay is perennially popular as a wedding spot

RIGHT A super stylish and slick junior suite at the hotel, complete with every mod con, as well as stunning views

LEFT The pretty whitewashed village of Lindos, on the island of Rhodes

of Lindos Hotels, a family-run business going back generations. At the helm today are a brother and sister team, who remain self-evidently committed to hospitality and truly care about your stay. On my next Greek odyssey, I’m keen to try their other hotels, in the knowledge they’ll deliver both consistency and five star luxury.

INFORMATION • Flyer from most UK airports from approx. £100 return • Transfer and excursions can be organised via Gennadi Grand Resort • Standard double rooms from £150 and junior suites with a sea view from £200 based on 2 people sharing. gennadigrandresort.com

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LAST WORD: HISTORICAL HEROINES

‘E

veryone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?’ On July 2 1937, Amelia Earhart flew her plane towards Howland Island, the next leg on an almostcompleted journey that had elegantly disregarded every boundary there is, her maxim – that there are ‘No borders, just horizons – only freedom’ likely ringing in her ears. For 82 years ago, the trailblazing aviator, in her attempt to be the first woman to traverse the globe with her navigator, Fred Noonan, in a Lockhead Model 10-E Electra, had to have not only the skills and chutzpah for the feat, but the self belief to disprove the abiding belief that the skies were emphatically the domain of men. Her astonishing achievement – she was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo – began when, in 1923, at the age of 26, she became only the 16th woman in the world to be issued a pilot’s license. Her rationale, simple and true, was that there was more to life than being a passenger. As she said, ‘Some of us have great runways already built for us. If you have one, take off! But if you don’t have one, realise it is your responsibility to grab a shovel and build one for yourself and for those who will follow after you.’ Nearing the tiny Pacific atoll, she made her last contact with a United States Coast Guard; that was at 8.43am on the morning of July 2, after which nothing was ever heard of her again. Earhart had already garnered international fame for her first gruelling attempt, earlier in 1937, aborted after her plane was damaged. Still Earhart and Noonan persisted, setting off once again on May 21 for a 29,000-mile expedition along

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FLYING Solo

AMELIA EARHART was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, and died in her attempt to make it around the world. Her advice? The most effective way to do it, is to do it. By Nancy Larman

the Equator, headed east. Forty days in to the journey and some 22,000 miles later, they departed Papua New Guinea for Howland Island, a tiny land mass where they planned to refuel. The journey, they knew, would be punishing; it was 2,500 miles over nothing but ocean. What the duo did not bargain for was that they would not receive transmissions from the coast guard, even though the guard could hear theirs. A huge search ensued, but no conclusive evidence was found; the US government’s position was, eventually, that the Electra – and Earhart and Noonan with her – had run out of fuel and crashed into the ocean.

ABOVE Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo BELOW Earhart with her plane, Electra

It is a mystery that has confounded and obsessed. Some held that (unconfirmed) eyewitnesses saw Earhart in a Japanese prison camp after crashing onto the Japanesecontrolled Marshall Islands; the National Geographic Society meanwhile followed up findings by The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery which point to Nikumaroro, southeast of Howland Island, where certain artefacts, including US make-up dating to the 1930s, and the possible skeleton of a woman was found. The details of what happened that morning may, however, remain an eternal mystery. But for Earhart, one thing is certain; she would doubtless have done it again. Her own advice was consistent. ‘Decide whether or not the goal is worth the risks involved. If it is, stop worrying.’

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