RAGINI HILDRETH

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG) INTERVIEW WITH:

RAGINI HILDRETH (RH)

PGMAG: Ragini, so good to have you on today’s interview with Lady Anita.

RH: Thank you. I really appreciate this wonderful opportunity to contribute to the magazine.

PGMAG: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

RH: As an educator, I have many years experience of teaching children aged 4 - 11 whilst also mentoring and coaching younger colleagues.

Throughout my career, I loved the buzz and rhythm of school life and I enjoyed the challenges of becoming an assistant head, a governor and a curriculum specialist.

But there were times when I didn’t know if I could continue teaching, because I was burning out. Facing the additional responsibilities with each promotion often left me feeling inadequate. I felt overstretched at home and at work, and as if I wasn’t doing a good enough job in either place. It got to the point where I was on the verge of quitting.

But the turning point was working with a coach who reminded me of the importance of selfcare, and helped me to regain a vision for my life outside of school.

Following our sessions, I pivoted my career so that now, the focus of my work is supporting the next generation of teachers avoid the pitfalls that lead so many to leave the profession within five years.

PGMAG: What would you say to someone in the valley of decision relating to career change?

RH: Focus on who you are and the requirements of the season of life you are in.

For example, I work with teachers at three key stages of career change;

• Teachers at the beginning of their career.

• Teachers returning to work after raising their children or a period of sickness.

• Teachers leaving the profession for new ventures.

At each phase, self-confidence can be low, so remembering and celebrating our unique skills and experience is essential. Having the mindset that your strengths and gifts are transferable and that every weakness can be developed is vital for sustained success. Also, be wise and plan for change and build in support for your next phase.

PGMAG: Please tell us more about your business.

RH: I run coaching programmes that empower teachers to improve their wellbeing and to strategically build sustainable careers without sacrificing their free time. Together, we find time they didn't think they had and we focus on developing habits that improve sleep and increase energy. It’s so rewarding to see clients grow in confidence to set boundaries and to stop people pleasing. This is especially crucial for the emerging leaders who often have more experienced colleagues in their teams. Now, I am working on creating online courses to provide added support that teachers can access when they wish.

PGMAG: what are your views on global equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

RH:

I love seeing people step into new arenas and break new ground. Being the first is never easy but as we support the fore-runners, the next generation benefits.

Global equality, diversity and inclusion is a huge issue that can be impacted on an individual level, in my belief. My own experience of being pigeon-holed challenges me to stop making assumptions about someone’s nationality, the language they speak or the religion they follow based solely on their name or appearance. I am of East Indian decent, born in Guyana, a West Indian culture, and was raised in the UK. I have often felt like the outsider when I have faced what others have thought about me. That I’m:

• Not South American enough.

• Not Indian enough.

• Not English enough.

• Not male enough.

So I believe we have to know that we are enough wherever we are and we have to treat others with the belief that they are enough too, especially when we are in leadership roles or positions of influence.

PGMAG: What are the keys to building a sustainable business?

RH: What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do, and How To Change by Charles Duhigg Quiet by Susan Cain

PGMAG: Finally, what would you say to your younger self?

RH: Be kind and patient with yourself and don’t underestimate the power of small consistent action. Change may happen slower than you want but each small step takes you closer to your destiny.

PGMAG: What were the top three books that changed your life?

RH: 1. Be comfortable with risk and making mistakes. I love this quote by Allen H Neuharth “I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn’t fall down”. 2. Be unique and create a blueprint for your business that celebrates your vision, values and personality. 3. Be open to collaborate and graciously give and receive advice and support.

PGMAG: Thank you for your time – much appreciated.

RH: It’s been an absolute pleasure.

PGMAG: Please share your links with us.

RH: https://www.raginihildreth.com Linkedin - https://www. linkedin.com/in/ragini-hildreth6a9983121/ Instagram - https:// www.instagram.com/ brilliantteachernetwork/