25 minute read
Female force
The future is female
We celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March. To mark the occasion, we’ve been speaking to the luxe ladies that continue to educate and inspire in the North East…
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Name: Lesley Spuhler OBE DL Title: Chief Executive, Foundation of Light
What can you tell us about your role?
I am Chief Executive of Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC. We work with thousands of people each year across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham; helping them to live happier and healthier lives by tackling some of the region’s biggest challenges such as obesity, poor mental health, unemployment and social isolation.
This year the foundation turns 20 and I am so proud of what we have achieved. Working with Sir Bob Murray and our amazing staff, we have grown from a handful of people working in temporary offices to now employing over 100 staff, supported by over 170 volunteers and with a beautiful state-of-the-art sports and education facility, the Beacon of Light on Stadium Park. Our special FOL 20 campaign is about celebrating that success and the life changing difference our team makes to thousands of lives each year. We have lots of exciting things planned including a star-studded Gala Dinner in October.
I was born in Durham and have lived in the North East all my life. I started my career as a youth worker, so I am passionate about giving young people the chance to improve their lives and be the best they can be. Having the platform of working in a high-profile charity, linked to the football club, gives a greater voice and therefore more opportunities to inspire local people, whilst also flying the flag for Sunderland and the North East. Last year I was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear – a huge honour for me. I am so privileged to be able to shine a light (pardon the pun) on the many amazing achievements of other local organisations and people.
Yes and it is great to see so many talented females taking their place at all levels of business across the region, as well as nationally. Over the last year, there has been a real opportunity to network and support each other in a different way. The new online community makes sharing, learning and supporting each other so much easier. When I became CEO of the Foundation, there were few women in the business in a similar role. But now in 2021 it is a different story. In my own industry there is fantastic support for women working in sport, and in particular, football. We’ve had regular Women in Sport master classes and support networking events/groups. And after a hard week, the informal women’s online sessions with a glass of wine also have their place and offer fantastic support.
What was your ‘lightbulb moment’?
There’s always a lightbulb moment! Every day is a learning day and there are always opportunities and ideas to explore. That is how we continue to grow by thinking about the next steps, the innovations we can make and how we continually improve what we do.
Your biggest inspiration?
I think my biggest inspiration is the people we are here to support. The region has some of the highest levels of unemployment, child poverty and poor physical health in the country. The everyday stories of the help our team has given to individuals and communities, is the reason we do what we do. I want to play our part in helping to solve the problems, so people across our communities can live happier and healthier lives. COVID really brought this challenge to a stark reality and has spurred us on even more.
Anything is possible. Keep true to yourself.
There are so many amazing women across the world who are doing amazing things. But for me, I would choose our female Trustees - Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Kate Adie OBE DL and The Rt Hon The Baroness Estellel Morris of Yardley PC. It is a real honour to work with them and I have learnt so much from them. And if I can cheekily choose a fourth, our Royal Patron HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO who has been so supportive of our work.
Photo credit: Aphrodite Portrait
Name: Laura Ashurst Title: Owner, Living With Hope
What can you tell us about your role?
My role is very much a mixture of self-employed work combined with voluntary work within the cancer community. Because I live with secondary breast cancer, side effects from ongoing drug therapy, including cancer drug induced fatigue, limit my ability to work so my self-employed work is on a part-time basis. My business is called Living With Hope, which pretty much sums up how I live my life. I’ve been living with the incurable form of breast cancer for 13 years now. It’s almost 20 years in total since my original diagnosis of primary breast cancer in December 2007. My son Jack was six months old and my daughter Megan was three when I was first diagnosed. Within the secondary breast cancer community worldwide there are very few people like me. I’m classed as an outlier, which means that I’ve responded exceptionally well to cancer drug therapy. The median survival is 3-5 years. I’m driven by this fact every single day; that, and the fact that the current stability of my cancer can change at any time. Living with this kind of uncertainty is challenging, but COVID-19 has shown all of us what it’s like to live with uncertainty and loss. These are daily features within the cancer community in which I spend a lot of time supporting in my voluntary work. There are huge inequalities within the cancer community in relation to drug access and barriers to treatment. This is a little known fact until you’re thrown into that world. My voluntary work is as important to me as my paid work; it’s essential that I use my voice to help other people living with secondary breast cancer.
In 2021 I hope to play a much more impactful role as the ambassador for the Trinity Holistic Centre at The James Cook University Hospital. I was approached last year to take up this role just before the start of the pandemic and then, of course, everything came to a halt. Except that cancer doesn’t stop for COVID. The mental health impact on people who are diagnosed with a life threatening disease such as cancer has been severely amplified because of the pandemic. The staff at the centre began a ‘Kindness Call’ campaign reaching out to patients with supportive telephone calls to ensure they continued to feel supported by the Centre. I am totally in awe of the team there. I’m excited too about the development of my consultancy work as a mindfulness practitioner supporting the mental health of individuals. I worked closely with FUJI Diosynth Biotechnologies last year to bolster the resilience of their staff during the height of the pandemic with weekly mindfulness meditation sessions. The essence of what it is to be human is central to the themes that underpin mindfulness; I’m absolutely passionate about its ability to help us feel present and connected with ourselves, and the world around us, which in turn boosts creativity, emotional resilience and mental wellbeing. I am part of the voluntary administrative team that supports the Building Resilience in Cancer Centre at Birkbeck University of London. The Centre carries out research into the psychological and emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on women in the UK. Our founder Professor Naz Derakshan has exciting plans for the future; it’s a privilege to be able to support other women who are facing the challenges of living with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Being based in the North East means that I’ve been able to support the work of the Halo Project in Middlesbrough. I’ve seen first hand the profound impact that the project has on women’s lives in the Tees Valley who have been affected by honour based violence, forced marriage and FGM. Redesigning and delivering their Halo Exhale programme is one of my proudest achievements. The Halo Project connected me with Shahien Taj MBE and over the last six months we have been working together to further develop the Halo Exhale programme.
There’s a female unity that is characterised by support and empowerment. Women supporting other women sets a solid foundation for future generations.
What was your ‘lightbulb moment’?
My lightbulb moment was waking up to the fact that I was spending a lot of time thinking about the future and how my disease was going to progress. The day I made the decision to live in the present moment and enjoy what is here and now, has enriched my life beyond anything else.
Your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my 86-year-old mother, Norma. If I can be half the woman she is, I will die happy. She has a set of values that are based on kindness and an ability to be interested in the wellbeing of others. Her view on life has taught me what it means to be a decent human being.
Look ahead with hope and optimism and always remember to embrace your emotions, they are part of you. Set yourself a goal of being the very best version of you and don’t let your inner critic prevent you from aiming high.
I’d like to give a shout out to Anna Coulson, Managing Director of Champion Tutors. Anna encouraged me in carrying out my first professional public speaking opportunity. She had belief in me at a time when I’d lost sight of my own. I will always be grateful to her for that. I’d also like to mention Andrea Turnbull, A-Yoga - with whom I run wellbeing events. Her dedication and passion in supporting women who are going through the menopause with yoga is inspiring. Finally, I’d like to recognise Yasmin Khan, founder of Halo Project. The support and encouragement that I’ve received from Yasmin has allowed me to develop as a person. I’m in awe of everything that she has achieved and continues to achieve.
Name: Sarah Antonopoulos Title: CEO of Cameron Hall Developments and Wynyard Hall
What can you tell us about your role?
I took over as CEO in January this year, so it’s a new role for me but one I’m very excited about. We’re a family business, now in its third generation, so I feel very proud to be in such a position. Generally, my role is to create a strategy for the group and bring our different projects together such as Wynyard Hall and the surrounding estate, and any future developments. I’m quite hands on though and will serve the tea and coffee if I need to.
We have so much that we will be working on in 2021, from new housing developments on the Wynyard Village, to a new direction post-COVID operations at Wynyard Hall. We have lots of exciting plans which we can hopefully share with you very soon.
I’ve lived in the North East my whole life. I get so much satisfaction seeing the region grow and develop, so anything that I can do to help that is really important to me.
I think it is. There are a lot of opportunities now to network online. I see so many female business owners popping up on social media and definitely take a lot of inspiration from seeing what everyone else is doing in the region.
What was your ‘lightbulb moment’?
The past year has been my biggest lightbulb moment. Trying to run a hospitality business through the pandemic was the biggest learning curve of my career. It gave me a chance to reset, to evaluate the business - good and bad - and make changes for the better. If we can get through a global pandemic and come out the other side, I’m fairly confident we can get through anything else.
Your biggest inspiration?
My mum - she gave me my first chance in the family business and hasn’t stopped supporting me since.
Firstly, to just go for it and then secondly, to keep going. Take advantage of all the opportunities and successes that come your way and learn how to overcome and move past anything else.
Name: Professor Jane Turner OBE DL Title: Professor of Enterprise and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise & Business Engagement, Teesside University
What can you tell us about your role?
I’m the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise & Business Engagement at Teesside University and have an exciting role that helps to shape economic and social impact. I am passionate about the North East having grown up here and consider myself to be in my ideal role, enabling me to collaborate with like-minded people to co-create a new future for the region. I am responsible for knowledge exchange activities which deliver a significant income stream, student and graduate start-ups, strategic partnerships and the employability of Teesside University graduates. The latter is a fundamental responsibility to ensure that Teesside University plays its role in developing a pipeline of talent, leaders of the future with the skills, knowledge and self-efficacy to problem solve and tackle the intractable problems that young people inevitably face. I am energised by opportunities to collaborate, innovate and develop approaches and solutions that challenge convention and transform individuals, teams, organisations and ultimately the region.
Gender equality is a fundamental aspect of levelling up conversations; empowering women, addressing disadvantage and improving opportunities for young girls and women across society and the economy. A new report by Plan UK explores the state of womens’ rights in the UK and contains a local authority index based on a number of measures (child poverty, life expectancy, educational attainment, child obesity, teenage conception rates and NEET status). This sets out a picture of inequality facing girls across the UK. We are therefore launching the Power of Women (POW) campaign. We are a group of people from the region who care passionately about future generations. We believe that today’s young women have the power to change the world - and that each and every one of them should be given the opportunity to do so. We’re passionate about raising their aspirations and giving them the confidence to not only realise their potential, but to actively pursue the exciting careers and fulfilling lifestyles they dream of - with gusto. The purpose of POW is to give Tees Valley girls and young women a ‘voice’ and to deliver on their ambitions. We aim to achieve this by driving young women to our interactive website, which will feed into local schools and act as a platform for individuals and organisations to share the stories of some of the boldest, brightest and most remarkable women in the North. Alongside a powerful social media campaign that speaks to today’s tech savvy generation, our hope is that the POW website will feed into the creation of a targeted schools marketing campaign and an inspiring book which will feature some of the stories.
It is vital that I do my work here in the North East - to help shape and change a region that I grew up in and is my home.
Yes, definitely. There have been a few catalysts that have helped, such as the Tees Businesswomen Awards and the Girls’ Network mentoring, but I think women are just seizing the opportunity to work with each other, passing the baton on and thoroughly enjoying collaborating with like minded women.
What was your ‘lightbulb moment’?
About 18 months into my job at Teesside University when I could see the measurable impact that we were having in the region and on our students and graduates. The fact that my diary was full of people wanting to work with us on a whole range of ideas and disciplines meant that things were changing. That was rather a lightbulb moment; and I’m delighted to say that that momentum continues today.
Your biggest inspiration?
After my son was born, I became so determined to provide him with the best possible future. At that time, I was a single mum and didn’t really understand who I was, let alone what I wanted to become, so I was on rather a steep learning curve just to ensure that I was an inspiration to my son. That drive has never left me and has subsequently become a way of being. If I set out to do something, I have to see it through. That may be down to stubbornness, but it has never left me.
Follow your dreams, drown out the naysayers and find people who will support you in your aspirations - those people are easy to pick out from those who feel threatened by your aspirations.
That’s very difficult to call as there are so many - the Tees Valley is brimming with them - so I would rather acknowledge all of those women who I have had the privilege to work with over the last few years, who have all, in their own way, made great things happen. Name: Jane Armitage Title: Managing Partner, Jacksons Law Firm
What can you tell us about your role?
I wear two hats. I am a commercial property solicitor, which means that my role is to buy, sell and lease business properties for clients - these can be anything from shops, hotels and offices, to industrial warehouses, land or even pipeline routes. My other role is as managing partner of the firm; it is effectively a managing director role and I am responsible for ensuring the firm is managed efficiently and successfully bringing together the various elements of the business including finance, HR and marketing. We have a management board comprising the partners of the firm and each different area of law has a team leader and I liaise with them too. One of the best parts of the role is promoting the firm in the local business community.
We are delighted that our firm is growing in 2021 and we are recruiting both lawyers and administration staff. We have an apprenticeship programme and are currently recruiting new apprentices for training with the firm. The last year has been very different for us as we have not been able to hold the events we usually do, but we have some exciting online events to look forward to. We have, in the last few months, started a networking group for young professionals in the North East called The NEtwork. We have recorded a series of podcasts and are now producing one of these every month on all sorts of different topics. This year some of our senior female staff members have joined a mentoring project with The Girls Network. We are really excited about that as we are very keen to promote careers for women in the North East.
I am not originally from the North East, but it has been my home for nearly 30 years and it is where we brought up our family. Having worked in the region for the last 17 years at Jacksons, I am very passionate about the area and everything it has to offer. I would not want to be working or living anywhere else. East is growing? If so, why do you think this is?
Yes, and I think there are a number of reasons for that. I would hope that more women in business are coming up through the ranks and technology is aiding a flexible approach to work. I believe events like International Women’s Day and the Tees Businesswomen’s Awards are highlighting women in business, encouraging us to form networks and using those networks to inspire the next generation.
What was your ‘lightbulb moment’?
I’m not sure I had a lightbulb moment, but I did gradually work out that you need to be brave and put your head above the parapet, and that there is no reason why women can’t be just as successful or more successful than men in business. I had a career break when I was bringing up my children and when my family lived abroad for a while and I did realise then how much I loved my career choice, so perhaps this meant I came back with a greater passion to see what I could achieve.
Your biggest inspiration?
My family will tell you I have always been inspired by the suffragettes who worked so hard to get the vote and consequently how precious that is. I have been inspired by many business women who came before me because for many it was a real battle to be accepted and to be able to work in their chosen field. It is only just over 100 years since women were first allowed to be solicitors; before that they were not considered suitable due to their sex. The courage of these people laid the foundation for the careers that female lawyers like myself have today, and we should be really grateful to them and that we live in a more enlightened society.
Go for it! If you are passionate enough and work hard enough, there’s no reason that you cannot have a fabulous career in business. There are lots of people to support you, so take that step - you may well regret it otherwise.
I would give a shout out to Anne Preston of Prestons of Potto who has run an amazingly successful haulage business for many years. She will have been one of very few women in this industry for many years, but had the courage to do the job regardless of this. I would also like to mention Sharon Lane of Tees Components who was my predecessor as Tees Business Woman of the Year and runs a heavy engineering business. She is a true advocate of supporting other business women and creating networks for them. Finally, these two come as a pair - Chloe Clover and Lou Tonner of Wander Films, two young filmmakers running their own business and employing young people in a new, digitally-based business with great energy and enthusiasm and courage.
THE LUXE LOWDOWN: LILLY ASPELL
Thirteen-year-old Lilly Aspell spent her early years growing up in North Yorkshire, where her father still lives.
Credit: Constance Jaeggi
Lilly is a successful young showjumper and has recently shot to fame portraying the young Wonder Woman in the blockbuster movies. She was scouted for the film by a casting agent while shopping with her mum on London’s Oxford Street. We can expect to see Lilly on our screens again soon in the BBC’s drama The Pursuit of Love starring Lily James and Emily Mortimer and she’s also working on another top-secret project. Lilly now lives with her mum, step-dad and baby sister in Newmarket where she spends as much time with her horses as she can, in between auditions, filming and schoolwork. Not content with being a movie star, she has also set her sights on representing Team GB in showjumping at the Olympics.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name: Lilly Aspell Title: Actress/Showjumper Where is home? Newmarket, but I spent much of my childhood in North Yorkshire.
LESSONS IN LIFE >> What is the most important lesson life has taught you? I think showjumping is a great leveller and brings so much to the table for my acting. One day you might win a Grand Prix and the next day you have a pole down in a British novice. It has taught me that not every day will be a good day but there are always lessons from the bad days, which make the good days feel better. This helps me deal with getting knock backs for big projects that I’d love to act in! I shrug it off and try again. Normally something better is waiting just around the corner. What is your greatest fear? My biggest fear is losing the people I love the most and failing to reach my dreams - which are winning an Oscar or a gold medal. Which living person do you most admire most and why? I admire my mum, she’s tough, kind and was an incredible sports woman in her day. As a jockey she rode a winner two weeks after having me. I also really admire Tina Fletcher. She is my coach, Will Fletcher’s mum, and an incredible horse woman. I was lucky enough to meet her when I won at the Yorkshire Show. I could watch her on a horse all day. You don’t win three nations cups easily! LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list? To travel the world acting and showjumping. To ride on an Olympic team would be something else! What is your most treasured possession? My pony, Lord. I bought him myself with the money I earned from my acting for Wonder Woman. What does the weekend mean to you? I live on a working yard so on a Sunday the staff chill out so it’s much more laid back. I enjoy going for a hack on my ponies. Saturdays, normally if we weren’t living through a pandemic, we’d go to compete in showjumping. Now that’s changed a little bit! I love the slower pace of a weekend because the weeks are really hectic. Juggling doing the ponies, school work, online auditions… it just means getting up a bit earlier but I love it all. A memorable holiday? Probably when we went to Tenerife filming Wonder Woman and we had a day off. We went whale watching which was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We even saw a sperm whale. It’s rare to get a day off during filming so we really made the most of it. Best dress? I don’t really like wearing dresses. I’d rather wear shorts and a t-shirt. I’ve never been to a Premiere because I’ve always been filming somewhere else when they’ve taken place, so I haven’t yet had the opportunity to wear an amazing dress. Ask me again in a couple of years! Who would be your top three dinner guests? My closest friends, Sophie and Katie, because they’re the best fun. And Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things, Enola Holmes). I feel like she’d be really good at a dinner party and I hope to meet her someday. We have many mutual friends, and my Godmother was her stunt double in Enola Holmes so I really hope that one day our paths cross. The last place you ate? At the moment takeaways are my favourite dining treat, for obvious reasons. Indian and Chinese are my favourites. The last book you read? I love reading. I take loads of books away with me when we’re filming and pick up a book when I’m on a break. The last book I read was Enola Holmes. I’d watched the movie and wanted to compare the book. They were very similar, both brilliant. The last thing you listened to? The last podcast I listened to was The Full Course Showjumping Podcast by International Showjumper Will Fletcher and Commentator Sam Gerrard-May. I’m lucky enough to be coached by Will and he interviewed me on one of his episodes which is really exciting. The last thing you watched? I recently watched the film Instant Family with Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne. It’s about them adopting three children and it’s such a lovely film, I had a little cry! Three luxe things in life? My horses absolutely make me who I am. I’ve been riding since I could walk. My friends are very important to me, we’re very close and they definitely enhance who I am. I couldn’t live without them. And acting. I love it.
Lilly is looking for sponsors or owners to support her on her European Medal venture. For more information and details on how you can get involved, you can follow Lilly on Instagram @lillyaspellactress.
