I never intended to have a career. I married young, and in 1971, my second son was born. At this point, I started to sell my maternity clothes through the Lady magazine, and subsequently my ‘normal’ ones to the same buyer. She then asked me to supply her friends, who now envied her new wardrobe. I rallied some of mine to give me their ‘gently worn’ clothes and, without any intention of this going on any further, I enjoyed my enjoyable ‘hobby’. I certainly had no inclination to be ‘in business’.

Meanwhile, over time, women started to come from far and wide to buy the clothes. Jean Denton (later a Cabinet Minister and a Baroness) introduced me into her circle of elite working women, and I became known as the image consultant to these professional networks.

“Concept Shopping” grew as a unique Designer Resale concept, way ahead of the resale curve that is now mainstream. In 1975, having run out of space at home, we converted a health club in Belsize Park to be our base. My public profile grew, and so did media interest. I contributed regularly to press, radio and TV, was a columnist for City AM, and was commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Management to write the definitive book on business image. I also created a mini ‘show’ demonstrating a ‘capsule wardrobe’, which was presented to many audiences across the UK, particularly in banking, financial and professional service sectors.

Life, of course, is not all roses. After 30 years, my marriage ended in an acrimonious divorce. It was traumatic, and a time in which I discovered resilience and survival skills that I didn’t know I possessed. Together with my genuine interest in people, pragmatism, and the ability to create workable solutions, my heightened intuition and emotional intelligence set me on a new path.

In 1995, once again well ahead of the curve, I founded “Positive Presence”, a consultancy dedicated to helping men and women increase their impact, influence, image, and gravitas through optimising their Executive Presence. Far deeper than focusing on what you wear, it is grounded in psychology, intuition and experience. We speedily became renowned as leaders in our field with many blue-chip clients. I was engaged regularly as a conference speaker and presenter, and our programmes for individuals and groups were (and are) delivered across the UK and abroad. Executive Presence gives people power and advantage, accelerating their relationships, opportunities, outcomes and career success in a highly competitive world.

Meanwhile, I was navigating personal challenges too. My eldest son, then 30, was diagnosed with Asperger’s. At that time, it was neither understood nor talked about. An immense shock, I went on to learn as much as I could about it, and as my understanding deepened, so did my exposure to many affected by autism – personally or through family, friends or colleagues.

What became clear was that many with autism — often despite exceptional minds and skills — were not able to experience life as their neurotypical peers did, particularly when it came to meaningful and appropriate employment. I felt compelled to do something about this.

In 2016, I founded ASPIeRATIONS, a social enterprise focused on improving employment opportunities, experiences and outcomes for autistic talent. As well as raising awareness in business, we help autistic individuals become work-ready and thrive. My son, our Chair, founded STEEVIE — a digital platform that gives candidates the first leg up on the career ladder. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved so far — and will continue to — in the knowledge that we are really changing lives for the better.

Now in my late 70s, I am as passionate as ever. I see myself as a “Ms Fix It” — finding purpose, passion and indeed pleasure in navigating challenges life throws our way. This mindset has led me to launch several further initiatives, including a private client practice dealing with life’s transitions – personal or work-related – and Next Chapter Men-Only Lunches. Through conversations with many high-achieving men aged 55+ I knew, I realised they were reconsidering their futures. I noticed that these men were seeking change and reinvention, but lacked a safe space to talk openly. Our lunches allow ten of them to share, reflect and build meaningful relationships beyond their past careers. Due to their success, the fifth one is imminent.

Now looking back, I realise that my journey, begun entirely by accident, has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Hopefully there’s still a way to go. I have an immense interest in inspiring and helping ‘the silver community’ to take this time as an opportunity to use their experience, wisdom and perspective to make the world a better place.

I’m also currently trying to get my back story, which includes a very dramatic childhood, made into a film or TV series. So, watch this space. If there’s one thing I know for sure …

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the only way forward is to make the best of it.

Circle Square Member Quick Fire Q&A

What 3 words best describe you?  Thoughtful. Intuitive. Honest.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be?  Savour every moment, it’s all part of life’s rich tapestry which you may not recognise at the time…but will eventually.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?  My family.

Which person (dead or alive) would you most like to invite to dinner?  My Mother.

How has age strengthened your advantage?  The opportunity to connect with a new group of ‘Silver’ like-minded individuals.