I have never stayed in one lane. My career has been a mix of art, design, teaching, and business, each phase equipping me with invaluable skills. While my roles have varied, the constant thread running through them all has been my drive to make things perform better — whether in design, education, or business. Finding ways to innovate, improve, and create impact has always been at the heart of everything I do.

In my early years, I was drawn to design. Living in Sweden in my 20s, I taught at the International School, and later worked with wood, metal, ceramics and glass, designing lighting and glassware. I won a design award for an uplighter lamp, which sold in Scandinavia and the UK during the ‘80s. But after a while, I felt a pull to go back to teaching, having qualified as a primary and middle school teacher in Leeds. My instinct to make things better extended beyond products; I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.

As a primary school teacher throughout my 30s and 40s, I worked with children across the board, from special needs to gifted and talented students. I became a Deputy Head and Senco, and was on the path to headship. But just as with design, I questioned whether this was truly where I could have the most impact. I realised that my vision for education would be difficult to implement within the rigid structures of the school system. So, I made another pivot.

At the age of 49, I stepped away from formal education and started tutoring. What began as a side project, tutoring children in my living room, grew into JK Educate — a global consultancy with over 600 tutors and 400 families. With my business partner, we expanded online, long before it became the norm, and during the pandemic, our ability to switch fully online overnight made a huge difference for our students, and elevated our business to the next level. I was regularly called upon to provide expert opinions on LBC morning and evening shows. Our work was always about more than just academics; it was about supporting families and helping children reach their full potential.

When my business was acquired, it was a bittersweet moment. It had been my passion for so long, but I knew it was time for both the business and me to start a new chapter. I took six months off, the first real pause I had allowed myself in decades. I focused on my health, my family, and just being still. But soon, I felt the familiar itch—the need to innovate, to create, to contribute.

This coincided with being introduced to Circle Square. I became a member and then decided to take Circle Square’s Planning Your Next Chapter programme. This was crucial in providing me with valuable insights and a structured approach to identifying my core drivers and future direction. Through this programme, I was able to refine my goals and align my next steps with what truly matters to me.

I became a governor at a large London academy, where I have been able to help improve student outcomes. I joined a Holocaust education charity to help fundraise, and create projects for schools, teaching about the Holocaust and reinforcing the dangers of extremism. I’ve also become involved with Circle Square in a deeper way, as a Director and a Consultant, working on our Trusted Partners provision.

Each of these roles aligns with my core values: valuing life, innovating, and affecting change. For those who are wondering what’s next, my advice is simple: take time to pause, reflect, and then move forward with purpose. If you need direction, Pathfinder, as part of Planning Your Next Chapter, is a brilliant way to extract your unique drivers.

As International Women’s Day approaches, I reflect on the incredible role models who have shaped my journey. My mother and grandmothers were strong, resilient women, who instilled in me the values of perseverance and kindness. Their support and values paved the way for me to achieve anything I set my mind to.

I also look to the younger generation — my daughter and daughters-in-law — who embody confidence and strength in ways that were not always possible for women of previous generations. They inspire me with their determination, confidence, and steadfast belief in their own worth.

Women are capable of incredible things, at any age, in any chapter of our lives.

Circle Square Q&A

What 3 words best describe you? Reflective, Caring, Innovative.

If you could offer your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? To believe in yourself.

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

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

How has age strengthened your advantage? Age has allowed me to reflect on life’s experiences and gain perspective.

What inspired you to join Circle Square? I was at a point in my life when I was free to try something new and I was drawn to this vibrant group of like-minded people.