The Short Cut:
A quick fire chat about working life with Janet Kolind
The Short Cut designed to bring you a snapshot of our members’ working lives. Today we’re speaking to Janet Kolind, CEO and founder of Omnimega2000atron.
At the heart of the Nurture Network is the power of sharing experiences.
From breakthrough career moments, to best ever advice, how to deal with stress and the women that inspire them.
Tell us about your breakthrough career moment
Moving to London from Copenhagen. Londoners are very entrepreneurial! I changed career 26 years ago, something I knew I could make happen in London. Someone gave me the chance here and I have never looked back.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
I have always been a hard worker. When I was younger, I would get into a situation with too much to do and panic. A boss told me to write a list of all the things I needed to do, and if I could cross out one item per day, then I had done well!
Have you ever felt held back as a women? How do you respond?
Yes, I have experienced workplace bullying. Both times by men. I am a strong person and am still surprised at how it makes me feel. I responded spectacularly!
How do you protect your mental health in moments of pressure?
Walk, walk and walk. I no longer work on the weekends. Doing things not related to an issue that makes me stressed takes me away, then I can come back with new and different energy.
The woman who empowers me is…
There are so many, but I have never been empowered by just one; it’s about what is achieved big and small by women in all aspects of life and work.
I feel empowered when…
I know what I am doing. I love my work; it’s like a hobby, and when I am in a situation where I need to communicate effective changes and implement them, it makes me feel empowered. Some years ago, I ran 10km on the Great Wall of China. I felt like I was on top of the world, able to conquer anything after that!
The world would be a better place when…
We stop celebrating bullies and predators.
The woman who everyone should know about it…
Many women impress me. Hopefully, we will have the 1st woman President in the USA shortly, but I am also impressed by my friend who left a job in Political Science to set up a pickle business – gardenofeva – she has done so well in a short space of time; her determination and drive is impressive.
Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy in your spare time?
Long walks, the gym, I love travelling, and I am a news addict. At the moment I am spending time at flea markets with my mother. I get happy when good unused things go to a new home to be used & loved. I am also a huge recycling enthusiast; it has become a sport. We have way too much of everything.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
The sauna or the beach, particularly the small beaches on the Southeast corner of Mallorca which I have been going to for many years. It is a place that relaxes me, and I feel good when I am there. I am from Denmark and have lived in Germany, France, China, the USA, and the UK. Each place has been fantastic in its own way; it is a question of what you make of it.
Do you want to tell us anything more?
This is an amazing group and I am delighted to be involved!
