The Short Cut:
A quick fire chat about working life with Lisa Shepherd
The Short Cut designed to bring you a snapshot of our members’ working lives. Today we’re speaking to Lisa Shepherd, Co-Founder and Director at The Biskery
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
Not sure I have experienced it yet haha! There was a moment last year when all our efforts from the previous years paid off as we landed our biggest order to date that changed our business and gave us a real boost.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
“Everything you will ever need is already inside you.”
Have you ever felt held back as a women? How do you respond?
When I returned from maternity leave, I was deprived of my senior title from my last employer. Their argument was that I could not be client facing if I worked part-time. It was a pivotal moment for me. I felt really angry as I had not lost my experience or skills, I had “just” had a child! But it was also the moment when I decided to put my energy into my own business (which was a little side project at the time). Best decision ever, so in a way I am thankful for that experience.
How do you protect your mental health in moments of pressure?
I meditate most mornings and look for moments of silence and solitude when I need them, I walk to work, I exercise and do yoga, I listen to a lot of podcasts like SloMo with Mo Gawdat and work on myself constantly. Having a healthy work-life-balance is key for me as a mum of two young kids, so at the moment I work school hours and top up on work time in the evenings when needed, but flexible working and the freedom this creates is a key to protect my mental health.
The woman who empowers me is…
My friend and business partner Saskia. She has a lot of trust and faith in me and my abilities, which in turn makes me show up and give everything my best shot.
I feel empowered when…
Taking on new challenges and stepping out of my comfort zone.
The world would be a better place when…
We accept and love ourselves, and each other for who we are, and let go of expectations.
The woman who everyone should know about it…
Brene Brown. I especially love her book “Daring Greatly” and “Atlas of the Heart”.
Do you have any hobbies to keep you busy in your spare time?
I like to go paddle boarding and rope climbing. I am also part of a choir and spend a lot of time outdoors with my family whenever we get the chance to.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
The world is a beautiful place, there are so many! I met my now husband on the Galapagos Islands. Those islands will always have a special place in my heart. I also love Aberdour, a little village north of Edinburgh where we got married.
