Newsletter December 2020
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Hello from Fay
Are we nearly there yet?
It’s nearly the end of 2020.. some might say phew… thank goodness. The Queen might say what an ‘annus horribilis’. I say – “when the going gets tough the tough get going’! (Anyone else sing along to Billy Ocean with that last line!!!)
Next year is a new start and whatever it brings; look forward, think positive, and be open to new opportunities. Walk away from negativity and whatever the situation, know there are always people around that will help… you just have to ask.
Talking of which, amongst my most favourite people in the world is this month’s Shero Renee Binyon. She is someone who has always been there for me – positive, supportive and a real can do person. She’s super busy, but I always say if you want a job done well ask a busy person! She’s also one of our current mentor cohort .
This Month’s edition highlights some of our other fabulous mentors and a call to be a mentor yourself… why not? Applications are now open for mentees for 2021, and we hear from past mentee the fabulous Rachael Kenny with some top tips for bagging a place.
It just leaves me to wish you a fabulous festive Christmas for you and your family.
Lots of love,
Fay x
FF15 Shero’s
Women who inspire us with their strength, ambition and fearlessness.
Continuing with our series of FF15 Shero’s, this month we would like to introduce Renee Binyon.
Twenty years ago, Renee was a highly successful management consultant and project director with her own business. Words could not express how much she loved her work, but shortly after her 40th birthday, at the peak of her achievements, it all came crashing down. Early one morning she collapsed with no warning, after a few days she had shingles from which she did not recover. Three years later she was finally diagnosed with ME/Chronic Fatigue and autoimmune disease. The specialist said she would most likely never work again.
In time, Renee realised this was a blessing in disguise as it forced her to re-think her outlook on everything. ‘We are where we are – what if this is as good as it gets?’ She set about re-designing her life but first she had to change her mindset and accept her limitations. That acceptance was the start of a slow, gradual but hugely successful recovery. Read more of Renee’s inspirational story Read more of her inspiring story.
What is it like to be a mentee with FF15?
Former mentee (from the 2019-2020 cohort) Rachael Kenny wrote a blog about her experience of the programme. She describes how the programme matches you up with a mentor to help with you achieve your goals over a year long period, and how the overall application process works. I think this will be especially useful if you are thinking about applying for next year’s intake. Have a read of her blog here.
Applications for FF15 2021, are now open, please click here to find out more information.