Name: Laura Evans
Company: Glass Ceilings Change Management
Position: CEO
What do you actually do day-to-day? No two days are ever the same! I work very flexibly and generally spend most of my time working with my wider team on developing the business, speaking to corporate clients or partners, or doing public speaking engagements. I also spend time writing, responding to government and industry body consultations, or contributing to various advisory boards on employment law, workplace trends, and their impacts on people, business, and the economy. I do bits of pro bono work and spend time in my roles as Chair of Citizens Advice Sefton and its People and Culture Committee, as well as studying towards legal qualifications. My colleague, Amy, helps me manage my time and keeps me in line!
Have you ever had a mentor? If so, who? I’ve had a few mentors over the years and I enjoy mentoring others. The mentor who has had the most significant influence on my career was my first Ops Director. Sadly, he passed away several years ago and I really miss his wise counsel, but still think to this day ‘what would he have done?’ when I’m mulling over a situation.
Does money motivate you? Only to the extent that the business needs to be sustainable and keep growing. I am personally more motivated by sense of purpose and making a difference through the work we are doing at Glass Ceilings®.
What has been the most important event in your working life? Surviving life-threatening illness last year and somehow keeping the business going.
Who do you most admire? Hard to single anyone out. I’d have to say my parents.
What does leadership mean to you? It’s a doing word and not a title. It means being kind and non-judgmental, calmness in a crisis, bringing people with you, being able to hold difficult conversations, and being accountable. A big part of leadership for me is ensuring others get the credit for their hard work, know their worth, and are able to develop their talents.
What’s your favourite TV programme? Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes.
How do you relax? Listening to music (I’ve got a huge music collection of over 2,500 albums across pretty much all genres) or reading a good book if I need some quiet time.
Fry up or healthy smoothie? Healthy smoothie.
Pub or club? Club – although my clubbing days seem a distant memory these days!
Gym or countryside walk? I don’t mind either but would rather walk down to Crosby beach and get some sea air in my lungs than walk in the countryside.
Favourite piece of music? Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack.
Flannels or Florence & Fred? Flannels.
Birkdale or Birkenhead? Birkdale – but only because I grew up in Churchtown from the age of 7 so I know Birkdale better.