I'm a public speaking coach with a background in software development. I now help women in business speak confidently and effectively to promote themselves and their businesses.

What to expect from my talks

I offer talks based on my background and hobbies and I like to share the more surprising aspects of those with you. I can bring a presentation to add images or speak without them, depending on what you prefer and what best suits the audience and location, I'm happy to present online or in person if you are local to me.

Hobbies

I developed an interest in women's history when I began to research the lives of women in the early computer industry. I constantly asked 'why' and 'how' and by doing so have gathered a great deal of information, not just about those in computing, but also about attitudes around education and women's work in general.

With age comes wisdom - I wish! But it does give us a lot to reflect on. The poetry I write and perform includes a variety of styles, some with humour, some long, some short. I find it a fascinating way to connect with our inner thoughts, feelings and memories. I write for myself and others tell me it entertains them.

Public speaking began for me as a dreaded challenge and wasn't one I could ever envisage doing comfortably. As I faced the challenge it turned into a hobby and then I began to love it. Achieving my Distinguished Toastmaster Award in 2020 from Toastmasters International was the icing on the cake for me. I made it a profession but the talks I offer here are around my hobby interests.

Background

I began a career as a software developer in 1987 and have witnessed many changes over the years. After 30 years I stepped away from the industry but I retain an interest in seeing more women enter the profession. These days I help people speak confidently in public and relax by writing poetry.

Testimonials

"Thank you so much for your talk this evening. It has certainly inspired me to do more in my community to encourage girls to pursue Computer Science at school and beyond. I really liked the way that you interwove general facts and statistics into the life story of Mary Lee. Lots of these facts were uncomfortable to hear and, as so many of us in the audience thought, why have women not moved on further?"

"Members found your talk interesting and entertaining – made many think of those times"