To celebrate International Women’s Day, Marie, Director at Oldfield Consultancy shares a few words with us about her career in Artificial Intelligence and entrepreneurial journey. Marie shares some of the biggest challenges she has faced as a woman, and gives us an insight into her new venture: Kuinua Coaching
Q: How did you get started in Business?
A: I was originally going to take Languages or Humanities for my degree as that is my real passion but jobs, at the time, were all about Maths and Computing. I was warned off Maths A Level so I took an access course. When one of my Lecturers said I wouldn’t even pass Year 2 I made sure I did by teaching myself. I got my BSc in Maths and Statistics, went on to get my MSc in Applied Statistics and I am now doing an interdisciplinary PhD in AI (which I didn’t think I would ever do). I always say to people, follow your dream and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, if you encounter an obstacle you can go around it, under it, over it or kick it down but you will make it. Anyone with that level of resilience is likely to succeed.
Q: When did you decide to work for yourself?
A: This is a funny explanation. I was walking along one day thinking about how I wanted to work for myself and the phone rang. A company was on the phone asking me if I could start work out in Holland with NATO within the Month. I was initially thinking it was some sort of a scam but contracts were signed, bank accounts opened and my company, Oldfield Consultancy, was incorporated. That marked the beginning of one of the best years of my life. The Hague is a glorious place with a lot of sports, good weather, things to see and miles of beaches with beach bars and restaurants. I had a whale of a time! When I came back to the UK it only made sense to carry on working for myself now I had such a strong foundation.
Q: What has been one of your biggest challenges as a Woman?
A: Working in Defence and Government can be very difficult as it is populated with the stereotypical ‘older white man’ in many instances. It can be difficult to gain respect, to be taken seriously, or even to be listened to, or heard. I have seen women be treated differently from Men, expected to act a certain way and sometimes, almost written off just because they have taken maternity leave. Women have a neverending job of not only trying to prove their worth but also running the home and this is not something to be taken lightly. Women sacrifice a lot and, in many cases, can’t make the promotion due to things like maternity leave, lack of childcare, lack of opportunity or simply because there might be an ‘old boys club’. I have seen, over the last decade, these things start to change but I believe we are still a long way from where we need to be to see equal opportunity.
Q: You do a lot of Pro Bono Outreach, what are your impressions of the way Women are treated Globally
A: Unfortunately it can be much worse for women in circumstances such as natural disaster or poverty. A women may not be able to get an education or access clean water or food for her young family, she may have lost her Husband and be a single parent. In areas of poverty or conflict, this is seen more often than not. One has to admire any woman who can, not only survive this but raise a family. This is why I have concentrated some of my pro bono projects on exactly this area. A interviewed Jessica Reveles recently on the Kuinua Podcast for my Training Business and Jessica spoke about how she ended up destitute in a shelter with her young child. Jessica worked all day every day and had to go out to try to get wifi to try to build her business. Jessica overcame, what seemed, insurmountable obstacles to most people and is now a successful Businesswoman. I am in awe of her resilience. It was one of the hardest but most inspiring podcasts I have hosted.
Q: What was the rationale behind Kuinua Coaching?
A: Well, I did used to do some Radio and TV Presenting and, as I mentioned earlier, I do enjoy humanities and languages, so when I started training and teaching I loved it. It seemed a natural fit to start a new venture that allowed me to mix professional and fun. I do enjoy the podcast as we have the most awesome guests on and I really enjoy training and helping people on their soft skills journey. I do particularly enjoy leadership training as people tend to make huge breakthrough’s that not only benefit them but their team too.
Q: Thankyou for your time Marie it’s been a pleasure to speak with you
A: You are more than welcome, it’s a pleasure
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