As the annual Birmingham Awards approach, we speak to business coach Jackie Cummins about
winning last year’s Business Woman of the Year award and how it has changed things for her business.
How did you get involved with the Birmingham Awards?
I was nominated by a previous client and business associate as to reflect my work; I was then shortlisted to the finals.
What was it like to win Business Woman of the Year?
Absolutely incredible! As the category was a tough one, it included other high achieving ladies so therefore it was a great honour and a wonderful feeling that I knew would open doors for me.
Has winning the award changed things for you?
Oh most definitely, it added greater kudos and value for myself and my business J21 Coaching, which significantly increased my client base. I was also invited to appear on a panel for BBC’s Newsnight; It enabled me to secure some great press coverage in Edge Magazine, Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield Observer and only earlier today Five Live TV programme contacted me to appear on their TV breakfast show tomorrow morning.
How did you end up in your current consulting role?
I had already coached professionals for many years and really enjoy; fact finding, brainstorming, problem solving and discussing options and alternative solutions for professionals and charity
management boards and getting results. After a conversation with a qualified coach and mentor who said that I should definitely become a professional coach and mentor due to my natural skills, I decided 5 years ago to make it official.
What does your role consist of?
Working with professionals who are serious about making improvements or changes to their
business or their business teams. Or it might be people wanting to make career improvements and those who need to work on their personal development to achieve greater
results, profits, growth and overall fulfilment.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Having the opportunity and privilege to work with so many wonderful clients and key businesses in the UK & USA and being part of their success journey to ensure that they are achieving great results through confidence building, high performance management training, business growth, goal
setting, planning and overall positive mind-set.
What are you most proud of in the last year?
Apart from winning my prestigious Birmingham Business Woman award, securing new clients in New York & Florida, including a high-end client at Goldman Sachs, New York. This is a wonderful achievement for an independent growing business from Birmingham such as J21 Coaching.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Having the freedom to manage my own diary, choose my clients who are a great fit for my business model and really enjoy meeting and working with so many talented and driven business people and career climbers!
If you could start all over again, what would you change or do differently?
I would probably have started my business journey, 10 years earlier although I like where I am at in
my life and with my business as it is congruent with my values and lifestyle.
Do you switch your work mind off over the weekends or are you always on backup?
Yes usually, unless I need to accommodate clients on occasions that are traveling to see me from a different part of the country and require face-to-face coaching to prepare them for an important meeting or opportunity.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
I love reading biographies, interesting architecture and worldwide travel is a passion!
What do you think is the most valuable lesson you have ever learnt?
Always go with your gut instinct, it will never let you down!
What does the future hold?
More of my own business growth, taking my brand to other countries, working with more great businesses including their management and staff teams and propelling them to great heights!
Jackie Cummins has a broad range of expertise with clients based in the UK and USA and can assist with start ups, SME’s and individuals in the corporate sector.
To find out more about how Jackie can help with your business visit j21coaching.com or call 0121 2411 331
