I would find a gender-based role in a non-profit, perhaps even work for the United Nations. Even better: I would work for UN Women. I was deeply inspired by my professors and peers at the LSE, where I was surrounded by the wonderful, creative minds of people who would change the world for the better. I knew I wanted to have a great impact, be a part of driving this change. Gender equality for all? Give me a day. So, for someone that loves plans, predictability, and, importantly, purpose, it was quite a surprise when I finished my master’s at the beginning of a global pandemic and found myself behind the closed doors of my flat, unable to do what I do best: talk (sometimes to closed ears). I distinctly remember sitting in a Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights seminar with Professor Ernestina Coast when a domino of BBC “breaking news” sounded. It was quite clear: COVID-19 wasn’t going away, and it most certainly wasn’t afraid of London. LSE swiftly moved all lectures online, and that was the sultry end of my MSc. I graduated, but not in person.

I applied for more jobs than I wish to recall and spent more time in tears than I wish to recount. But I was lucky to connect with James Newell, Executive Director of Groundwork East, who put me in touch with “the best networker he knew”, Robin Heller. I don’t discount my active role in this introduction. I am, as both James and Robin would say, tenacious. But meeting Robin was a fortuitous encounter. I remember James calling me in transit to meet a friend, taking the time to listen about my painful endeavours shooting in the dark with charities who weren’t hiring. I promptly burst into tears when we ended the call. I owe thanks to James not just for making the introduction to Robin, but for lending an ear.

Meanwhile, I was volunteering with a charity, one doing great work for women and girls, but, as is so often the case, with an imposing bureaucracy and a long professional ladder to climb to have a real impact. I quickly realised that I would have far more influence at The Athena Advisors, an organisation where age doesn’t dictate responsibility.

If you want to have an impact and work in the non-profit world, consider non-profit consulting. You will find my email below and I am always available to chat. This role has taken me to Tallahassee to staff a non-profit board retreat, I have rubbed shoulders with Former Prime Minister John Major in the VIP tent at the Financial Times festival and, most vitally, I have the flexibility to include work in my life, rather than life in my work. That’s exactly what I’m doing, and I love it.