The Most Amazing Eight Days

I wanted to use the title ‘Flowers, Presents, Praise, Texts, Messages, Telephone calls, and more…’ but that was a little too long and would have probably broken my PC.

But that’s what these past eight days have been like.  Having my name on the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list and to have received an OBE are both outstanding things separately.  Together is amazing recognition.

In truth, it has been like being in a dream and having to pinch yourself to confirm whether your awake or not.  I’m truly honoured, proud, and blown away that someone would have taken the time to nominate me for such high recognition.

My OBE is for services to Equality.   Many people have only known me recently as a result of the Women’s Awards.  They may think that it is for this alone, but I’ve worked for many years across the country and in a variety of sectors and levels in this area. As well as speaking internationally at various conferences about the value of recognising, developing and supporting women in the workplace, and even at the European Commission on flexible working for micro-businesses.

I had not thought that my work and endeavours might one day be recognised in this manner. Again, I am grateful.

I see this as encouragement to continue my work for many more years to come.  And I look forward to living up to the honour and expectations this OBE infers.

I’ve been invited as a guest on a number of radio programmes to talk about receiving the OBE amongst other things. All of this whilst endeavouring to keep up with working with an ever expanding client list. I think my diary is about to melt.

Amidst the hundreds of messages I’ve received, I’ve also been blessed with cards, gifts, and flowers from clients and valued friends.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to you all.