With Lisa Upton, Founder & Managing Director
Inspirational Venues & Events are a London based full-service event agency offering a consultative and engaging service throughout the UK & worldwide.
As we celebrate Women in Business this Women's Day we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to introduce Lisa Upton, Founder and Managing Director of one of London's leading event agencies. We delighted to bring you our quick-fire Q&A with Lisa as she shares with us a brief insight into her journey which we have no doubt will resonate with many of our Lifestyle Guide community.
Over to you Lisa...
What or when was your “ah ha” moment that led you to starting your business?
I was working for another company at the time. I was (secretly) 4 months pregnant with my second child and as I walked into the main entrance with my de-caff coffee in hand I just thought – I don’t want to be here. I couldn’t shake that feeling, I had always loved walking into that office, but things had changed. I had changed. So after 2 weeks of that feeling, I called it a day.
Right at that point, I didn’t know what I was going to do but I did know that I was going to work for myself and start something amazing.
You spend the majority of your time at work, a minimum of 8 hours a day, usually more, so if you aren’t loving what you are doing, really loving it – then make a plan and do something else.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re having a bad day?
I’m a morning person so I get up usually in a great mood and crack on with the day! Every day is an opportunity (a quote from one of my son's cartoons and other Inspirational people I'm sure too).
However, not every second of every day can be sunshine and rainbows so when I do have a bad day, I close my laptop, get out of the office and go for a run. No phones, no kids, no distractions, just me (and maybe my dog). A change of scenery usually does the trick.
How do you celebrate a win or a successful pitch / sale / contract / tender etc?
A few years back after landing a large contract, I did buy myself a nice watch but usually, it’s a team dinner somewhere nice in London. Inspirational Venues won 4 new tenders during lockdown which is totally insane so team celebrations are much overdue and will be had once we are allowed again.
Talk us through your morning routine?
I’m usually up by 6am with my youngest and although everything is set out for the whole week for the youngest 2 children on a Sunday night (uniforms, PJs, games kits etc) – I still find myself chasing all 3 (16, 6 & 3) of them around until we pile in the car for the school and nursery runs. I’m usually at my desk by 830am with my first coffee of the day.
Coffee … Decaf or full on
Full On! 3 pods a dash of milk and sugar.
Cocktails or Champagne or AF?
Cocktails - A Rum Old Fashioned or a Jack Daniels.
Best book / podcast recommendation for aspiring women entrepreneurs?
I used to read a lot and steam my way through books - but this year - is the year of the podcast for me. I can listen on the fly whilst I'm doing other things. I'm currently making my way through "She Did It Her Way" which is a huge collection of podcasts from amazing women giving their experiences and advice across lots of different topics and challenges.
Where do you see your brand / business in the next 2 years?
The events industry has taken a severe blow with Covid so for me it is now all about rebuilding Inspirational Venues and also increasing our support for our Charity Partner – Only a Pavement Away.
What would be the single best piece of advice you would give your younger self?
Trust your gut. Saying no is OK. Don’t wait and see, just go and do it.
Website: www.inspirationalvenues.com
Instagram: @inspvenues
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