And today we bring you the lovely Lesley, who is a Public speaking coach.
Name: Lesley Van Staveren
Company name/Organization name: Lesley Van Staveren
Q – Tell us about your business (what product or service you provide)
Many people may know me for my work in the recycled manufacturing industry and regularly speaking up on plastics and the environment. However, my sole business is coaching others to hone their public speaking skills either face to face or on video. The greatest gift you can ever give another person is the ability to feel their own worth, understand their true value and unique offering. This is what I specialise in, as it’s at that point working through your content, flow, and being able to communicate from your heart, enables you to fully engage with your audience.
Q – What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to others?
Always back yourself, focus on the bigger picture, and know the incremental steps you need to take to get there.
Q – What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Know your strengths, weaknesses, and always face up to challenges no matter how hard they seem. This allows you to adapt in difficult times by identifying how your strengths can have maximum impact and in turn, which skills need sharpening.
Be fully transparent and keep lines of communication open and know when it’s time to simply be quiet and listen.
My other big recommendation is always to talk to the experts, have a great accountant, get advice, guidance, and always keep your eye on the ball.
Q – Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
There are so many…but I’d actually like to share that more importantly it’s the where and how to find resources and tools. What has always been a huge part of my growth is my support network, the people I have around me. By creating strong networks of fellow business owners that continue to champion each other and share each other’s offerings, it gives you an incredible community to access each time to have a question or need a recommendation of where to find the resources you need at that point in time.
Q – What do you do for fun/relaxation?
I have a solid routine which I always maintain. I get up early before the kids wake to do yoga and meditation. I also run 2-3 times a week and this always helps me to process thoughts, challenges and ideas as well as listening to either audiobooks or courses.
Q – And something on the fun side of things, what’s your party trick or secret talent?
On the fun side, I love making cakes when I have the time. It’s a handy skill as I have 3 young kids that are my world…each birthday they get to choose a theme and I make the cake around that. I’ve done anything from Alice in Wonderland, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse, My Little Pony, Toy Story…through to Louis Vuitton.