The Power of You: The Inspiring Journey of a Black Female Entrepreneur
The Power of You by Olive Strachan tells the inspirational journey of a Black female entrepreneur who overcame obstacles, including redundancy, to build a thriving consultancy business. Set against the backdrop of 1998, when Black female consultants were rare in the UK, the book shares her experiences in establishing her brand, navigating challenges in the HR industry and building a global career that spanned thirty countries. This involved:
- Becoming the Chair of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and development in Manchester, UK.
- Becoming an Export Champion for the Department of International Trade.
- Gaining a global contract to train forty managers across the Middle East.
- Achieving a Post Graduate Diploma in HR and then a master’s degree, all whilst bringing up a family and running a business.
What inspired me to write the book?
My inspiration for writing arose from frequently being asked by audiences, especially women. About my journey from being a mother of two with no job to receiving an MBE from King Charles, for my contribution to Business and Exporting. I share the need to be constantly driving myself forward. Building powerful networks, also being a volunteer offering my services to industries that are aligned to my business, personal goals. But my main reason for writing the book was to share the secret that with the right mindset, focus, self-belief and skill set, you can achieve your full potential. During the UK’s Covid-19 lockdown, I utilized my time to pen down my journey. Motivated to share insights for women aspiring to overcome similar challenges.
What is the target audience for the book?
My book primarily targets women aiming to achieve and succeed, who seek not only inspiration but practical business tools. It provides a roadmap for women to move past their fears and pursue entrepreneurship.
What do I hope readers could get out of the book?
I hope that readers, particularly women, are inspired to live out their dreams and embrace the resilience needed to succeed. My story emphasizes the importance of self-belief, networking and managing adversity, all while balancing familial roles. My aim is to encourage readers that anyone with the drive to succeed can create a fulfilling life.
Future Goals for the Book
I envision building a series of initiatives based on the book’s principles:
- A training programme focusing on mindset, imposter syndrome, networking, and strategic alliance.
- A companion guide with daily lessons and affirmations for each chapter.
- A ‘Power of You’ retreat in the Caribbean.
- A TED Talk to further share my insights.
About Olive Strachan
Global business woman, entrepreneur and founder of Olive Strachan Consultancy, she is a Chartered Companion of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Olive has spent 26 years coaching and developing leaders across the world, working with boards and board directors helping them with performance coaching, strategic planning and vision and creating diverse and inclusive organisations. Voted one of the top one hundred most influential women in the Northwest by Insider magazine.
Awarded the MBE in 2019, named as a Northern Power Woman in 2020 is an Ambassador for Women of the Year award. Olive is Board director for the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce and a Board Director of the Rotary Club of Dominica. Olive was born in the Caribbean and raised in the UK from age six, she returned to her birthplace late in life. A proud mother and grandmother, she strives to set a legacy of empowerment for her granddaughters and all women seeking to break barriers. She details her return and adaptation in her second book Prime.
You can grab a copy of the book available on Amazon (The Power of You).
