Consultant Spotlight: Jessica Bell

Q&A with Jessica Bell

1. What’s your favourite way to answer the question ‘what do you do?’

I have honest conversations with people about their potential and performance. The more we can create environments for people to talk about this, supported with practical tools, the more organisations will thrive.

2. What is your approach to finding a work-life balance?

Doing work that I love and prioritising my faith, family, friends and fitness. I think it’s also essential to find an organisation that champions balance and gives flexibility and autonomy.

3. Describe in three words what makes a good leader

Adaptable, vulnerable and humble

4. If you could remote-work from any country in the world, where would it be?

Ooh, tough one! I love cultures and travel, so it’s hard to choose just one. But if I must… I’d probably say the Drakensberg in South Africa; my absolute favourite spot! Outstanding beauty, great food and wine, friendly people and plenty space for adventuring. My second choice would be Italy, again for the great people, pace of life, scenery and food! Spotting a pattern here?

5. Which culture, philosophy, or way of life – that is different to yours – do you most admire?

Any culture that role-models a ‘less is more’ approach. I think the world is becoming increasingly stressed due to clutter, overwhelming choice, competition and pace! I really admire cultures who have maintained simplicity, stayed connected and maintained perspective on what truly counts.

6. Who was your favourite teacher, role model or mentor when growing-up?

I’d probably say my mum. She’s the most courageous person I know! An overcomer who has navigated so much trial, but with unrelenting positivity and tenacity. She also loves people and has taught me to value care, connection and conversation.

7. What, or who, was your biggest inspiration when choosing your career route?

I actually stumbled into my career route as a result of having started in the wrong career. Don’t get me wrong, I gained a lot of skills and experience during my first few years of business, but I also discovered the importance of connecting your values and passions to what you do. If not, motivation will slip, and resilience takes a knock! I quickly learned that I am far more passionate about people than I am about products. So my biggest career route inspiration was finding a career that inspired me!

8. Which area of your consulting work do you find the most interesting, and why?

Communication. I am so passionate about the power of verbal and non-verbal dialogue. It sits at the heart of elements such as trust, rapport, and meaning. And yet so often, it is considered an afterthought or ‘tick box’ exercise. I really love when I’m able to raise awareness about the power of communication. It’s such an enabler.

9. What are the top 3 personal skills that leaders need to possess, or develop, to lead their organisation into the future?

Flexibility/agility, accessibility and self-awareness

10. If you could go back in time and give your 16-year-old self advice, what would it be?

A couple spring to mind… don’t take life too seriously, perfection is not attainable, have fun along the way! Be present in any given moment. Risk and learn. Failure is a teacher, appreciate it! Stay connected to who you are and what you value. Remain true to yourself.

11. What’s the number one thing you want to accomplish during your time on Earth?

To love well and allow myself to be loved! I really resonate with the lyric from Moulin Rouge, ‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return.’