Consultant Spotlight: Kerry Mickiewicz

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

I support businesses, teams and individuals to create opportunities that contribute to positive change.

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

I think it’s really important to leverage mobile technology and to take advantage of the flexibility to work when and where you want to. I also always make sure I have something to look forward to and believe that holidays are a way to completely recharge the batteries. In addition, I’ve also been a big fan of meditation for many years and I believe this helps restore a healthier balance to both my work and life in general.

3. Describe in three words what makes a good leader.

Empowering, Fearlessness, Integrity.

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

I recently read that Norway was ranked one of the best places to live in terms of standard of living, life expectancy and education – so that sounds like a good bet to me.

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

I really admire the Chinese culture. The language is very sophisticated, the food is delightful and Chinese philosophy is interesting in terms of Buddhism and Taoism; both powerful ways to achieve spiritual harmony.

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

My Polish grandfather was one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. It would appear that he didn’t do anything extraordinary, however his story was one of courage, pain and determination. He left his family in Poland at a young age, never to see them again. He spent time in concentration camps during the war until he found his way to Britain. I feel a huge amount of gratitude everyday for what he sacrificed.

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

I read a book at a very young age called “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” by Doctor Joseph Murphy and this got me interested in the Psychology of Success which led me into wanting to work in a role which would allow me to help others realise this.

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

It’s all interesting. No day is ever the same. It’s so great to work with a breadth of organisations and help them with their bespoke challenges, which in turn really challenges me.

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

Resilience – The pace of change and complexity of today’s business environment has changed dramatically, meaning leaders will need to be able to manage organisational anxiety effectively whilst remaining calm and confident.

Multigenerational Management – Work forces are now comprised of employees from lots of different generations, so leaders will need to be able to adapt their style.

Emotional Intelligence – Be in tune with their emotions and the emotions of others. The challenge will always be with virtual and remote teams due to flexible working and globalisation.

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

It’s ok to fail, as it is really a lesson on how to succeed.

11. If you were stranded on a desert island and were only allowed three items, what would they be and why? 

Peanut butter, my music collection and something to listen to it with.

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

I want to always stay humble, be down to earth and feel like I made a difference somewhere, to someone, somehow.