EP88 Fiona Lambert :The power of Reinvention at any Age

Fiona Lambert is an author, experienced fashion and retail industry leader, board advisor and now fitness influencer who shares how redundancy sparks a full reinvention, from getting her fittest at 60 to becoming an author, speaker, and advocate for women who refuse to fade into the background. We talk candidly about identity beyond job titles, confidence through change, and the mindset shifts that turn rejection into redirection. • being made redundant as a catalyst for purpose and reinvention •

 resources
Fiona Lambert's Website - https://fionalambert.com
Invincible, Not Invisible (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Invincible-Not-Invisible-Fiona-Lambert/dp/XXXXXX
SAS 60 Single (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/SAS-60-Single-Your-Manual/dp/XXXXXX

Find Fiona 
Website - https://fionalambert.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/fionalambert
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/fionalambert

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Transcript

Welcome And Fiona’s Story

Speaker 1 0:00

The Trailblazers experience is back, and I'm so glad to welcome our next guest, Fiona. We recorded this a few months ago. And one of the things that resonated with me, she was talking about how in life, whatever you're going through, it's not about rejection, it's about redirection and a really healthy conversation about how you can build your personal brand and take every opportunity as an opportunity to learn and just do some amazing things. So please enjoy this episode. Today's guest is no different in terms of Fiona Lambert. She's a speaker, a coach, an author, and a radiant force behind two books that she's written so far. She has decades of experience in fashion and leadership, has become a powerful force for women over 60, proving that there's no limitation but a launch part to what she can do. I mean, just before we started the podcast, we were talking about her being the president of the 20 Club, which is uh one of the leading uh private members' clubs in terms of retail in the UK, and she's done it so with so much dignity and elegance and just care that um yeah, I've really enjoyed just watching her in that position. But without further ado, welcome Fiona. What a fabulous intro. Thank you very much.

Redundancy As A Turning Point

Speaker 1:35

I had gone to uh the OMR festival in Hamburg, and they always talk about what are the trends, what are the things that we've seen in the industry. So, one of the things they said is brands building, community-led brand building is very big, but also the surge of influencers who are 60 over, and they are killing it in terms of confidence, you know, their point of view, what they're doing in their lives and just owning it. I feel like you're the cusp, you know, of uh the things that you've done with your fitness and the books that you've written, which are completely two different things. One is fitness, the other one is, you know, about dating. Where do we even start? About how how did you get to this point in your life where owning who you are has just become, I think, a priority and it's showing. Thank you.

Speaker 1 2:28

Well, gosh, do you know it's a really rich theme to talk about? I, as you mentioned, I had a long, long career in fashion, which I absolutely loved. I'd wanted to go into fashion from age 11, studied um as a designer and pattern cutter, and had, you know, was very fortunate to start at next in the early days, and then went on to form Georgia Asda with the founder, and then, you know, worked in fashion very successfully at board level until I was coming up to 60 and I got made redundant. And I at the time thought, do you know, I've done such an amazing role, I've done such amazing roles which I'd love doing, but I felt like any other version of the role would just be a bit deja vu, and I like a new challenge. And as I was approaching 60, I didn't like the sound of saying it. And I thought, you know, this isn't right. You know, why is it as a woman that saying you're 60 feels old? And it is because of the sort of society's pressure. But I guess it sort of must have been something internal. So I decided to um it's a bit of a challenge from my PT, actually. He he said, let's get you to your fittest for your 60th. And I thought, well, I love an audacious goal, why not? And sort of proved to myself and to society that actually 60 is no barrier to you becoming the best you can be. In, I suppose not only physically, it transpired mentally as well. Uh, and I think it's interesting you talked about, you know, so many influences coming up and you know, sort of through the ranks in later life. The confidence you gain as you get older, and I guess caring less what people think. And I've recently learned this is hormonal. I don't know if you realize it, but apparently our drop in estrogen, estrogen makes you uh nest to build and be a sort of more people-pleaser and a bit more amenable. Whereas your drop in estrogen, and I guess you know, that's why a lot of this women are becoming quite feisty, means you know, you you care less what people think and have the confidence to stand your ground, represent yourself. And um, you know, and as I've started doing that more and more and come out of a corporate career, and I guess I've become the brand, being able to speak on behalf of other women, hopefully inspire other women to try to get fitter, to be able to be more confident of being themselves and not sort of feel like sheep herded in a uh, you know, in a direction. I think it's a it's a really powerful age to be and a real you know, really powerful moment actually to be able to be heard.

Speaker 4:51

I mean, you've definitely had a remarkable career in fashion and leadership, and everybody else, check out her LinkedIn, you know, all the things that she's talked about next. We see where it is now, starting in at Georgia Asda, it just goes on and on as well. But do you think if you hadn't been made redundant, this pivot wouldn't have happened? You would have still been on that trajectory of, you know, climbing up the ladder even further in terms of that career.

Speaker 1 5:15

Yeah, I do know I probably would have. Um as I said, I loved the role. Uh I, you know, and I've been very fortunate to turn around a lot of brand. That I guess that's what I was, you know, always known for. And I because uh I think I again probably didn't follow the crowd and was a bit of a maverick, but would, you know, be brought in to to you know really focus on the customer and the product and create something that felt new versus just following the old format. So I loved it. And I think it's interesting, I often say, you know, redundancy is often a turning point for people. And I guess you could, you know, a lot of people would, uh and certainly, you know, being made redundant at 59, you know, go feel like that's a bit like I've got to lie down and you know, have a cup of tea and just sort of take a deep breath and you know, maybe see that as a bit of the beginning of the end. I guess because um I had this in my head that I didn't want to see 60 years old, I wanted to see it as a beginning instead. Uh I, you know, and funny enough, actually, my next book, I mean it might not be a book, it might be a series of articles, is along the lines of the power of no and the joy of yes. Because actually what has happened since then is I've said no more to things that don't really fill my purpose of actually, you know, creating joy and creating things people enjoy, and um, you know, hopefully, you know, generating happiness. I mean, that is, you know, I you you you watch me, actually, you know, I I you know I do like making experiences and things great for people, you know, whether it's coaching people or or creating experiences or creating social media content. And so saying no to things that don't really fit that purpose, or also toxic friendships or you know, job opportunities that actually you might just have taken in the past because you felt you needed to. So saying no more often that power of no, but also the joy of yes. So I have done all sorts of things I never expected to, because I, you know, I was challenged to get to my fittest, and we pitched the story to women's health, and actually they just didn't take it. But a a Times journalist worked with my PT and he said, actually, I think the Times would be really interested. And they picked up the story, and the next thing I knew I was a cover girl on the weekend section of the Times. And then because of that, I was asked to write a book. I'd never written a book before, but I thought, well, I enjoy writing, I like creating content. I'm very visual, so I could imagine what the book looked like with very clear instructions of how to do the exercises. I used all of my business experience and brand building to create a structure that meant you get in the right mindset first, because you know, 90% of it, be able to stick to um a program is getting yourself in the right mindset first. So, you know, wrote the first book. My marriage also ended at 60 as well, and I started dating again at 61, which again was a bit of a new challenge, but realised when I started doing it just how much the world had changed since I dated in my 80s, and realized that there was a not only a sort of self-help manual, but also a bunch of stories to share that could help other women. And I think I've just been really open to new challenging experiences, and I've learned and grown. And each time I do something, you can almost be assured that another couple of doors open. Um, so I'm a big believer in the power of no and the joy of yes.

Speaker 8:28

Do you know what? You've said there's so many nuggets to unpack there. I just love the fact that a challenge from your PT is what sort of was a little bit of a turning point, a push to say, oh, you know what? I'm gonna do something different. And you are opening, open to doing something different, which has probably led to all these opportunities. It has. And I always say um a quote, it's it's Oprah. She's been talking about it quite a lot as well, about how once you the universe, you open yourself up to the universe of what can be, everything else falls into place, and then you see your circle changes in terms of who are supporting you really, you know, in that direction. Um, and also in terms of betting on yourself. Emma Greed talks about this. Once you start to say, well, you know what, I need to bet on myself more, everything falls into line. You know what to say no to? You say, actually, I don't want to do this anymore. And you move into things that are calling. So let's talk about invincible.

Invincible Not Invisible At 60

Speaker 9:22

I mean, I just think it's it's it's amazing in terms of I'm 44, I'll be 45 in February. And I have started now in my North Staring myself, accepting obviously that I'm getting older, but positioning myself with what good looks like at 45, 50, 55, 60, 65. And it's actually new to see all this, all these confident women coming out of the woodworks. So, what does it mean to be invincible to you? And how do you help women tap into that energy?

Speaker 1 9:52

After you've picked up something interesting there, one of the things I feel I think you should feel proud of the I one of the things I feel most proud of is the number of younger women actually who come up to me and go, You've suddenly made me realise 60 isn't old. Yes. And um, a lovely lady came up to me at an event I was at last week and she said, You probably don't realise, you know, how many people you're inspiring as they're approaching 60, and particularly if they've been had you know big careers. A lot of people will be thinking the what next, and I hopefully I'm proving there's a lot of what next uh you know, whether it is climbing Kilimanjaro or um I'm dancing actually in a strictly, strictly come dancing type thing to be.

Speaker 10:26

We're manifesting this, manifesting this in the clear.

Speaker 1 10:30

Yeah, so I you know I'm I've accepted that challenge as well and the the cha-cha-cha from scratch. So, so um, yeah, that you know, just making sure that nobody feels like turning 60 is is the end. Um so I think the feeling invincible versus invisible for me was just a bit of a two fingers up to society, whether it is how marketing is done. I worked in the fashion industry for a long time, and it is so rare for fashion brands to use older models. And I think it is often because young women can't imagine being old. So if you if you want, you know, show a product on an older person, they can't imagine wearing it. Whereas, you know, we've all been younger, so you can almost picture it, it doesn't really, it kind of doesn't matter. But I think it's important to be a role model out there to go, do you know, we've got lots of spending power, we've got opinions, we can walk with our feet to the to the brands or the companies that represent us well. So I I I think it's really, really important to be out there as a as a role model and um not let you know the sort of pressure from society, as I said, whether it's marketing, how people talk to you, uh the mansplaining um that uh you know that you get um yeah, prove prove that you can you can be invincible versus invisible.

Speaker 11:48

And it's it's actually a good realization because that shapes how you deal with whether it's marriage or divorce or career pivots or even decision making of do I want to take this next step in this company, or do I need to move on to this other one, or what are the stages that I do? I've I've noticed by speaking to so many women with the podcasters, everyone's had that moment where they've realized, okay, what does good look to mean? And how do I represent myself

Identity Beyond Work And Purpose

Speaker 12:14

with that? And just having the courage, isn't it, to say, actually being invincible means I can do anything in any particular point in my life as well.

Speaker 1 12:23

I mean, it's it's interesting because I um have got a bit of that hat trick. I've been made redundant three times. The first time I chose redundancy, the second time was with COVID, and then uh the third time was this sort of restructure due to the uh huge cutbacks because of the uh war between Russia and Ukraine. And definitely the first time, and it helped me through the second and third time, um, I realized I I had to realise, and it took me about eight months, nine months to a year to realise it, that there was more to me than my job. And I do think a lot of uh, you know, people, and particularly with, you know, big roles, have a lot of their self-esteem caught up in the person they are at work.

Speaker 13:00

They let it define them, isn't it?

Speaker 1 13:02

Yeah, absolutely that. You know, whether it's um, you know, through redundancy or, you know, and and I guess, you know, as they're approaching, you know, getting older or retirement age, the the realization that what are they outside of work and the who am I is a is quite a big question that people start to think. And I think I was very fortunate in some ways, you know, that I I experienced redundancy. And it was very humbling at the time because you, you know, you suddenly you suddenly realize that um, well, you have to realise there is more to you than your role. You know, I'd had a very successful career. I thought I'd walk into another job you don't, you know, and it was it was good for me to learn, you know, about myself and about, you know, what strengths I've got. And I guess having a purpose that is bigger than just being successful at your job. Um, you know, I I I think it's it's it's quite interesting for women to be able to have a think about what is their purpose, you know, full stop, you know, in life, really, because I think that helps you, as you mentioned, having a North Star. I think, you know, having a clear purpose about what mo really motivates you gives you a North Star.

Speaker 14:12

Yeah, I think redundancy, honestly, having also experienced that as well, has been one of those where I said, okay, what do I want to focus on before it gets we get back into the rat race of, you know, building brands and being commercial and all the other things. What is it I'm genuinely interested in? And fitness has always been a very big part. So doubling down on that and creating milestones. And I think you're right, it's it's taking that as a win and pivoting it to say, right, what does this mean to me and how can I move forward? So it's good to have this honest conversation so that people can say, right, it's not the end, it's actually the beginning of something new and something fruitful and something purposeful. How do you want to turn this around?

Dating Again and Relationships in the new world

Speaker 1 14:52

Well, it's interesting because there is an analogy to dating, because I think the the um the second book I wrote, which was SAS 60 and single, your survival guide to dating, the first bit was about really, really um, I had to relearn how to be single. And I wish I had read my book before I started dating again. Because you know, you Yeah, well, you know, I'd I'd been married for 31 years and with my husband for 37. So it was a long time since I've been dating. But uh, you know, you don't realise how much you've, I don't know, whether it's bent yourself out of shape or over, you know, compromised on things, and you do, you know, you you become half of a couple instead of a person. And so I did have to, you know, relearn how to be single before I started dating. But there was a great line, which I think applies to both situations, that it's not re not rejection, it's a redirection. So I think that's a great way, whether it's you know, it's being made redundant or you know, coming to the end of a career uh and deciding what you want to do, uh, or finding yourself single again. You know, except actually that it's not rejection, it's a redirection.

Speaker 15:56

I mean, let's talk about that. Sass 60 and single. And I remember when you told me last year, saying I'm writing a second second book, and I'm thinking, okay, it's invincible 2.0. You know, we're we're continuing on this trajectory, and you say, no, this is what it's going to be about. And we've we've spoken to a few people, isn't it? And they were like, oh my god, this book is so necessary. These are the experiences I've had, and it's it's really bold, it's refreshing. I don't think you need to be 60 to read it because a lot of people are just applicable. Um, just a refreshing take on it. And you describe yourself as a rogue heroine navigating that modern dating world. What surprised you most about re-entering the dating scene at 60?

Speaker 1 16:41

Gosh, well, whether it's 60 or not, uh I think definitely as you get older, and maybe it's to do with, as I said, it's this less, you know, you're less tolerant, less, you know, less compromised. I I I do think you're certainly more selective and I think not as likely to settle. So somebody, I saw a again, a fabulous analogy. They said when you're in your twenties and you're dating, of course, every you know, 95% of people are single and you haven't got much baggage. So you you're you've got this huge ocean of potential dates out there waiting for you. If you find yourself single, I'm gonna say 50 and over, they said it's sort of you've got this primordial soup left of the rest, which is kind of, you know, because a lot of people are, you know, they've either, you know, they are still, you know, people are married, so there's less choice. There's a lot of people with a lot of baggage, you know. So it becomes, you know, much I think I think you're gonna end up going kissing a lot more frogs, which, you know, I think being prepared for that, and I think the book, you know, in the book I do talk about how to try to sieve through, well, A, be happy in yourself first and actually work out what you want from your next relationship before you even embark on it. So you don't end up necessarily going for repeat of your previous relationship that didn't work. You know, how do you then write a profile that hopefully attracts the right people? But then how do you sieve through lots of potential suitors who might not be right? And how do you, you know, how do you edit that down, whether it is through you know the right questions, doing a video call, what to try and work out from on a on a first, I wouldn't call it a date, I'll call it a meeting because it makes it far less pressure.

Speaker 18:14

I'm not treating it like a job interview.

Speaker 1 18:17

Yeah, exactly, exactly. Well, actually, that is quite funny because I, you know, I in my um profile I said I wanted to meet somebody interested and interesting, and I had a bit of a three-question rule that, you know, I'm curious about people and I, you know, wanted to find out if somebody was worth going on a date with. So I'd ask very, I suppose, questions relating to their profile. So it wasn't kind of, you know, cut and paste, it would be something very very relevant to their profile. And the number of sort of one-word answers I get, so then I'd ask a second question and get another one-word answer. Then I if I had to ask a third question and didn't get a question back about myself, I'm afraid it was a no from me. Because, you know, I, you know, having somebody that's you know curious for me is really important, uh, you know, in the same, you know, as I said, interested and interesting. Uh yeah, it was um, but it was funny. I did actually come, I thought, you know, rather than just reject somebody outright, said, you know, you know, you're probably not for me. I said, I'm you know, I've been asking you few questions. I noticed you've not asked me anything. And he said, I thought you were interrogating me. So So that was even you giving them a fourth, fourth date that was never going never going to happen. But when you said it felt like a job interview, clearly somebody felt like yeah, they were going through a job interview.

Speaker 19:31

Yeah, I love the fact of how you're blending personal stories,

Mindset Fitness Habits And Confidence

Speaker 19:34

you know, a bit of insights, humour. I think it's why was it important for you to keep in this book the tone honest but light?

Speaker 1 19:40

Well, it was for both of them, actually, because I you know, I you know, people have a lot of choice about where they spend their money. Um, you know, I'm sure there's lots of books out there on, you know, relationships, there's lots of books out there on um fitness. My my take has always been uh been, you know, authentic. I'd like to think I've done it with kind, you know, I've done my roles with kindness and humour. People might go, you know, she's firm but fair, but most people have had you know enjoyed working with my, you know, I'd I'd like uh notes on a anonymous notes if they haven't, but no, I uh you know, generally, you know, I've I've I've always wanted all my team to be the best they can be. So I think I wanted to make sure that I wrote in a in a tone that was a very personal and authentic, um, that it was easy reading because people have got so much, you know, to distract them, whether it's social media or TV or the radio or podcasts. So, you know, something that could be done easily digested in short chunks. It was important to me to make it sort of very palatable and attainable for both the dating and the and the fitness book. And I think, you know, that I I wanted it to be a true representation of me, that, you know, want to read more of it, hopefully, as you know, rather than put you off uh either either the fitness or the dating. And I think both, you know, both hopefully some, you know, enough in them, they've got little worksheets in them to help you, whether, you know, in the first book it is, you know, about helping you find a purpose that is strong enough to keep you motivated when you're on a fitness journey. And there's, you know, the second book is about how do you love yourself first before you put yourself back on the dating market, because I think a lot of people will come out of relationships with, you know, with a lot of baggage or with a lot, you know, with uh you know, some of the ego bruised as well. And so for me, it was really important to have these little worksheets in and make it interactive so that it's not me lecturing people, they're you know, they're actually having a little think about themselves as well.

Speaker 21:34

Just that going through 60, I feel like there's a lot of things that especially women in their careers can can take from that as well, isn't it? The same principles apply. What leadership lessons, you know, having had these amazing roles at Next, Asda, Danelle Nager, what from that what are what is guiding you today? The lessons that you learned then are helping you now, or have you reinvented yourself? In a completely different way.

Speaker 1 22:01

I think the the thing that was important for me, I think, in the roles and why I was successful is you do think of the customer first and you walk in their shoes, you know, because again, they've got plenty of choices about where they can go and spend their money. So I I think in both books, I thought about the person reading the book and you know, the end the the end customer of the book. And they've got to buy into you, they've got to buy into the process. So I think definitely the skill of thinking about the customer first was really important. And I think, you know, you know, you talked about trends at the beginning, you know, you know, clearly a career in fashion and home, which is what I had, and and you know, working on the direction for those rate, you know, with the ranges meant that I had to know what trends were. And as I mentioned, making sure that, you know, that there was a a personal note to it, and also that it was approachable, bite-sized chunks, because you know, the way people are given information now is much more smaller in bite-sized chunks. So I suppose using the knowledge of trends of just how people are thinking, how people are shopping, how people are reading was was something I used in both books as well.

Speaker 23:17

A lot of the things when I'm interviewing women is also asking them what how do they, and I don't want to use the word the word work life balance because balance is whatever you make it, whatever is works for you. But there is a trend and a positive one of women actually, even men, being very positive about transforming your body and your mindset and putting, you know, self-care at the beginning. What are some go-to practices that help you stay grounded? Because you are busy. I mean, you are booked and busy, you are doing lots of things. But what are things that you can just share that help keep you grounded, energized? Um, and and how do you define confidence? Because we want women to cultivate it at any age and not wait until they've hit that point. If they can start young and it just builds on, that's that's really important as well.

Speaker 1 24:04

Yes, all that well, it's quite a lot to um unpack in that question. From a health point of view, and there is there is no silver bullet. I always, you know, and and for me the mindset piece was important that people don't think this is you know a diet I'm going on. If you change your nutrition, it becomes a lifestyle. And particularly, you know, as you get older, for a woman in particular, maintaining your muscle mass, so you, you know, whether it's doing more resistance training and doing eating more protein, just become things that you should do for your lifestyle. So, you know, that point of health and fitness. Oh, it is very sad, but the drinking two litres of water, walking 10,000 steps, and I found I actually find walking incredibly meditative as well. I I think you know, choosing choosing to walk places and actually being observant and and taking things in and uh you know, being out in nature as much as possible, I think is is really important for me. I do think I learnt during some of my more stressful times at work the importance of gratitude for both small things and big things. So I I think that's something that has become a habit. I think uh I talk about in the book actually the 2190 rule, which is it takes 21 days if you have got a ha a habit you want to change to break it, but you have to maintain the replace it with a good habit. And if you could do that for 90 days, it does become a lifestyle. And I think being grateful, you know, I I you know I it's a really good practice to think, you know, think at nighttime if what the you know what you're grateful for that day, and if you've got something you can talk to about it, or if you write it down, you know, there's lots of studies that show that actually, you know, that feeling grateful and working out what you're, you know, not that you're happy with your lot, because I guess, you know, I'm certainly one of those people who's restless and but it's not like I'm looking for material things now, I'm looking for experiences or you know, look at ways to, you know, uh share community or share information. So I think I think, yeah, I think gratitude is a really important, important thing.

Speaker 26:00

I mean you've just hit the nail on the head, isn't it? It's focusing on those small wins, no matter what they are. And if it starts with just taking a walk, the gratitude journal, it really just makes a difference, and people aren't I've seen really visibly, even for myself, just walking or going to the gym or having a routine is is really cred just to keep going.

Speaker 1 26:19

The other thing actually, uh um again in I talk about it in both books though, the language you use talking to yourself. You know, I always think you know, people you know, it's often said, I it's not a new new line, but you should talk to yourself as you would your best friend. Yeah. I do I do think we're often our own worst critics and um, you know, rephrasing can't to can and you know, all sorts of things like that. I I do I do think, you know, using affirmative language with yourself really works. And you know, whether it's talking to yourself in the mirror or congratulating on some, you know, small thing you've achieved, um, momentum breathes momentum in that. Um so so d definitely silencing silencing the inner critic and turning it into an internal cheerleader. I'd encourage everybody to do that. And you mentioned confidence. I think that really does build confidence.

Speaker 27:09

What role does storytelling play

Storytelling Mentorship And Paying It Forward

Speaker 27:12

in your work? I mean, you're even now you're such a good storyteller with all the you know examples that you're giving. And how can women use their own stories to reclaim their power? It's I think it's such an important topic to bring on, especially as we see women in the workforce or rising in positions, we want them to have that confidence wherever they are to be the best version of themselves. It was interesting.

Speaker 1 27:32

I you don't realise, I gave an analogy the other day actually, that um when you're having climbed a couple of mountains, but when you're at the bottom looking up, you look at the mountain, you go, wow, that's that that is a long way to go up there. And when you've it is just a step at a time, a step at a time, and a step at a time. And when you're sort of halfway up and you look down, I remember doing that and thinking, gosh, I'm the person that was down there looking up. And you don't realise how much you're inspiring the people who are down there because they're looking at you going, well, they've done it, you know. So so I think for me, making your journey or sharing your journey is really important. You know, I I think often for junior people, I remember them looking at me as a director and um you know, they couldn't believe that I started life as a designer and pattern cutter. You know, in in the old days you used to do, you know, paper filing versus filing everything on a laptop, you know, and photocopying and things like that. And uh they forget that you've done those hard yards to get there. Um, and you know, you've you have worked through roles and you've probably had to, you know, deal with appraisals that went well or didn't go well or gave you some feedback and you and you keep going, you keep going, and it is, you know, step by step by step by step by step. And actually that gets to you to where you are. So I think that it's really important when you talked about storytelling to share the journey because that suddenly makes you know your progression in a career available and approachable and attainable for the people who are who are looking at you going, you know, gosh, I'm never going to do that, or I could never achieve that. And they go, Oh, yeah, actually I can. It's you know, you know, they've they've uh they've suddenly seen the path up the mountain.

Speaker 29:13

I think it's a lot of the time also realizing that you've got a wealth of knowledge to offer as as well. You know, when somebody says, Oh, what do you think about this? I've been working a lot with female founders who are late 20s and they'll ask us things such as, you know, operational efficiency or how do you expand into a new market. I'm like, oh, you just need to do ABCD. And they're like, oh my God, we never thought of that. Yeah, right. I'm like, oh my goodness, this is this is the stage we're getting to. But it's sharing those things that is really important as as as well.

Speaker 1 29:45

Um But I think it's important you, you know, you're very generous for your time and very generous with your advice. You know, I'd like you know, like to think I'm the same as well. And it's um it's a virtuous circle though, because I guess the same people will do it for other people. Yes, just paying it forward. I remember the people who are kind to me and supported me, and I always make sure I stay in touch with them. I don't you know, I think it's really important to, you know, to remember and be grateful for those people. So, you know, and people will will do the same for us, and I think you know, they'll get they'll go on to help others because it's a generosity that spills over.

Speaker 30:21

Yeah, I think paying it forward, um, that's a thing I learned a long time ago. I pay it forward without expecting anything returned because it's also the right thing to do, and not saying I helped you, but you know, no, it's actually I'm helping you because I think you just need the help if you need a door opening or a connection and an email or you know, invited to an event as as my plus one. I've pay it forward because people have done it for me and they've not expected anything in return. And I'm paying it forward as well.

Speaker 1 30:47

And it's just lovely to see if you can open a door for someone and let's break Well, I think you mentioned at the beginning, it's quite interesting. Uh, because you know, I had very big roles um in businesses and I now self-employed as an as an author and a content creator. And the people it it it does, it divides people, you know, the work out the the people who only stayed in touch with you because you were in a position of influence, and the people who are really there for you. So, and I think part of the you know, the power of no is realizing who those are and actually not caring about it, you know, and going, do you know it's okay to let that go?

Speaker 31:27

Yeah, I mean your circle does not to have to keep expanding, it has to keep evolving, and the quality needs to just keep improving, I think, as you as you're navigating back. Yeah, that's it.

Speaker 1 31:38

Well, it does very true that was it when they say people are in your life for a season, a reason, or a life.

Speaker 31:43

So I think and that's okay. And that's okay as well. Now, Fiona, you've written two books. Strictly is on the cards there, you're building a movement, you're inspiring thousands. What's next for

What’s Next Legacy And Where To Find Fiona

Speaker 31:56

you? Personally, professionally, are they some things that you're setting in your sights?

Speaker 1 31:59

Gosh, I think when you well, it it was interesting because I um because I always had these things planned, you know, and then a sort of new goal. And I was sitting there going, you know, I've got my my strictly dancing next weekend, and I was thinking, you know, the kind of what next? From a travel point of view, I want to have things to look forward to because I I'm trying to work my way around the seven wonders of the world. I'm I'm likely to do Machu Picchu next year. I I do enjoy commun communication and um talking to people, and I uh um I was on very recently, which was a fabulous opportunity to be on Lorraine, number one, talking about that book, but also doing some fashion presenting. And um I really enjoy um, you know, sharing sharing knowledge. Um I may or may not write another book, but actually I do quite enjoy the medium of um uh whether it is TV, but equally I think I might start doing my own YouTube um on doing presenting on you know fashion, particularly, you know, Barry I was saying the lack of people who talk to people uh of women, you know, women over 50, focusing on that. So I might start doing my own uh content creation on presenting on fashion for the over 50s on YouTube. So that's my current train of thought. Now I've said it, I've got to do it, you see.

Speaker 33:18

Well, this is it. You've now spoken it into existence. Look, YouTube and long form content is really the way forward because people genuinely want to learn about something. I've spoken to a guy, Trendy Grandad, he said on YouTube you're either there to educate or to entertain. So pick your lane and then do it really well is is really key. And for those who it's the first time tuning in, you've never seen Fiona. I mean, she wears some amazing outfits in terms of fashionable, she is. There's one gold dress I still remember that you were you wore. She's on there. So this is not just someone saying, I know about fashion, she's really into it as well. So that's that's exciting. Yeah, I know. Well, I will I will uh let you know. I'll send you the link as soon as it is recorded. Now let's talk about legacy. I mean, you've done so much, you're such an inspiration, and whether it's online or offline, that's the power of social and digital. You are touching people in a good way that you probably didn't even realize. Let's talk about your your legacy and what you think that's going to be then. Because now you're in the next chapter. Well, isn't it funnier?

Speaker 1 34:23

Because I, you know, I um I having had this pivot, it's it it's it's really interesting. Because I think if you'd have asked me two and a half years ago, you know, I I would have liked to have, you know, um, you know, I was uh known for turning around brands, but also bringing on people, you know, and so you know, my passion for product and for people, um, I would like to be remembered for that, and certainly, you know, supporting UK manufacturing, which I was very passionate about, trying to bring UK manufacturing back. Um and all of those probably still stand, but I think it's become really it has become a bit of a purpose now, by default now, for representing women as they get older. Uh and I d you know, I do feel quite passionately that that, you know, I want to be a role model for nobody to feel eventually too many women actually funny enough talking on LinkedIn about the fact how hard it is to get employed, you know, if if they they they're out of work for any reason, sort of 55 and over. And yet we've got so much value to bring. And you know, whether it is how fashion brands talk to people, or I think there was a stat I saw that um I think it's tw uh 25% of the population are over 60, 27% of the spend over 60, but only 4% of advertising is done on people over 60. And that probably is done as stairlifts. Kind of, I think it's that sort of ageism is a is a really important topic. So I feel more uh strongly now that you know if I've got a legacy that goes I change the dynamic, or as part of a movement that changed that dynamic, I feel very proud. I also said, you know, that you know, I try to make the fitness part, you know, entertaining and tameable. If I can make one woman as, you know, who's sort of, you know, got a bit older, maybe her children have left home, she's put been herself at the bottom of the pile and thinks it's too late to start. If I can change one person's mood on that, I'll have I'll have done something that I'm really proud of.

Speaker 36:28

I mean, that's just brilliant. Just coming back to talking about how you can I think women also need to see themselves as a personal brand. So it's how can we help them in that second phase or whether it's job search, how can we position them in the best way possible so that they do get in front of the panels and are are not seen as as as a throwaway. And it's it's really good, I think, that someone is actually foc wants to focus on that as well, isn't it? Um I remember when I started the podcast, I'd asked, I've interviewed so many different women, and the first thing everyone says is especially if they're not on social media of their certain age, they'll be like, oh no, no, what I don't think I should do this. I said, no, yes, we need your voice, your story. It is important, it does matter. Your experience, your achievements, they need to be, you know, celebrated, and that's the whole purpose. And afterwards, they actually feel very, very good that they did it because I guess it was a time of introspection and reflection as well, isn't it? And this is what I've achieved. This is what I've done, actually. Yeah, I'm badass.

Speaker 1 37:30

Well, you're the mirror. You're you're holding up a mirror to someone for them to actually see themselves. So uh well done.

Speaker 37:37

We always end the podcast asking our guests to close with the trailblazer

Trailblazer Takeaway Tips

Speaker 37:42

takeaway tips. So it could be a mantra, mindset, piece of advice that you wish you would have known all those years ago, just to help them lead with purpose and and lead boldly. What would your three be?

Speaker 1 37:53

So actually, well, it it's one, but it's it's quite applicable. So um I would encourage people always to be more water. So I think I've been successful because you know, what if you think about water, whether it's a position of strength that, you know, if you think of waterfalls, they will they can power through rock. Um so that persistence and that strength. When they hit a rock they can't get through or they reach lower land, they can wind their way around it. But if you think about changes in temperature, it can adapt um to steam or to ice and still retain itself. So I think actually for for most women, or people in business, let's say let's include men in it as well, but I'd actually say for most people, always remember beam or water. There is a way you will get to where you need to be, and whether it's through strength, whether it's through adapted uh adapting or whether it's through perseverance. Believe you will get there and you will get to your destination.

Speaker 38:51

Fiona, brilliant. Thank you so much for your story, your honesty, your humour heart. A friend of ours really introduced us together, isn't it? It's Billy. So I'm so happy that that I met you. And I guess me being like water has driven me in that direction. I've known really that reinvention is always possible. And to our listeners, where can they find your books?

Speaker 1 39:12

So most good booksellers will have it online. There is a link on fionalambert.com. I've got my website to get the books from Amazon, but most booksellers will have it online. And you will find me if you want to see any positivity every day on fashion, fitness, and fun on Fiona Lambert official on social media.

Speaker 39:31

Awesome. So the books are invincible, not vis invisible. Invincible, not invisible, and sas 60. Thank you so much, Fiona. Been a pleasure. Absolute pleasure. For the audience, this has been the Trailblazers Experience podcast. Please remember to follow, like, share. We are on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or wherever listen to your podcast. And until then, see you next time.