Three years ago, we had just experienced our first COVID-19 lockdown and we were still very much in our bubbles. The roads were quiet. We had time to think. We were forced to stop and contemplate what was actually important. Family. Wellbeing. Making a difference in this strange ‘new’ world.
I was in a senior corporate communications role. It was a great job and I had achieved some career milestones, including playing a key role in a project critical to Hawke’s Bay’s economic future. I led a tight, talented team and my role had growth potential.
But something was niggling. And, in the quiet of this newfound isolation, the voice got louder. So, I drilled down on what I wanted, what I needed to do with my life.
My career had been built on working within media, local government and infrastructure organisations, advocating for and working with the communities those organisations wanted to connect with, engage and consult.
I was energised by helping to build relationships between regional leaders, between the organisations that make regions tick, and from ensuring the voices that needed to be at the table – but weren’t always invited – were heard.
I wanted to work on projects that made a difference for regional New Zealand. With good people who cared about working for – and importantly alongside – their communities.
And after all that thinking – I wanted to make a difference for me. In my life. For my family. And, as lofty as it sounds, for the lives of other hard-working, smart, professional women. I wanted to build something that helped us all advance our careers but in a way that worked for us.
Three years ago today, on the 14th of May 2020, cheered on by my wonderful husband, Coltan Wright , two amazing kids and close friends, I started Frank Engagement. A consultancy that provides good, honest engagement advice to local government, central government and infrastructure organisations. That helps them connect, engage and consult with the communities they serve. To make projects better. To make a difference to communities.
At the start it was just me – but I wasn’t alone. I had clever, encouraging mentors who were generous with their time. Connections who gave me opportunities, introductions, and testimonials. Suppliers who helped me set a strong business foundation. I will be forever grateful for your support.
We are privileged to be working on projects that are not only interesting but fit our values – projects centred on climate change resilience, water security, active transport and emissions reduction, sustainable economic development and capital infrastructure, recycling and waste reduction, and strengthening mana whenua participation and leadership in decision-making.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Since 2020, we’ve had rolling lockdowns, we’ve taken turns at being struck down with that nasty bug, navigated a cost of living (and doing business) crisis, defied threats of recession, and in recent months, dealt with a devastating cyclone that has rocked the East Coast, our home, to the core.
It’s been hard work. While I’m regularly reminding my dedicated team to take time out for their families or themselves, I’ve always been rubbish at this thing people call ‘work/life balance’. I’m a ‘post-it-note-wall-at-2am’ kinda girl. Its 110% family and 110% work.
But I’ve realised that I like the juggle, and that some adversity keeps things interesting. I like finding creative solutions to a problem for my clients or for my business. I love tackling a project that looks challenging (and sometimes impossible) and then bringing people together to achieve something beautiful for their community.
Going into business takes courage. It’s a financial leap of faith. I’ve taken risks that didn’t work out and suffered the stress that brings. But the payback is having the freedom to take those risks. To choose who you work with. To build something bigger than yourself. It has been incredibly liberating and rewarding.
Over the last three years, there have been times when I wasn’t sure. I’ve had the inevitable pretender syndrome. I’ve kept my head below the parapets, played down the successes for fear of a karmic rebound and (until recently) avoided telling our story to the LinkedIn-sphere.
In New Zealand, we rarely put our hand up and say, “I did it!”. But, if you’re out there wondering “Is there another way?”, or “Can I do something more meaningful?” – this is for you.
After three years, I’m being brave and saying, “I did it!”. Shoulder-to-shoulder with a team of strong, kick-arse women and committed, community-focused clients, I am doing it differently and making a difference.
You can choose your future too.
