Share an experience or challenge that has shaped you? Early life; Dad going bankrupt and having to make my own way, nothing given on a plate, first entrepreneurial role at school selling contraband and from there I have grown by constantly pushing myself outside my comfort zone. Early competitive sports has enabled me to develop some leadership skills, including the importance of practicing them as no one is perfect.
Best piece of advice you have ever been given? If at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again. If you don’t ask you don’t get. If you look after the pennies the pounds will look after themselves. I could go on… some would call these old fashioned values. I would not.
What advice would you give to your younger self or a woman just starting her career? Aim higher, you have agility and a speed of decision making others cannot match. Be true to yourself, listen to you gut and your people, always remaining humble, People first builds success.
What does success mean to you? I live by the mantra that when we have our health we may encounter hundreds of problems but when we do not have our health we have only one problem. Whilst I do not gauge people by the things they own, the car they drive and I cannot be bothered with stuff, I think success is when we make good choices to put back into society to leave a lasting helpful legacy that meaningfully impacts the lives of others positively.
How do you handle challenges and changes? What's in your toolkit? Challenges are my norm, change is the only constant otherwise my life would be dull. The endless, (almost relentless) pushing of the envelope, looking to rule break to build back better is a way of life I have chosen. It’s by no means always a perfect place – as without the lows we cannot have a comparison for the highs and hence we strive onwards to build a brand that genuinely ignites healthy conversations and helps individuals make better choices.
Why is it important to support women in business and women-led business? Quite simply because we are outnumbered by men in business in most fields and diversity has proven to bring better profits which means greater business sustainability which therefore suggests greater happier journeys in delivering service. The imbalance in the way companies are funded should change for the benefit of all.
60 Seconds with Lara Morgan
My inspiration is: My children and simply doing the right thing. Spreading the word to help keep the population healthy, seeing people grow in their roles and in life choices in general.
My greatest fear is: Losing the people in my life I love the most.
The most courageous thing I have ever done is: Learning to let go when I know I do not have the skills to deal with something, then I find the people with the right skills.
I am most proud of: My marriage and what we have achieved together.
Guiltless pleasure: Jaffa Cakes, packets of them.
Mantra I live by: If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Female role model: So many, but quite possibly Anita Roddick, of the Body Shop, on a personal level, my mum remains an inspiration.
Women-led brand I love: Babour – a family brand with deep history.
