Tell us a bit about yourself, background and what you do currently
I’m a mother, wife, stepmum, sister, daughter, auntie, niece, cousin and friend who runs a knowledge networking business, Editorial Intelligence. I am Honorary Visiting Professor in Networking at Cass Business School, City University, and at UCS Suffolk.I’m also EY’s networking ambassador for their graduate programme and a member of the Foreign & Commonwealth Diplomatic Excellence Panel. I have written and presented a new 5-part series for BBC Radio 4 called ‘Networking Nation’ which airs in October and the co-author of the Editorial Intelligence/GQ 100 Most Connected Women issue which is also out in October.
The hard work can be very punishing but the rewards are great, seeing what I have built with the help of my family, colleagues and network is really, really satisfying.
well who is going to start this networking business idea I have in my head if I don’t?
Why did you start your business?
I remember having my third child and thinking “I’ll be a school gate mum and a consultant. That’s the sensible thing to do”. But I woke up about a day later and thought “well who is going to start this networking business idea I have in my head if I don’t?” And that was nearly a decade ago.
What appealed to you about setting up your own business?
I love the autonomy. The intensity. The creativity. The deals. All of it! The hard work can be very punishing but the rewards are great, seeing what I have built with the help of my family, colleagues and network is really, really satisfying.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Getting networking respected as a professional business activity which can be taught and learned and a core part of the ‘Wellbeing’ agenda inside corporations.
What’s been your greatest achievement personally?
In my personal life, making three beautiful children and hopefully being a ‘Good Enough’ mum to them and my two stepkids. Professionally, it is creating Editorial Intelligence and its different programmes.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Carmen Callil, the legendary publisher, and the late Maya Angelou, both of whom I had the pleasure to work with for a number of years.
What does the future hold for you?
I want to widen the Editorial Intelligence network around the UK and take it to the States, and to write and broadcast more about the business of knowledge networking.
@juliahobsbawm
Fantastic article, Julia is amazing and an absolute icon when it comes to networking.