RACHEL WARD LILLEY:
Rachel left school at the age of 16, and started working as a sales and marketing assistant. By the age of 29, having established herself as head of Special Sales for Penguin Books, she found herself ready for a new challenge. She enrolled at the University of Manchester as a mature and independent student, and studied for a degree in psychology. After graduating, she started again with her career and, within 5 years, had been appointed Operations Director of a leading accountancy group based in the North West.
Rachel resigned this post in 2009 in order to fulfil her strongly felt social and moral agenda of helping others. Since then she has been a voluntary mentor to students under a Local Community programme, and also to business entrepreneurs under the NWDA initiative.
She is a driving force in SUMO4Schools which is dedicated to teaching youngsters the principles of enhancing their self-esteem, strengthening their self-belief, raising their expectations and learning how they can influence their own life-outcomes.
In 2010, and again in 2011, she helped to drive the organisation of Manchester’s contributing events for International Women’s Day, which celebrates women’s achievements worldwide, both past and present, and acknowledges the crucial role of Manchester’s Pankhurst family in particular.
Girls Out Loud is the perfect vehicle for Rachel’s beliefs, passion and energy, and her stimulating input to the cause has led to her being invited to become a director of the organisation.
RACHEL IN THE HOTSEAT…..
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner (dead or alive!) who would they be and why?
Nelson Mandela – the most impressive person on the planet you would never tire of hearing his stories and thoughts
Vivienne Westwood – a ball of inspiring creative energy with powerful views on culture and its connection to the world
Annie Lennox – her commitment and passion for human rights would provide great conversation pieces and what a beautiful voice to listen to
George Clooney – see below (body and brains)
Emily Pankhurst – I’d love to hear her story and that of the other suffragettes from herself and thank her for giving us the vote and a lot more besides
Which song reminds you of being 15 and why?
Every Kinda People by Robert Palmer – cool at the time, honest
Who is your ultimate pin-up?
George Clooney – a proper movie star with a great mind too
What’s your most embarassing moment?
Missing a plane flight having miss read the 24 clock – a very expensive mistake and red face making as I had to go back home, explain my stupidity and rearrange my trip for a few days later...
As a teenager - what were your future career aspirations?
I didn’t think in terms of a structured career. I was inclined, instead, to open horizons by exploring new things, meeting new people and visiting new places.
How do you want to be remembered?
Someone you want in the room who connects, creates and surprises!
Most used words or phrase – great, cool, hey!
QUICK FIRE:
Facebook or twitter - twitter
Favourite sweet treat? – Green & Black 70%+ coca
Who makes you laugh? – Jo Brand
What was the last concert/gig you went to? Jazz festival in Wales
Biscuit of choice? I don’t eat biscuits!
Who inspires you? Paula Rego (artist & story teller) and my god-daughters
3 films to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Blade Runner, Little Miss Sunshine, Slum Dog Millionaire
3 things you could not live without?
Olives, my diary & my rucksack
Best advice you have ever been given?
Be brave, take responsibility and don’t be afraid to take risks
Name one thing you must do in your lifetime?
Summit a 8000 metre mountain
Now for the boring stuff
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Degree psychology
- SUMO4Schools Coach
- Hiking Guide
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Associate – Market Research Society
- Member of Royal Geographical Society
- NWDA Business Mentor
- High Altitude Mountaineer