Penny Stephens, reveals how she has made women’s networking her business

What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

I temped my way through college holidays as a legal secretary. I worked for a few Legal Aid practices in South London. The client base was mixed — from petty criminals to people going through very tough divorces. It taught me a lot about human nature.

How much was in your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

To be honest I can’t remember — it won’t have been much though. I expect I spent it on the usual student expenses — clothes, petrol, going out.

Describe how your career developed to the present day.

It has been varied. From leathergoods design via tourism promotion, to corporate fundraising, network marketing and now networking. Working as a corporate fundraiser and promoting specialist recycling services to businesses, was a job I found hugely satisfying.

But I was always travelling, which does not necessarily fit with having young children. I switched five years ago to running my own network marketing business, which led me to discover networking. I was already a member of the Athena Network, and last year I took on the role of regional director for South Oxfordshire. I now balance the two roles around two children.

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

With Athena, I facilitate networking events for businesswomen. In South Oxfordshire we have five lunchtime networking groups, as well as two — shortly to be three — informal, drop-in networking sessions. I aim to provide the best possible opportunities for members and visitors to grow their businesses.

Describe a typical day It’s varied — I’m often meeting business owners, either on a one-to-one basis or at networking events. My head is always buzzing with ideas on how members can benefit from meeting up with one another. On Athena meeting days I’m there in the background, making sure everything works to plan.

I also spend time planning guest speakers and skills training for each group. At the moment I’m also preparing to abseil in aid of the Oxfordshire child bereavement charity SeeSaw.

Being very scared of heights, I’m not relishing the thought of jumping 100ft off the John Radcliffe Hospital building, so I’m having hypnotherapy from one of my members, Lysette Offley from Sounds Positive.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

I truly admire my former boss, Sheila Brown, who founded the Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children 20 years ago.

She applies business principles to the way she runs the charity, which earns much of its income through providing secure recycling services to businesses and it’s very cost-efficient. As a result it really does help the families it sets out to serve.

What has been your best decision?

Becoming self-employed five years ago.

And your worst?

It’s my policy not to regret anything. Everything is a learning experience!

What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in your business?

Build relationships with the long term in mind — and always treat a problem as an opportunity.

What is the secret of good management?

Playing to people’s strengths and providing an environment where they can grow and develop.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

Yes. I work mainly during school hours — with two children at primary school and a husband who often travels for work, I need to have flexibility and to be able to take time off.

What hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

Gardening — I have an allotment — camping and I am just getting back into riding after a long break.

Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

Bad manners. I don’t often experience them, but when I do, they really annoy me. There is just no need.

How do you see your company developing over the next five years?

Networking is buoyant, especially in Oxfordshire. I will be opening up new groups so watch this space. As a whole, Athena is opening up in new regions across the UK and beyond.

Do you believe there is enough help and support from government and agencies for growing businesses?

There is a lot out there, but more would be great.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

I try to run a green office — recycling whatever I can, making good use of e-mail, etc. I spent years promoting recycling services for the Newlife Foundation and it’s stuck with me!

What is the secret of a happy workforce?

Showing people they are really valued and that their opinions count.

Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

To be honest — no. I’ve enjoyed everything I have done.

What would you like to do when you retire?

Travel, paint, ride, garden — and have lots of fun with the family.