Financial Times’ Ms Moneypenny advises Yorkshire business women

“Just say no,” was the stark advice given to Yorkshire business women by Mrs Moneypenny aka Financial Times columnist, TV presenter and leading head hunter Heather McGregor.

The inimitable Mrs M was the guest speaker at a lunch for Grant Thornton’s ladies networking group, hosted at the business advisory firm’s Leeds offices, where she discussed her latest book ‘Mrs Moneypenny’s Careers Advice for Ambitious Women’.

“It’s all about who you know and what you know. You can’t have it all, but you have to do it all. Saying ‘no’ is the single most important life skill for women,” stated Ms McGregor.

In her entertaining summary of some of the key tips from her book, Mrs M stressed that time is precious and having the ability to say no is vital to freeing up time and prioritising tasks.

She also talked about the importance of investing in ‘human capital’, the unique set of skills you bring to your job; and the need to accumulate ‘social capital’ – building a network of people who are on your ‘team’ and support your career.

Heather also believes that having a ‘can do’ attitude, combined with a willingness to delegate and acceptance that sacrifices will be needed, is key.

A former stockbroker and investment banker, Heather commented on the strength of professional women in Yorkshire: “Leeds is a centre of great financial talent. I receive an amazing service here; on a value for money basis, working with people twice as skilled as those I’d find in London.”

Catherine Reid, director at Grant Thornton in Yorkshire, commented, “Foremost, Heather is an entrepreneur who lives and breathes her business. Having worked with her for the last few years, I have seen first hand how passionate she is about what she does and I knew that our clients and contacts would find her as inspiring as I have.”

Associate director Joanne Powell who set up Grant Thornton’s ladies networking group, added: “Heather strongly believes that many women lack self-confidence and it is this that is holding them back in their careers.”

“Hearing about her development and the sharing of her experiences, not only provided some valuable tips, but was also extremely entertaining. Her final message was that women who are enjoying successful careers should do what they can to help others on their way up the ladder.”

For 14 years Mrs M has been entertaining readers of the Financial Times with her views and Heather also presented the series ‘Superscrimpers’ on Channel 4. The Mrs Moneypenny show has run at the Edinburgh Fringe, off Broadway and the Hay Festival. Heather McGregor also runs her own business, executive search firm Taylor Bennett.