My Working Day – Charlotte Pearce – Founder of Inkpact
Story by
March 8, 2022
As the leader of a company, you are there to set an example, to lead and inspire a team of individuals to achieve a series of business goals. But how do these business leaders go about their daily routine? Business Leader spoke to Charlotte Pearce, Founder of Inkpact, about her working day.
What time do you wake up?
Between 6:45 and 7am – my little boy is the most amazing alarm clock, and I normally get woken up by his giggle.
What do you have for breakfast?
I’m not really a big breakfast person. I quite like to fast until midday, then go to the gym and have lunch. This routine gives me the most energy throughout the day.
What is your mantra for your working day?
“Each day is a new day”. I try to start each day with a fresh outlook, no matter what happened the day before. Each day is full of new possibilities, new challenges and new opportunities to grow.
As a business leader, is it hard to separate your business and personal life?
Yes. It’s so hard because I really love my work and my business is my passion. But I’ve learnt how quickly you can burn out if you don’t get yourself out of “work mode” regularly.
It sounds mad but I’d never really discovered what I enjoy doing, so I’ve spent the last few years discovering what I like to do for fun, outside of work. I love to go to the gym and paddleboard, do yoga and recently, creative DIY challenges.
That said, ideas, solutions and the most ambitious plans have a habit of coming to you when you least expect them. My brain is always scouting for opportunities and connections whether I’m on the water, in the gym, chilling on the sofa or at my desk.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Ask, ask, ask! Ask for help, ask for that funding, ask to brainstorm with someone, ask the cheeky questions, ask for a quick coffee with someone and don’t be scared of the word “no”. I genuinely put a lot of my business success down to asking for help, advice, surrounding myself with amazing people and not being afraid if they disagree.
Who is your business idol? Why?
Oprah Winfrey. She’s built a huge, powerful business empire while changing people’s lives, impacting humans, understanding psychology and showing people there is a positive, wonderful way to live. I think her business and her work with women is simply incredible, and I regularly ask myself ‘what would Oprah do?’
What motivates you?
Learning, growth, challenges and meeting people. I love learning something new, reading a book, doing a course, building something from an idea. It’s almost like a game, and the satisfaction of creating something from nothing is unreal. Most of all, I love meeting and connecting with people and brands – getting to know them, building relationships and working with incredible people.
How do you persevere through challenging times?
I love the quote “you’ve survived 100% of your worst days”. Resilience is a skill not a trait, and it’s something we have to work at. I remind myself of the challenges and adversity I have overcome in the past to give me the confidence I need to tackle the next one.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female entrepreneur?
I don’t think the day-to-day challenges facing female entrepreneurs are necessarily that different from male entrepreneurs. However, a lack of representation and gender bias is still a big issue in our industry. I still get asked different questions from people than my male co-founder – questions about having a family and the impact it will have on the business.
I think the way to overcome this is to be present in that room and call it out. Say something if there’s an unfair question, people talking over you or not addressing you. It won’t change unless we speak up about it.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
You are a combination of the five people you spend the most time with. Surround yourself with inspiring, amazing people that lift you up, inspire you daily and you can 100% be yourself with.
Are you hopeful about the future of female entrepreneurship in the UK? Why?
I am incredibly hopeful. Representation is everything and every year I see and meet more amazing female entrepreneurs. Women that step up to help others and share their stories are the heroes that inspire other women to do the same. The more positive representation and role models we have, the more empowered women will be able to live a life and build a business they love, unapologetically!
