This is an article I wasn’t expecting write. My business mentor and long-time family friend Julie Kenny passed away unexpectedly on 21st February. I feel deeply saddened. This International Women’s Day, I want to honour her by sharing some of her inspiring story and the lasting impact she has had on my life.
Recognising the strong women in my life
It was March 2011 when I attended a women’s networking event in Sydney to celebrate International Women’s Day. A microphone was passed around for each attendee to share their personal experience of being a woman in the workplace. As my turn approached, I tried to think of a challenge I’d had or a time when I had felt repressed to add to the other stories but I couldn’t. And so instead, I shared my experience of acceptance and opportunity.
It’s only recently that I have reflected on this event and realised how much my experience as a woman in the workplace has been shaped by the strong women who have blazed a trail before me and alongside me. Women like my Mum. Women like Janice, Gabi and Debra (some of my best managers from my days in the corporate world). And women like Dame Julie Kenny. I am deeply grateful to them all for showing me what is possible for a woman in her career.
The achievements and legacy of a remarkable woman
Julie Kenny grew up in Sheffield and lived much of her life in and around South Yorkshire. Originally training as a legal secretary and litigation lawyer, she went on to co-found an award-winning security equipment manufacturing company before the age of 30. Julie served as a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire and also High Sheriff of South Yorkshire in 2012/13. She chaired numerous boards such as Sheffield Theatres and was only the second Lady Master Cutler in the history of the Cutlers’ Company in Sheffield.
She won numerous accolades such as the Vitalise Businesswoman of the Year in 2013 and PWC Private Businesswoman of the Year 2014. From 2015-18 She was appointed by the government as a commissioner to Rotherham Borough Council following a child sexual exploitation scandal, and was made a Freewoman of Rotherham in 2020.
But perhaps Julie’s proudest and biggest achievement was in saving the Grade I listed Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham from decay (below). In recognition of this 5 year long feat and services to the heritage sector, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2019.
And all of this whilst being a mother to her three children.
A business mentor who truly inspired me
There are so many ways in which Julie has, and will continue to, inspire me both within my business and my life. These are some of the values which, to me, Julie embodied and the ways in which she became a wonderful role model for me. They also prove how you can be successful in business in your own unique way:
Inclusion – I first met Julie back in 1993 when my Dad joined her company. Straight from the off, I was invited with my parents to events and gatherings at her house or out in the business community. This continued right through to our last meeting at the grand opening of The Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse almost a year ago to the day. During my days as a business consultant, and whilst she was High Sheriff, she invited me to a dinner with a local MP and judge which I will never forget. I always felt included. And I was always staggered that, despite her many commitments, she always found time for me and for my family.
Compassion – I will never forget Julie’s kind and loving nature, especially towards my parents. She attended my Mum’s funeral which was just two days before Christmas in 2019. And she was in regular contact with my Dad, always keen to see how he was and to meet up with him. Two days after Julie passed we were due to meet for my Dad’s birthday lunch. She seemed to understand the importance of such occasions and what it would mean to others. And I also heard stories from my Dad (as the financial director at Julie’s company) of how he was encouraged to lend one of her factory employees some money for a new car – remembering what it was like to have been on the breadline herself.
Mentorship – It was when I started out working for myself back in 2011 that Julie became a business mentor to me. We would meet every few months for a chat on my latest venture and she would always offer me straight-talking advice and a wise perspective. Whilst I was a Director at Lucy Loveheart Creations Ltd, her connections led me to a meeting with the buying team at John Lewis. And last year, she took a copy of my book You’re Here for a Reason and sent me a text whilst she was on holiday saying she was enjoying reading it. I was thrilled. Just knowing that I had Julie there to call on for advice and a sounding board made a big difference to my life as a solitary business owner.
Purpose – Julie’s drive and passion for her work was omni-present. You could feel it emanating from her. And I sense underlying that was a true connection to her purpose – to serve and to make life better for others. In every organisation she was involved with she made a sizeable impact. Her dedication to the local community – in particular, creating jobs and restoring a sense of pride in Rotherham – made her a beacon of hope. She was a shining example of someone living out their purpose and enjoying every minute of it. Julie made many career changes and was never afraid to take a leap into something new. This led her to fulfil her purpose on an even grander scale than where she started her career.
Doing the impossible – It took tremendous guts and determination to succeed in the male-dominated worlds in which Julie operated. None more so than the rescuing of Wentworth Woodhouse where, in just two years, she raised the money from the government for emergency repairs which then enabled the purchase by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust which she set up. “Many people told me it was impossible. But my view is that nothing is impossible with time, energy, and belief.” Julie’s motivation to succeed had often been linked back to her difficult childhood which gave her the impetus to overcome challenges.
Strong work ethic – I will always remember the conversation I had with Julie many years ago about my coaching work and the concept of ‘work life balance’ – to which she replied, rather bemused, “Is that actually a thing?” We laughed, but I know that, for Julie, there was really only one gear. Even just last year at the age of 66, she delighted in telling me that she had just taken on some more responsibilities. Whilst I will always be an advocate for work life balance, I will also take inspiration from Julie’s incredible work ethic and her total dedication to her purpose and responsibilities.
Down-to-earthness – Perhaps one of Julie’s most defining characteristics was her down-to-earth nature which is something I have always deeply admired. No matter who she was with or what she had achieved, she never put on any airs or graces. She could level with anyone and everyone. She always remembered where she came from. This was so refreshing to see in a world which is so full of pretence and ego.
My pledge in honour of Julie
When someone so influential passes on, I always look for the ways in which I can embody some of what I learnt from that person. This was certainly the case when my Mum passed. And so it is with Julie.
This is my pledge and what I vow to try and embody each day, in my own way, and on my own unique path:
- I vow to always stay grounded
- I vow to give my time generously to others
- I vow to never be afraid to take a risk
- I vow to always be driven by passion and purpose in my work
- I vow to believe that nothing is impossible
- I vow to become the best business mentor I can
- I vow to continue to encourage work life balance (sorry Julie, I couldn’t help myself with that one)
A light has gone out but a light remains
When I heard the news of Julie’s passing, it felt like a light had gone out. That is what she brought to the world, especially in the darker corners which needed brightening up. I will miss her strength and her steady influence in human form. But I also know that her light will remain eternally and her presence will always be felt. And I am so deeply grateful that she was in my life as a business mentor and as a family friend in the way that she was and for so many years.
I know that this loss will be most keenly felt by Julie’s family – to whom I send so much love and light.
Last time I saw Julie it struck me how radiant and happy she looked, in her element at the official opening of The Camellia House at Wentworth Woodhouse (below). That is how I will always remember her.
Thank you Julie, for everything. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
