Emma-Jane Taylor, Founder and Director
After growing up believing she was a failure, Emma-Jane Taylor has since created her own successful businesses, authored a book, and hosts a podcast. Emma-Jane talks to The Industry Leaders about her inspirational work.
How did you end up sitting where you are today?
Being mentally, emotionally, physically fit is close to my heart, particularly through the work I do today.
I was told I was a failure when I left school, and for many years I lived with that label. Fast forward 30 years, and with a lot of therapy, support and collaboration behind me, I am now proud to have been in business for 25 years. One of my businesses is actually celebrating 21 years in 2021!
Being successful (and I don't just mean in monetary terms) has liberated my life and all of those around me.
What kind of work does your role involve?
I work closely with my management, production, and admin team to ensure our clients are looked after and that we are all on the right page to achieve their goals. Of course, in the process, I make sure my team are on track to achieve their goals, which is equally important for me.
I am also a Child Sex Abuse Activist writing my second book and am currently gearing up for new stages and platforms to speak out on a global level.
What gets you excited about your industry?
Other people's success.
If my clients are achieving their goals, then we have achieved what we say on the tin. This allows us to learn, grow and expand knowing that we are on the right page. Equally, I am always positively challenged by constructive feedback to better our work and the future for everyone involved with us.
I also get excited knowing that my voice as an activist will give children a peaceful nights' sleep, not dark and traumatised rest.
What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
To never be complacent.
How do you support aspiring leaders in your field?
By listening, achieving and sharing their work to those that would benefit.
How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?
My colleagues, the internet, social media and news.
What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?
Going into business as a 23-year-old, believing I was a failure.
You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?
Ensure my business is stable, invest in my next project focused on reducing child sexual abuse, make sure I had a solid pension for my family and future, and then buy the holiday home I've always dreamt of.
Then I would invest in Breaking the Silence, which supports vulnerable people, and continue my fight to create a universal language that allows children to sleep peacefully at night. I would make a safe space for children and an education system that is much needed around Child Sexual Abuse.
How do you switch off after a day at work?
I exercise a lot. I spend my days interviewing survivors, child sex abuse offenders, authorities and support groups as research for my second book - it can be intense.
As a result, I walk around 1.5 hours a day and exercise at least an hour - sometimes two - first thing in the morning.
I do not take technology upstairs at night, and I listen to chill out music to soothe my mind. It's important for me. At weekends I turn everything OFF and just enjoy life as I knew it back when I was a young girl.
If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?
That people would understand the benefits of having mental, emotional and physical fitness.
What book or podcast should everyone know about?
My book, Don't Hold Back (obvs!), and I can't wait to read David Garlock's next book about his life surviving abuse and why he killed his perpetrator.
I'd also recommend my podcast, Talk the Taboo and also Madeleine Black's podcast - real lives. There are some incredible stories that everyone should hear. Lastly, I'd also recommend Raphael Rowe's podcast - there are some amazing stories from real people.
How should people connect with you?
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