I graduated from university in the UK with a Masters in chemistry before moving permanently to New Zealand. I started my career working in laboratories as an analytical chemist and equipment specialist managing equipment maintenance, calibration and validation. It was here that I realised that I enjoyed optimising workflows, systems and processes. When my partner and I started an engineering consultancy I set-up and administered all aspects of H&S, financial, HR, IT, insurance and legal. As the company grew the scope and responsibility of this role increased I became the COO. After several years in this role I decided to change my work-life balance so that I could spend more time with my two children. I reduced my hours and reduced the scope of my role to focus on financial management of what was now a Council Controlled Trading Organisation. A key part of my role was ensuring the company was fit for annual audits by representatives of the Auditor General and had the appropriate financial processes and systems in place. Since leaving this role, I have been lucky enough to spend some downtime with my family and had the chance to think about what I really want to do. The idea of being able to support and help others to start and manage their own businesses has always motivated me; I love working with others to help them solve problems and put processes in place that will help them succeed. The balance between work and personal life is extremely important to me, and this is also something that I think others should be able to benefit from – working as a freelancer gives you that freedom.