Charlotte's Thoughts On Life & Business

As someone living with a BRCA1 mutation, there is a certain weight that comes before each screening. Next month, it’s time for my ovarian cancer check, and no matter how many times I do it, the feelings never really settle. It’s a quiet kind of fear, one that creeps into your chest when you least expect it. The scan is routine, yet the thoughts are anything but. At 35, deciding to remove my breasts felt like a clear choice. It was hard, yes, but it was also something I could act on. I had control; I could do something. But this, this is different. Ovarian cancer screening is less precise, less certain, and the preventative option, surgery, means losing something I am still holding out hope for: motherhood. I’m in my early 40s now. People often ask if I want children, and the answer is yes, I still do. But it is a complicated yes. Every year I delay risk-reducing surgery, I carry the knowledge that my risk remains. And every year I think, maybe just a little more time. Maybe one more ch...

Learning to See Myself Without a Filter Lately, I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to forget what real even looks like. With filters that smooth every line, sharpen every feature and paint over the parts of us that feel too human, it’s no wonder so many of us start questioning our own reflection. I caught myself recently, comparing my natural face to the one I see on screen. The filtered version looked polished and bright, like it had it all together. The real me looked tired, a little uneven, and very human. And for a moment, I felt like that wasn’t enough. It’s strange how something designed to enhance can end up making us feel less than. Not just women, not just young people, all of us. We start hiding behind curated versions of ourselves, even from the people we love, and sometimes even from ourselves. But I’m learning. I’m learning to sit with my bare face in the mirror and not rush to change it. I’m learning that pores, smile lines, scars and softness all tell a story. They ...

If you're stepping into a new role, trying to find your feet, and also dealing with the uncertainty of upcoming health scans, it’s completely understandable to feel a little stretched. You’re balancing a lot and doing your best, and that’s something to be proud of. In the middle of all the lists, expectations and unknowns, I just want to gently remind you that it’s okay to pause. Taking care of yourself isn’t something extra to squeeze in when you have time; it’s something that will carry you through everything else. Here are a few simple ways to bring a bit of calm into your day, even when things feel overwhelming: Five-minute pauses : A quick cup of tea without your phone, or a few slow breaths by an open window, can help ground you. You don’t need an hour to reset; just a moment can help. Create a soft space : Light a candle, pop on some music you love, or open a favourite book. Let your surroundings support you in winding down. Body first : A gentle stretch when you wak...

Taking on a founding Account Executive role at a startup involves more than just selling a product; it requires becoming a builder, a problem solver, and, at times, a confidant. This journey can be thrilling and fulfilling, but it is also not for the faint of heart. If you are considering this path or are already immersed in it, here are some candid insights on the qualities needed to thrive, potential pitfalls to avoid, and how to navigate the chaos with intention. What Makes a Great Founding Account Executive 1. Ownership Mentality You will not receive pre-qualified leads and a fully developed sales process. Instead, you will be responsible for creating, testing, and refining nearly every aspect of the sales function. From designing pitch decks to establishing the first CRM workflows, it is up to you. The best founding Account Executives embrace this responsibility, viewing it as an opportunity to shape the foundational elements of the company. 2. Comfort With Ambiguity Expect rapid ...