April 19, 2021
BBW MEMBER INTERVIEW: Michelle Lestas, Entrepreneur, Business Turnaround Specialist, Public Speaker, Author, Co-Founder the Good Food & Wine Co Brand, Arkford Ltd
What is your name?
Michelle Lestas
What is your occupation?
Entrepreneur, Business Turnaround Specialist, Public Speaker, Author, Co-Founder the Good Food & Wine Co Brand
What is your business name?
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year
What is your instagram handle?
What is your linked in URL?
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
I'm an unusual member! I'm the first Belfast based business women to join the group. I have many Irish American relatives in Boston and the East Coast and I also run a really interesting networking group here in Ireland #inbiztogether so I'm really excited to be making new connections through this group of strong Boston Business Women. My aim is to reach out across the Pond and share experiences.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
I grew up in a family business here in Northern Ireland and have been in business for most of my career, as such I consider entrepreneurship as part of my DNA. I am the CoFounder of the gourmet food hamper business The Good Food and Wine Company https://www.thegoodfoodandwinecompany.com/ selling across Ireland and the UK for customers globally. I am also a small business turnaround specialist and investor since 2000, https://michellelestas.com/ specialising in small business growth through 1-2-1 Coaching, Masterclasses and Motivational Talks. I am passionate about what I do and I am ``the Lifer`` - its all in my book!
What would your clients say about you and your company?
I have met many business owners on my journey and I would like to think I encourage inspiration, energy and realistic goals in those I work with - but don't take my word for it! https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michellelestas_my-friday-night-reading-michelle-lestas-activity-6766141017893724160-ds1h
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
From my late father - one of the most tenacious people in business I have known and my mentor - ``tomorrow is another day``
What is your favorite book?
It has to be my own just for now ``In Business With Yourself`` as its only published and took a lot of sweat and tears https://www.amazon.com/Business-Yourself-Understanding-Identity-Break/dp/1786051133/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=michelle+lestas&qid=1615627186&sr=8-3
What is your secret weapon? An app, a tool, a organization method, anything?! (Can be a personal or professional life tool)
My Husband and 2 Kids - they are so supportive of me - being a working mother I couldn't have done what I have done without them working with me.
What is your most recent WIN? How are you slaying it in your career or business?
It has to be the interest gathering from my book - its a really unique way of looking at your business and how you grow it.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Keep focused and realistic.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I live so close to the coast in Northern Ireland so I make the best of lots of walks on the beach and ``sometimes`` make use of our wonderful world renowned golf courses.
What is something that not many people know about you?
I think of my late parents every day and miss them lots.
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