Becoming 60, Some of the most important people in my life – part two…
Having already shared the names of some of the people who have shaped my life so far, it brings me nicely onto my own family.
My husband Steve Scott and our four children, Lauren Roberts, Sammie Scott, Georgia Scott and David Scott. Steve turned 60 at the end of last year and this year we embark on the trip of a lifetime to travel around America and Canada to mark this milestone. Steve has spent many years working in telecoms and is now working alongside me and doing what he wants to do! Lauren joined me in the business a few years ago and has her own son, Oliver with her husband Gareth. Sammie has been to university twice and completed a degree in Fine Art and a PGCE in Education. Georgia has graduated with a first-class honours degree in English Literature and drama. Both work as freelancers choosing to work with good people and walk away from those who are not so good. David is currently studying for a foundation degree in Performing Arts at Italia Conti in London.
It seems only right in this blog to also mention a few people who’ve influenced my career. Firstly, Richard Lyddon who taught me to be a successful freelancer after TV land. He went freelance and I soon followed. Second, Earl Moorhouse who was the first newspaper editor to give me a chance as a trainee journalist on the Keynsham Weekly Chronicle. James Garrett also gave me my first break into TV after two years of being turned down for roles at the start of my tv career and he was alongside me right until we were both made redundant from tv land back in 2009.
I can’t talk about important people without mentioning my bestie Lis McDermott and her lovely husband Conrad. I met Lis over 15 years ago at a networking group and on paper no one would think that we would get on. We are so opposite in many ways but scratch beneath the service and there’s so much in common. From being a music teacher, to a professional photographer to a professional writer, author and writing mentor, Lis and I have rung the business changes together. We also spend time together socially and have a little pact to always celebrate our birthday quietly together each year as our birthdays are just three weeks apart. Lis has just turned 74 and for her age really is a number. I aspire to be as vibrant and colourful as she is. She’s supported me in writing my first two books and we’re now starting on my third book while she prepares for the publication of her umptieth novel!
And finally, with the recent passing of my beloved friend Mike Lloyd, I want to dedicate this last paragraph to him. I first met Mike through a business referral group we both belonged to called Businesswise in Swindon, and he was the most unconventional accountant you could ever meet. Covered in tattoos, obsessed with rock music and with a love for cars – aspects to this character which would dawn on you over time as he always looked so polished and professional. Yet he taught me a lot in business and became a great friend. Our daughters are still friends today. Mike, thank you for the advice and I miss you dearly.
It’s impossible to include everyone who has influenced me in sixty years but this is a start. People have a profound impact on our lives. Some big, some small but ultimately, they influence our life’s trajectory. I don’t know if I would be where I am in life today without these people and for that I’m proud. I look forward to the future and to new connections yet to be made. Let’s not underestimate the importance of the people in our lives. People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I intend to embrace each for what they are meant to be.