4 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Rachel Clacher CBE is the Co-Founder of Moneypenny and the Founder & Chair of
WeMindTheGap. Rachel started Moneypenny with her brother Ed Reeves in 2000. Today Moneypenny is the world’s lead provider of telephone answering, outsourced switchboard and live chat, with US and UK offices. From its award-winning HQ – known as ‘the happiest office in the land’ – the company is recognised as one of the ‘Top Best Companies to Work For’.
In 2014 Rachel established WeMindTheGap, a charity that, through their WeDiscover virtual programme and WeGrow employment programme, gives new opportunities to under-served young people. Rachel was awarded a CBE in 2020 for services to business and underprivileged young people.
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
There’s nothing quite like doing it yourself. If you don’t you will always wonder… There is always someone bigger, faster, slicker, with deeper pockets, and the time will never be completely right – but are these good enough reasons not to give it a go? Harness those feminine energies of empathy, flexibility and communication and combine them with the fact that scarcity drives innovation. Only you can bring your vision to life: love it, nurture it, wear your customer’s shoes every day, be relentless in your pursuit, be kind, have the confidence to ask stupid questions and only work with people who make your world a better place. And enjoy.
What are your top tips 5 tips for entrepreneurial success?
Treat other people as you would want to be treated yourself.
Recruit for attitude and not just aptitude.
Think big, and know that you will achieve those big ambitions by getting the important small things right.
Know your own strengths and weaknesses. Recruit to answer your weaknesses. Play to your strengths.
Work with great people that you trust.
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
Joanna Swash (Moneypenny CEO)
Michelle Obama
J.K. Rowling
Caitlin Moran
So many of the young women who I have met through WeMindTheGap who do not let the past define them, and who are so busy creating and living bright futures.
What is your favourite saying/inspirational quote?‘
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has’ –Margaret Mead
Websites
www.moneypenny.co.uk
