“I have used self employed life to let my energy lead me rather than a tight routine or schedule.“
Today I am having a coffee with Serena Gasparini of Sense & Forum, who has kindly agreed to answer my questions about her no BS happier life…
Q. How long have you been self-employed, and how do you make the most of the freedom that self-employment brings?
A. 3+ years
I have used self employed life to let my energy lead me rather than a tight routine or schedule. This gives me the freedom to look after myself and nurture my mind and body in a more fulfilling way. Rest is often more productive than powering through.
Q. What are you passionate about – in business and in life?
A. Community of course
Diversity and inclusion
Mental health
Q. What brings you joy?
A. My fur babies
Living in Cyprus
Swimming
Plants
Coffee
Q: How do you nurture yourself when you do something that is outside of your comfort zone?
A. By telling people who I know would be proud and help celebrate the achievement with me.
Q. How do you show yourself excessive kindness?
A. I don’t work Wednesdays, it’s my offline/mental health day. It was hard at first to stick to it but once I communicated it more to my clients, stuck in the boundaries, people respected that. Now I am able to do what I need to do to look after myself on that day. Rest, massage, go to the beach.
Q. What is one thing about being a business owner that you have learned is BS?
A. Working in your business around the clock or doing more than full-time hours for it to be successful.
Q. What will be your next adventure?
A. Having a baby, starting a family and evolving the business into an agency.
Q. An important part of owning our own story is being able to state who we are without explanation. Tell us something about yourself / your preferences / your needs without any background or context:
A. I have three passports and have lived on three different islands in my life. I have also travelled to over thirty countries and recently took my baby bump to four different countries.
Q. Who are you looking to work with, and how can people get in touch?
A. Small businesses and start ups that want to grow and build diverse and inclusive communities.
Email serena@senseandforum.com
Phone +447477 692 296
Website https://www.senseandforum.com/
My thanks to Serena for allowing me to share her insights! Look out for more interviews with members of my wonderful business network coming soon.
Helen Calvert
The No Bullsh*t Coach
March 2023