Celebrating International Women's Day - Sarah Callander Beckett, Combermere Abbey

Sarah Callander Beckett, Combermere Abbey

What is your biggest challenge in your business today and how did you overcome it? 

Living in a rural area in South Cheshire, with the business hub in the middle of the property, our biggest challenge is connectivity as we are a mile from the main road!  Everyone today wants to stream and download information so we took advantage of a cultural recovery grant which part paid to bring fibre onto the estate.  Now we have a gigabite and lots of happy customers.

Who is your inspirational woman?

Emma Thompson the actress – she is direct and outspoken when necessary, standing up for what she believes.  She is also very funny and has no issues with aging gracefully.  There are others in that genre too like Maggie Smith.

What words of wisdom do you have for other women in business or hospitality?

Bring empathy and a smile to each situation.  Difuse a difficult and possibly aggressive situation by taking a deep breath, then listen to the person or people involved, apologise if appropriate and offer understanding of their position (even if it not correct). It will definitely take the heat out of the situation.

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