#Supermamas Interview Series: Introducing Kate, From Kate On Thin Ice

Can you please introduce yourself?

I am Kate.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a barrister having watched Crown Court a lot on the telly. Also my Dad was a police officer for many years and often spoke about legal stories both from those days and as an insurer. Which is what he did throughout my childhood.

What did you do before becoming a mum?

I was an advice worker first as a volunteer and paid worker. I then decided you could probably change things for more people by spreading the word about injustices in society via the media so got involved in media work and then fundraising too as I helped to increase the advice agency’s profile. With a taste for media work I worked for a while with Oxfam promoting its charity shops and their campaigns. I spent many years promoting volunteering in city, market town and rural settings. That is what I was involved in when I became a mum for the first time.

Why did leave that job?

I started a new job in the same field about 6 weeks after giving birth. I then moved on to a new role promoting Action Learning for Managers in the charity sector because it was a step up prestige and pay wise. I did not even understand the job description but a very generous colleague put it on my desk and encouraged me to go for it kindly saying “cream rises to the top” I was there when I became pregnant with my second baby.

What do you do now?

I juggle writing, blogging, social media and marketing consultancy work, home education and the never-ending housework.

What are you passionate about?

Righting the wrongs that exist in society particularly abuses of power in education, employment, housing and domestic settings. I like to give women a voice via my blog.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find it very easy to be inspired as so much needs to change but also I am very much a creative soul so always have a lot of ideas bubbling away.

Did you learn to say no?

In my life and times, I have said no to things I should have said yes to and vice versa. I do value myself way more than I did after receiving treatment for depression and also just working out putting others first and to such a degree was neither necessary or very good for my wellbeing. I guess age and experience brings its own rewards.

How did you overcome uncertainties and self doubt?

I applied for Cambridge University and got in when I was a teenager and was the first person from my school to go there. As an adopted child, who was bullied at school, that was a huge boost and I found a place I was comfortable and happy. I still use that as a touchstone in challenging times. I have started to own my achievements now after years of showing an impressive C.V. and people being all complimentary and me saying “oh but that’s not me” even though there was not one single lie on it.

I have had two serious relationships in my life both of which I was treated badly in. I have listened to other women talk in the media and realised that men act badly to very beautiful and talented women and it is the man’s issue not the woman’s. You can choose to be a survivor rather than a victim. You can also start setting your own terms about what you are willing or unwilling to accept.

I have always had social anxiety even though I did not know the name for it for many years. These days having found out that people who do break through my barriers seem to like me loads, I have decided I may as well speed up the process and be openly me warts and all and let people make up their own minds knowing that if they do not wish to be my friend, that means nothing negative about me.

I used to read loads of self-help books and  have probably taken little nuggets of wisdom from them too.

Blogging has had a huge impact on the way I feel about myself.

Did you have to convince your family about making the leap? Or did they support you from the very beginning?

My life in blogging was initiated by my late Mum who urged me to write. Little did I know she was about to announce her terminal illness a few weeks later but I feel she gave me the best legacy in encouraging me to get my voice out there and to be the real me.

What’s your latest project?