An inspirational leader who gets things done. Jacqui has travelled the world since 1994 in the name of exports and international trade culminating in an MBE in the Queen’s 2013 New Year Honours List for Services to Industry and International Trade.
Having blazed a trail and built a globally recognised brand within the male dominated construction industry, Jacqui is passionate about the business of business. She is a determined professional who wants to make a difference to those she works with and for.
In addition to her passion for her own business Jacqui is a patriotic ‘believer’ and is of the firm belief that Britain has a great many products, services and practical business solutions to offer the changing face of the global economy. She is on a mission to “make a difference” wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself.
We met up with worldwide business entrepreneur Jacqui Miller-Charlton for an exclusive interview to chat about business, life, goals and Newcastle.
MOA: When did you start your journey in business?
Back in the early 80’s when I was only 17. Although when I look back I was selling/ trading and profiting from these transactions at the tender age of just 8!
MOA: How was business life back then being in a male dominated world?
Very different to the ‘politically’ direct worlf of today. You were fair game and you needed your wits about you at all times. I was always gifted with a greet deal of confidence and so I worked out early in my career so long as I knew my subject I would gain the respect that would keep me safe. That’s not to say that I haven’t had several quite serious incidents to deal with but fortunately nothing more than that. It’s NEVER acceptable to be treat differently because of your gender but we also need a sense of humour and perspective to ensure we don’t misinterpret innocent fun into something more sinister.
MOA: Was there a lot of sexism back then and is there still now?
Yes lots although it’s improved dramatically it still exists. As I referred to in my earlier answer you need to keep things in context and not over react however there are some incidents which are unacceptable on every level and unfortunately as has been well published recently this is still prevalent in some industry sectors / countries. We need to work together to STAMP this out.
A definitive woman’s woman in the epitome of a global man’s world…
by Millie Cooper