Sally Healey is a business consultant, counsellor, trainer, recruitment specialist and finalist for the pretigious Telstra Business Woman of the Year Award in 2000.
With almost 20 years of human resources management experience behind her, Sally took a small business operating out of her lounge room to commercial premises complete with qualified staff, in less than 18 months. With such an achievement under her belt, Sally is well qualified to help women to develop their full potential, in her capacity as head of theJigsaw Consulting Group. Jigsaw Consulting Group is based in Brisbane and also includes the Jigsaw Medical Training division, which specialises in training and recruitment within the medical profession and has helped many women achieve success in their chosen profession. Sally also holds workshops for women. The Imposter Syndrome: Release and love your true genius is a workshop Sally developed to help women who feel they may be unconsciously sabotaging their own success.
I asked Sally to tell us in her own words how she got started:
“I started my business in the lounge room of my home 18 months ago. Believe me when I say I had a number hurdles to overcome. However, with persistance, passion and networking it has grown into a very successful small business, I now have a fantastic staff and welcoming premises”
What services does your business offer to clients?
“providing personal and professional development for women:
Our counselling services assist individuals with a wide range of issues, including life change, relationships, and hinderances to success. Innovative, creative and results focused coaching enabling you to achieve your professional, business and personal goals. When you complete training with us you have the support of a professional recruitment agency behind you. Business Development – Jigsaw can help your business fulfil its potential, whether you are just starting out or seeking to expand or your established business. We assist business managers with professional coaching, leadership training, sales and staff management.”
Are there any new developments on the horizon?
“Yes. We are in the process of becoming a Registeried Training Organisation. We continually monitor client needs and focus our plans on these requirements.
I am also very busy developing a new website that will include a number of e-books and workbooks focusing on personal and professional development for women. This will include topics such as: Relationship growth, changing direction, finding your life passion and re-creating your life. Many of the beautiful women who I see in my private practice are often afraid to speak out about their concerns, believing that this will be seen as a weakness. Not the case – give a woman the tools and strategies to “be what she wants to be” and she takes off at a rapid rate”.
What advice do you have for a woman just starting out in business?
“Find your passion and believe in your dreams. When things get tough, which they may in the early stage, stay focused on the big picture. Don’t let others put doubt in your mind or take away your dream with their own personal beliefs. For example: I had people saying: “be careful you are giving up a really good job, this may not work”. If I had taken on their beliefs I may not have preceded in living my dream. Examine your belief system and values, make sure that you have created your own rule book and are not being influenced by old beliefs gathered from somewhere in your distant path that are no longer useful. And finally, don’t be afraid to speak up for what you believe in with passion and excitement.”
Sally is committed to life-long learning and makes it a priority in her life to complete at least one subject a year. She is also a member of the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors and the Australian Institute of Management. Sally points out that membership of professional organisations keeps your knowledge up to date and provides the perfect opportunity to network with people in your industry.
When she isn’t working, Sally enjoys yoga and meditation. “It is my way of de-stressing. I think it is crucial to clear one’s mind of clutter to be effective.” She also plans to clear some space in her busy schedule so she can take art classes commencing in early 2008.
Although she has achieved much in her working life, Sally would like to apply her years of experience to helping young women just starting out in their working life. “I sure wish I had a mentor and an understanding of helpful life and business skills when I was young”. I have no doubt that with her passion for personal development, Sally Healey will not only realise her own next big dream, but will help to make more than just a few dreams of the next generation of women, come true as well.
Sally Healey is a real inspiration to her clients and to women in general. Sally has demonstrated what can be achieved when you find your passion and follow your dreams. I would like to thank Sally Healey for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk with Australian Women Online.