Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
My name is Charlotte Crowl I’m 27 and I grew up around Essex and East London, at the age of 17 I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. During that time, I went through many mental and physical struggles including my body shutting down, I wasn’t able to walk, talk or even swallow and I was told I wouldn’t recover from this side effect. Even though I am still working on rehabilitation I am able to walk and talk, these situations really humbled me and put me on the path that I am on today. I am a self-published author, nutritional therapist, public speaker, lifestyle advisor and a cancer survivor, I specialize in helping people take back control of all aspects of their life.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
Not really, originally before during and after I was ill I was studying and working in the music industry. My career really choose me because after writing my book one thing just led to another and I just found myself doing things I had a natural talent for.
Have you faced any challenges along the way and if so, how did you deal with them?
Confidence was and still is one of my biggest hurdles, I don’t like being in the spotlight but in order to share my story I have had to do things like be on radio, public speaking and live video interviews, these things really took me out of my comfort zone. I had to feel ready and know what I am doing is bigger than me, I’m here to serve and help others and I can’t let my confidence get in the way. Now don’t get me wrong I still get anxious and nervous but I’m learning to cope with it in my own way.
On a typical workday, how does you start your day and how does it end?
It always starts with meditation and exercise to get me in the correct mind-set for the day. I will then go on to check emails, schedule social media posts and create a to do list, to work throughout the day including any scheduled meetings and breaks. The to do list is definitely key for keeping me on track with my tasks, otherwise I can’t see what I am accomplishing throughout my day.
How do you feel about mentoring? Have you ever had a mentor or do you mentor anyone?
I have had a few mentors and I think they are amazing they really help give you a different view on your business and I feel I always hit more goals when I am working with a mentor. I wouldn’t call myself a mentor, more of a lifestyle advisor, I am consistently helping people improve their lifestyles to help them gain better control in their everyday situations.
If you could change one thing for women in the workplace, what would it be?
I have always been self-employed so I have never worked in a workplace but if I was to comment it would be equal pay. I’m shocked that in this day and age there are a lot of companies where men get paid as much as 14 per cent more per hour than women, equality is so important no one is better than anyone else
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Definitely self-publishing my book “Cancer | The Hidden Truth”, sometimes I still can’t quite believe I am an Author.
What is your next challenge and what are you hoping to achieve in the future?
I am currently in the process of creating online programs mainly for people who have been affected by cancer but also for people looking to take back control of their health and lifestyle. In the future, I hope to do something to help people who have disabilities and also change the face of disability because it’s not something I talk about much but it is definitely close to my heart.
What three bits of advice would you give to any one reading this?
Gratitude – don’t forget to be grateful for what you have whilst working for what you want in life.
Fearless – Don’t be scared to go after what you want, it’s better to know the outcome rather than wonder on what could have been.
Be You – Be comfortable in being yourself because originals are much more valuable than copies.
How can people get in contact with you?
@charlottecrowl on Instagram and twitter
To follow my journey like my public page www.facebook.com/charlottemcrowl
For anyone affected by cancer follow @we.cancervive on Instagram
www.charlottecrowl.org.uk
