Former Ballerina and working mother of two becomes First Women’s Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017
Angela is the founder of 7 companies including June Medical and The London Medical Academy, LMEDAC. Not only is Angela a successful business woman but she is overtly passionate about making a difference with the companies that she has created.
Her desire to expand knowledge provides real benefit to many women and shows how passion in the search for excellence can often go hand in hand with success. Angela serves not just as a successful business woman and entrepreneur but also as a true role model for those both near and far. Angela is a very worthy winner of the First Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and no doubt there will be many more awards to come.
Tell us about your dream job as a child.
When I was 8, I wanted to be a vet. I had convinced my parents to get me a pet (after the 100 or so pet snails I had collected escaped into my dad’s garage, they were keen to ensure my needs were met), my love for animals was stronger than anything else. Then when I realized I couldn’t save all the animals, I moved on. I think I wanted to be a lawyer after that (to put the bad people away).
Why did you go into business in the first place?
When there was an obvious gap in the market, and I knew I was skilled, experienced, knowledgeable and well connected, the opportunity was too good to pass up. It also gave me the chance to really do good again and a big part of what I do is non-profit work.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My dad. He has given me the confidence to try, the ability to do and the humour to manage failure. He has taught me that your word is more important than any written contract, and that if you can be kind, you should. I live by that every day.
What did you most fear in the early days of your business?
That we were going to have a cashflow problem, or that we were too early and wouldn’t be able to really shape the market the way I knew we had to. What we are doing with London Medical Education Academy is so big and so important, that it terrifies me.
What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?
Best decision was to start my companies. Worst decision was to not send back a lot of stock to a company that went out of business – thinking it would be useful. That was a very expensive mistake. Ethical, but expensive.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to women in business?
For Women: The informal decision making groups that women aren’t part of until they are 50/50. I am watching the countries where mandatory quotation is implemented, and the results are obvious: everyone benefits.
I also want to see mandatory parental leave split between parents so that the playing field is level.
For Parents: The ridiculous working hours, and the lack of work life balance. We have part time, flexible hours and I frequently tell people to stop working and go home. Family comes first, always!!
What’s the best advice you have received in business?
97% of those who give up will be employed by the 3% who stuck at it. Don’t give up too soon.
Tell us about winning First Women’s Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017!
Winning Entrepreneur of the year 2017 was a big shock, but a very welcomed one. I was truly honoured (and slightly intimidated) by just being a Finalist, and couldn’t in my wildest dreams imagine taking the award home!
I attended the night to applaud and honour the Finalists and Winners, feeling inspired and motivated by the sheer talent in the room. I was so proud when my name was next to the household names on the screen, and then absolutely floored when Dale Murray called my name!
What do you do for fun?
Anything outside, preferably in 24-27 degrees and sunshine. Close to water if I can be, with my fiancée and our two daughters.
What’s next for you and your business?
Dream up new products and solutions. Build our own lab and storage facilities. Change the way doctors learn new procedures, so they don’t injure patients in the process.
If you could tell your younger you something what would you say?
Hang in there sweetheart, don’t be so sad. It will get better, I promise. One day you will be happier than you ever thought possible.
Angela Spang
www.angelaspang.com