An inspiration

Prior to launching Cassidy Mason Consulting, Cassidy worked across sales and strategy in Jersey, London and Sydney. Following over a decade of working in house, she launched her own consultancy in order to provide that vital overview that is so hard to have when involved in the day to day operations. She talks to us about the ins and outs of running your own company.

Tell us about your business…

When I founded CMC, my goal was to support businesses and keep focussed on achieving objectives. The day to day running of a business can create challenges in staying on track and prioritising tasks and so my aim is to provide that vantage point to help remove the noise, keep momentum and drive efficiency.

Where do you think you got your entrepreneurial spirit from?

My dad is an entrepreneur and whilst it was never something I saw myself doing, the seed of what it was, and that way of working was planted from an early age. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do professionally until after university - I didn’t know that ‘strategy’ was an industry I could work in until a recruitment agency suggested it. When I read that first job description, I knew the industry was the one for me. I have always been a problem solver - I find great satisfaction in reaching an end goal, and finding a path to do that.

What were some of the early lessons you learnt about business and leadership?

After university, I worked in hospitality and found that the best learning experience for leadership. The key lessons I learnt early on was stakeholder management, understanding the customer and client management. Hospitality is all about the importance of the customer and it's the same for strategy - you have to value your customer above all else.

How do you juggle being a mum with being your own boss?

The key thing is communication. Everything comes down to communication - communication with myself, with my family and my clients. One of my biggest commodities is my time - so I am always clear with my clients about how much time I can give them at the offset, communicating what I can do for them and when. I am an efficient worker so it will be rare that I don’t finish a project within the allocated time but I am much stricter with myself when it comes to putting down the laptop and stepping away from it all. Now I have to put the effort in to be present. I have a huge motivator to switch off -time with my son.

What would you say is the best part of your job?

I have created a business doing what I love so it's hard to pick one area I like the most. The best thing is when you see a client have a lightbulb moment as a result of my strategizing. There’s a huge sense of achievement (and relief!) when you see a client understand your strategy and agree with it.

And the hardest part?

Business development comes with its challenges but I think selling my business to potential clients is a role I find hardest. For over 10 years I worked in an operations role so now I am having to work in operations and sales and it's definitely outside my comfort zone!

What has been your biggest career highlight to date?

My first contract. I won that in the middle of lockdownwhilst suffering terrible morning sickness- doing my pitch over zoom. I was so happy I won that contract.

Who inspires you?

I’ve learnt so much from so many people that it's hard to pinpoint one role model. I am always learning from those around me and I am constantly inspired by those I work with. Or have worked with.