Insights
Meet the Stonehage Fleming XV - Francesca Brady
In this series we introduce the fifteen women making up our first Stonehage Fleming XV cohort. Next up is Francesca Brady. Focused on improving air quality and having conversations on the best way to foster healthier living and working environments, Francesca is the CEO and Co-Founder of AirRated, an indoor air quality (IAQ) Certification Company - creating the benchmark for IAQ.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE?
“Ditch perfectionism.”
For a long time I always felt I had to do everything ‘right’. Inevitably, it always took me forever. I remember at school, my mum would get so frustrated that I was working on things at the last minute. But that wasn't it. I was still working because I wanted the end product to be perfect. When I started building my business, I quickly learned I couldn’t be like that anymore. Giving up on perfectionism feels like a big statement; it’s more like a shift to striving for excellence. Excellence means producing quality while knowing and being comfortable with the idea that perfection isn’t totally realistic in reality - it is liberating, healthy and much more efficient.
WHAT DOES BEING SELECTED FOR THE SFXV MEAN TO YOU?
I am passionate about what I do and I love what I am doing. However, it is not easy. So, through all the hard work and all the tough days it means a lot to have a bit of recognition. When I looked at the list of women on the SFXV, I felt honoured to be included. There are so many talented and successful business owners out there, getting to 15 must have been an arduous undertaking. It is a privilege to be in such great company.