Zoe Bennett’s life changed forever when her father Errol was brutally murdered in 2011.

After a long battle to achieve justice, she channelled her experiences into forging a successful career as an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author and founder of the Multicultural Business and Community Champion (MBCC) Awards.

In this episode of CEO Stories, the self-styled Motivational Queen shares her remarkable story with Henrietta Brealey – from her early roles working in market stalls and kebab shops, to overcoming traumas and setbacks to make it on her own in the world of business.

Zoe, who is managing director of her own firm Training Personified, also tells us about the recognition she received for inspiring disadvantaged individuals and shares her top tips for networking.

Key topics:

How did Zoe take positives from something as traumatic as her father's murder?
What inspired Zoe to start the MBCC Awards?
How did she find the experience of starting up on her own in business?
Why did she choose to focus on working with 'hard to reach' groups?
What does Zoe wish people and businesses understood better about the people she supports?
What are the highlights of her career as a motivational speaker?
What are her top networking tips and what are the common mistakes she sees people make?

More information on Zoe Bennett and Training Personified:

https://motivationalqueen.com/

https://trainingpersonified.com/

Connect with us:

Website: ⁠https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/grbhamchambers⁠

X (formerly Twitter): ⁠https://twitter.com/GrBhamChambers⁠

Email: press@birmingham-chamber.com

Connect with Henrietta:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-brealey-86263b33/⁠

X (formerly Twitter): ⁠https://twitter.com/HenriettaLB⁠

About Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce:

We’re here to unleash the potential of Greater Birmingham’s businesses.

Whether it’s connections with our extensive network, inspiring events that spark new ideas, expert led services, regional insight, or opportunities to build and raise your profile, we’re here to give your business the tools to reach your full potential.

We are unwavering champions and the leading voice for Greater Birmingham’s businesses. We’re in it for the long haul – we've been putting the us in business since 1813.

At every stage of your business’ journey, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team specialise in empowering businesses to build their networks, access opportunities and learn from best practice locally, and trade internationally. We love local, and we go global.

We are a vibrant community of forward-thinking organisations, that are proud to be shaping the future of Greater Birmingham - together.

About this episode:

CEO Stories delves into some of the most challenging experiences our guests have faced, as well as their successes.

This episode contains references to violent crime and mental health challenges.

Sheila Brown | Build your people and you’ll build your business