Her father was a wine shipper
and her mother was a pioneer as a female entrepreneur in the 1970s, running a catering business which gave the young Fiona a good grounding in people
skills and
crisis management. “Running your own business as
a woman was unusual at this time, so she was a great role model for a working mother,” Fiona says. “It was a very ‘hands on’ childhood. Learning that customer service experience
invaluable.” She took a gap year after school
and then studied for an MA in History of Art and Management Science at
Andrews. She married as soon as she graduated and went
the University of St to
work for Jones Lang Wootton in Australia, with her new husband, who was a teacher. “That
was an amazing
experience, going to live in another country and figuring out married life and living and working so far from home. My story is quite unusual because I got married at 22 and I had four children under the age of six by the time I was 30. My early years were all about family and child raising and I wouldn't change that for a minute. I always felt
that I would have my career
later and, fortunately, that's how it's turned out to be.” On returning to the UK, her
husband became headmaster of Milton Abbey School in Dorset, and Fiona became head of history of art, taking pupils on school trips to Europe to see the galleries. Her understanding of how
schools work, what makes a good educational
experience, and the
important of preparing children for university and later life was honed during these years.
EDUCATION & SUPPORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST In 2010, her husband’s job moved the family to Dubai, where he became head of Repton School in Nad al Sheba. At the same time, Fiona became the first female
president of the Rugbeian Society, a role of which she is very proud and which involved focusing on fundraising among the
alumni
and developing an internship programme to give young alumni opportunities for work experience. While she was in the Middle East, she was approached for a role as education consultant and became
director early on has been of Gabbitas
Education before moving to Carfax five years later. “I realised I knew a huge amount
about schools and about parents and education generally, so it was exactly my skillset,” she explains. She set up the Middle East branch of Gabbitas and grew the business, increasing revenue and reach. She then moved to Carfax, where she helps families across a variety of educational sectors. “Navigating the
driving forwards a demanding career, but
there are plenty of
opportunities to explore later in life. “I started my fully fledged
career at the age of 50, and I've really enjoyed it because I have the maturity and the wisdom and confidence that I have gained over many years of lived experience,” she
says. “For the clients I
work with, that experience and practical guidance, knowing that I have raised a family and been deeply immersed in education from a personal and professional perspective, is very reassuring.” Fiona has been
recognised
as a top education adviser by Spears and as the chief editor for the
leading international educational
landscape, especially on a global basis, can be challenging for families and it can be a quite terrifying experience to have to start picking schools and education pathways for your child,” she says. “They look to us for advice on how to plan out their education, what sort of education roadmap they need to be considering. We are here to guide and mentor on that journey and to provide our expertise,” she says. Many of the families from her
global client base want to send their children to UK universities and top academic
institutions in Europe and the US.
LEADERSHIP STYLE & FEMALE CAREERS Fiona describes her leadership style as “very collaborative” and thrives on cooperation and teamwork. For women in particular, it is important to be aware that often our careers are
not linear, but
that moving sideways to gain new skills and experiences can be useful in the long run. “Be open to opportunities and take a risk in your career because that way you progress and grow.” She says it is hard for women with a young family to deliver on
“ I STARTED MY FULLY FLEDGED CAREER AT THE AGE OF 50, AND I'VE REALLY ENJOYED IT BECAUSE I HAVE THE MATURITY AND THE WISDOM AND CONFIDENCE THAT I HAVE GAINED OVER MANY YEARS OF LIVED EXPERIENCE.”
83 schools
guide, ‘The Schools Index’. She is regularly invited to chair panels and contribute to the media on education matters.
THINK WOMEN
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
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