Over the next month we are asking various women who are living life of their own terms a series of short questions. The purpose? To highlight that 'success' has a different definition for each and everyone of us, to highlight both our failures and our achievements and to start thinking about how we can each have a positive impact for the future generation....
Jo Symanowski is 41 and worked as Leadership and Management Consultant in various businesses for 15 years before running away and joining the circus. She is currently travelling Central America with zero transport costs and loves exploring, hiking and photography.
What does success mean to you in 3 words?
Waking up happy
What’s your biggest achievement?
Tricky one! Having the friends I have. Without the amazing friends I have I wouldn't have achieved the big and small things I have. So they are definitely my biggest success, knowing that whatever happens they have my back and despite the madness of my ideas they support me.
What’s your biggest failure?
Not leaving a situation when I should have. I stayed in an abusive relationship for years too long, my failure was not leaving sooner. Life is amazing since I found the courage though.
What do you love about yourself most?
I used to really not like myself. Now I love myself and that's because I've created for myself the life I want to live.
Whats’ your biggest insecurity?
Making the same mistakes I've made before.
What advice would you give yourself to a woman half your age?
I'm 41, my advice to someone in their early 20's would be 'never settle'. Whether it's a job, relationship, anything. Never settle, always dream and push. Don't settle for OK, go for what it is you really want whatever the naysayers say.
What is your biggest concern for the future generation and what would you do to change this?
Thought long and hard about this. There's lots that concerns me but I think the biggest is the sense of entitlement I see so much of. The world's a harsh and beautiful place but it owes us nothing. You have to work for what you want, earn respect and fight for fairness for yourself and others.
Want to share your own story and help empower other women? Let us know at info@above-water.co.uk or via Facebook, Twitter @LifeAboveWater
