March 9th 2023
High Performance Lunchtimes Series
Since half-term, High Performance Lunchtimes has been following a theme of 'Inspirational Women'. At Moulsford, we believe in highlighting the achievements and equality of women in society.
Over the course of this term, the boys have already heard from three speakers who have excited and enthused them with their advice and variety of experiences.
Jenny Robins (Brocklebank) is a script editor and has worked on shows such as Fleabag and the most recent James Bond film. Jenny came across as a positive and proactive individual who has used opportunities to network and connect with people in her industry. It was clear that her positivity when faced with disappointment certainly has proved to her advantage. An example of this was how a show such as Dickensian finishing after one series provided her with further opportunities on Killing Eve.
One of the questions she asked the boys was whether you wanted to be the person who always rushed for the bus or the person who waited 10 minutes for the next one. Jenny's advice was to be a combination of the two!
Sally Orange is an adventurer who has worked as a physio and has also been in the army. We enjoyed hearing from Sally about her journey and her adventures such as her recent 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents. Her desire to become a physio showed the boys how a difficult journey can be made easier with a positive mindset. We heard about the importance of immersing oneself into a country and its culture and not simply visiting it. Sally's story around 'failing' an Ironman which then led into a success was a great example to the boys about how success can come from a perceived failure. Her non-negotiables of kindness/humility and authenticity resonated well with the whole audience. And finally…her message to 'be kind to yourself' was a positive message to send the boys off into an afternoon of lessons.
Andrea Leadsom has been an MP since 2010 and has run for the position of Prime Minister. The boys enjoyed listening to her talk about her upbringing and how her mother raised her and her siblings on her own. Her motivation to go into politics came from a desire to save others from difficulties. It was interesting to hear her advice to do something else before politics and also her current work on helping children in their early years to have the best start possible.
She encouraged the boys to 'just keep going' when faced with disappointments. It was also lovely to hear her talk about the importance of faith and how she encouraged the boys to be ‘true to oneself.' We were lucky to hear many stories from her political career and how she continued to stay 'true to herself' throughout this time.
Continuing our ‘Inspirational Women’ theme will be Dr Suzanne Brown and Erin Kennedy.
