I woke up one morning....

Many people have asked me, "where have you got this idea from?" after I share with them this initiative of hosting professional retreats for different groups of women facing varying challenges in their professional careers. Well, I simply woke up one morning and thought, this is what I need for my own career, so why not create one? This is what I need to do.

 I love my job as Head of Events, MICE and Group Travel for a fantastic company based in Manchester. I am challenged everyday, I am allowed to be autonomous with my work, I have the respect of the Directors and the CEO and  and I love the industry that we work within. But, there is still something missing for me in my professional and personal development. I am told regularly that I have so much opportunity around me and there are avenues I can take within the business to go to the next level - but in all honesty - I actually don't know what I want to do!

I have always been a driven, career focussed, ambitious character, moving continents at the drop of a hat to progress my career and work on the next big project. I have always known what I want, where I want to be and what my next step will be. I studied at school, went to university, quit one course, and started again doing another course at a different university that suited me better. I undertook a job with a graduate scheme, moved to London to launch my career and then went international with it. I was always in control of what my next steps would be and I had it all planned out in my head. Until now...

I have an impressive CV working on huge international events such as London 2012 Olympics, FIFA World Cup 2014 Brazil, Formula 1 and other motorsports events in Abu Dhabi, International Festival for Business 2016 and after a period of time moving around I have settled in Manchester. A fantastic up-and-coming city, full of entrepreneurs, hard working people and heritage to be proud of. 

In my role I manage 9 people, all at varying levels of experience and expertise. I am learning everyday about coaching, leading and developing the team to unlock their true potential and achieve our team goals. Its really rewarding. With my role, I report to a number of Directors and have a close relationship with the CEO who I know all value to work that I do. We all have challenges with our line management I am sure, but I really do enjoy working with them all - especially the CEO who is just so passionate, motivated and inspiring. 

The thing with me is... I'm happily dissatisfied all of the time. I'm restless and driven to the point that most people would burn out - but I just have endless energy when it comes to my career, my life and my future. I am happy, living in the present and thankful for everything I have and the people around me - but that never stops me striving for more and seeing what else I'm capable of. I don't stop, and I'm not sorry for that. I travel worldwide relentlessly. I keep in touch with as many people as I can and I arrange catch ups and weekends away months in advance to ensure I never lose contact with people in my life. The thing is now... what do I want to do next? 

With all of this racing around my mind, opportunities being handed to me on a plate, my years of hard work coming in to pay off, I want to press the reset button and refocus on what matters to me. What do I really want to do? 

Happy Birthday to The Professional Retreat!

Hello - This is me, Cat Rainey - Founder of The Professional Retreat.