My name is Linda and I am the founder of Adelaide Workplace Resolutions. Adelaide Workplace Resolutions conduct independent, impartial investigations into formal complaints in the workplace, and make findings of fact. We advise companies on policy breaches, workplace health and safety issues, people and performance issues. We then recommend post-investigation support strategies for organizations to adopt moving forward.

When did you start your business?

AWR was started in 2022

What was the inspiration behind starting this business?

Haha well, when my little boy was born on 30/11/21, I was made redundant from my job. I figured I would go on maternity leave and then find something else. However, life had other plans. When my little boy was 8 weeks old I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer. While obviously a diagnosis like that is devastating in itself, financially I just could not see how we were going to make ends meet with 2 kids, a mortgage and my husband battling his own health issues at the time. We had saved for my 6 months of maternity leave, but we certainly weren’t prepared for this. In reality, I knew that no one would hire someone going through such intensive treatment for cancer so I thought to myself, I have all this experience and all these skills, why not give it a go myself. That’s when Adelaide Workplace Resolutions came into existence. 

What are you most excited about in your business?

I am so excited that I am finally at a point in my career where I can see all the hard work I have done with work and study paying off. I can now earn in an hour what I previously earnt in a day and after working so hard to get there, I have options to provide for my family while also being able to work around my kids and my health. 

What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?

The most challenging thing about starting my business was confidence. I honestly didn’t know if I could start a business while going through all my health issues. However, I knew that my two little kids were watching me and watching how I dealt with difficult situations so I picked myself up and believed that I could do it. And I did. 

What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?

Do it. If you have a particular skill, qualification or dream then just do it. You could spend your life making other people rich or you could look after yourself. You likely have more skills, experience and value than you give yourself credit for. If you do what you have always done, you will get what you’ve always got. 

Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?

I believe I was nominated by someone. I am so glad they took the time to see my value. 

What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?

It was just such an honour to be even nominated amongst such amazing and inspiring women! And to receive a place was just WOW!

What surprised you most about the awards?

Getting a place haha 

 I had always felt that I was invisible, unseen. Working in big business for most of my career I always felt like I put in so much and while the figures always showed the work I was putting in, I never truly felt appreciated. So, receiving a nomination, becoming a finalist and then receiving a place in the awards made me feel seen for the first time in my career. 

How did the awards help you in your business?

I think the acknowledgement and recognition gave me the confidence that I was doing what I was meant to do. \

What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?

Again, just do it. There is an interview stage in the process and we all know that any kind of interview can be a little daunting but everyone was so lovely and it was really nothing to stress about at all. 

What has been the best thing about starting your own business?

Flexibility, freedom and being able to work around watching my kids grow up instead of driving for hours a day then working hard for someone else. 

What’s happening next in your business?

I am hoping to expand my business once my health improves but given my situation I just need to take it one day at a time.

What are your big plans for the future?

I had always dreamed about the future and what that looked like for me. However, this year has taught me to focus on the now. 

What is your website and/or social media links (eg. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)

Website is still under construction 

LinkedIn: Adelaide Workplace Resolutions | LinkedIn

Facebook: Adelaide Workplace Resolutions | Facebook

Instagram: @adelaide.workplace.resolutions 

(I hope those hyperlinks worked!)