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Kirsty Clafton, a Laidlaw Scholar at London Business School, on achieving goals, being a mother and helping women succeed.

I am originally from northeast England but moved around a lot with my previous job in the British Army. I was an Officer in the Royal Engineers, which saw me take on a variety of leadership roles in the 11 years that I served.  

Once I handed my notice in, I wasn’t sure what to do next but wanted to springboard onto the next thing without taking a pay cut or a new role with fewer responsibilities than I had previously held. I needed a business education and a network of people willing to help me achieve my goals. I decided to submit a very last-minute application to London Business School but could not afford the fees. 

After learning about the Laidlaw Foundation, I had the slim possibility that I’d be able to accept my offer of a place on the MBA, which I would otherwise have had to turn down for financial reasons. I felt inspired by Lord Laidlaw’s intent to help women to break the glass ceiling that exists in most organisations, and so decided to apply.  Being granted the Laidlaw Scholarship has granted me an extraordinary opportunity, and I am truly grateful. It will provide me with a network of amazing women and the financial means to allow me to pursue an MBA. 

What is the biggest life challenge you overcame, and what did you learn from it?

I am a mother to two young boys. I have found motherhood to be the hardest job in the world. ‘Mum Guilt’, the feeling that I have to be perfect, has driven me to dedicate every ounce of my energy and time trying to be the best parent possible. Mum Guilt has made me question whether or not I’m doing the right thing for my boys if my attention is no longer solely focused on them. Mum Guilt has also led me to really struggle with my mental health over the past year.  

Yet, my children will only benefit from having a mother who feels self-fulfilled, confident and whose self-esteem is high. I believe I can help other mothers who wish to return to business or start a new career overcome their Mum Guilt too. There is still a stigma surrounding mental health, but admitting to having difficulties does not mean that I am incapable. I am determined to channel what has been a negative experience for me into something positive for myself and others. Simply being honest and open with others may provide a lifeline someone else really needs. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

You’ve got to be in it to win it. Don’t rule yourself out of something by not even applying or thinking that it’s too overwhelming. Big things can happen if you just take small steps.  

What is the worst piece of advice you have been given?

Sleep when the baby sleeps. This advice is great in principle, but then when do you eat or get anything done?

Top 3 tips that will help someone become a better leader

⚡️ Do the right thing, not the easy thing - Sometimes you’ll want to cut corners, avoid a difficult discussion or shy away from a difficult decision but doing these things won’t help in the long run.

⚡️ Treat others with the respect that they deserve - This will help your team feel valued, which in turn increases team cohesion and effectiveness.

⚡️Be reliable - Be punctual, complete work on time and deliver on your promises. This shows your team that you’re trustworthy and is essential in a good leader.

Which leaders in the world inspire you the most and why?

The Late Queen Elizabeth II. What an amazing woman and role model. Her dedication to the public was unsurpassed. Her reign also helped normalise the idea of a woman being in charge, for which the next generation of women leaders should be thankful. 

Sara Davies MBE. She’s a British businesswoman who, like me, is from North East England and a mum of two! She is keen to keep her business in the northeast to increase employment in the area, which I think is admirable. She also mentors other businesswomen and invests in family-orientated and women-owned businesses.

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?

I feel like I’ve won the lottery. I’ve been allowed to do something amazing, and I feel extremely grateful to the Laidlaw Foundation for investing in me.  I am now part of an incredible network of women who can support, mentor and guide each other on our business journeys.

Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.

A society that values the work of women as much as it does the work of men. One where women are paid the same and have the same opportunities. Parental responsibilities and running the household are split equally between the partners. This would also include increasing paternity leave packages so partners can have the opportunity to help from the start. 

Something personal to add

I’ve been a Girlguiding leader for most of my adult life. It’s the UK’s biggest girl-only organisation and a safe space where girls can flourish into strong, independent, confident women. Volunteering, either in a leadership role, support role or as a fundraiser, is an opportunity to have a positive impact on the next generation of leaders.

Quick-Fire Questions

📺 Currently binding: Old House, New Home

🎶 My current anthem: Burn on the Hamilton Soundtrack

📚 My top book recommendation: Pay Up.The Future of Women and Work by Reshma Saujani

📺 My podcast obsession: Desert Island Discs by BBC Radio 4

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently: Catching my toddler at the bottom of a water slide. He was very funny to watch.

Kirsty is a Laidlaw Scholar at London Business School. You can find Kirsty on LinkedIn. The Laidlaw Women's Business Education Scholarship aims to help build a pipeline of future women leaders through access to best-in-class education, resources and global networks by providing full and half scholarships to women who would not otherwise be in a position to reap the benefits of attending an outstanding school. 
 

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