Get to know the Inspire teamNatasha Lobley
Tell us a bit about yourself and your hobbies...
I’m originally from Kent and went to University in Southampton, studying Business Studies (mainly because I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do if I’m honest and it gave me a chance to try out a lot of different disciplines)!
The course also had a placement year and I worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers helping out in various departments, including one afternoon a week on reception (which was the best way to meet all the Partners and get your face known) until the then marketing assistant handed in her notice – so I took my chance and told the marketing director not to hire anyone as I had nine months left working there and I could help him out!
From there, the rest just fell into place – I stayed at PwC until the week before my final year started, and returned after graduation. I was later encouraged to go and get a job in a PR firm, as my boss could see how much I enjoyed writing and events and said it would give me a good grounding of experience. That led to me working in communications, PR and media relations for almost two decades for organisations including the Welsh Assembly, Clydesdale & Yorkshire Banks, Standard Life, Bayer, FlyBe and even Richard Attenborough (we had a picnic in the Dorchester – best PR job ever)!! Outside of work I’m a netball fan and coach and have set up clubs and rec sessions across Edinburgh; I like to spend time outside walking my dog (Daisy Schnoodle) and have become a bit of an avid gardener since lockdown!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“As long as you do your best that’s all anyone can ask.” A bit cliché I know, but my mum has drilled that into me since I had to do my 10+ exams in primary school and its done me well to remember it ever since. Oh, and “treat others how you want to be treated.” Being kind costs nothing.
What is your role at the University of Strathclyde and what are your main responsibilities?
I’m the Start Up Adviser in Strathclyde Inspire, and it’s my job to help students, staff and alumni turn their business ideas into a reality. The role involves offering 1-2-1 support and advice, training, helping with competition applications and pitching, providing access to funding and a bit of an agony aunt role thrown in!
What's your favourite thing about your role/working with Strathclyde Inspire?
No one day is the same, and people come up with the most amazing ideas. It astounds me that so many people multitask getting their degrees and starting a business. And even though I’ve done some great things while working in PR, on the whole, I find this job outstrips it in terms of excitement.
Why should University staff, students and alumni join Strathclyde Inspire?
I could tell you because it’s innovative and bold – and I wouldn’t be lying, but I think the main reason would be because you’d have access to a wealth of experience all of which can help you take your business and skill set to the next level. The staff at Strathclyde Inspire all have different experiences in terms of helping to develop businesses, have worked across all sectors, have far reaching networks and are genuinely excited to help you reach your potential. And I haven’t even got on to talking about our supporter network yet! If you want to be more entrepreneurial and creative in the way you think (which looks great on a CV) or you’re looking to develop a business, Strathclyde Inspire has to be your go to!
If you could visit one place in the world next week, where would you go and why?
There are loads of places I haven’t seen yet that I’d love to go to next week, but I’d have to say Australia to visit my friends in Sydney and then a bit of a tour up the coast. Last time I was there we rented a house boat for the Anzac Day weekend and I’d love to do that again – bobbing along through the creeks of the national park and jumping in for a swim every now and again.