This is the first in a series of ‘Five for Five’.
Five questions, five minutes with a fabulous founder. First up, Hermione Olivia. Our paths crossed when I slipped into her DM’s to ask about a collaboration. Her energy and her can do attitude then made sure the project took on a life of its own and included the launch of her brilliant book CEO yourself.
You need to check out her book, but in the meantime, here is her Five for Five.
Welcome to five minutes, five questions, one amazing female founder…
- What’s your business
CEO YOURSELF is a modern personal-leadership platform for women who want to lead their lives with the same intention they’d bring to running a company. It’s built around four pillars – Vision, Strategy, Habits and Flow – and lives through my book, CEO YOURSELF (Penguin Ebury), alongside 1:1 mentoring, speaking and brand consulting. The idea is simple: you are the CEO of your own life, so start acting like it. - Why this business
I spent years as UK & European CEO of a large Australian Supplement Company, scaling the business to 8 figures in four years. I loved it, but becoming a mum changed my priorities. I realised the leadership tools I used every day at work – vision, strategy, clear priorities, saying no – were exactly what I needed to run my life. So many brilliant women are achieving on the outside and running on empty on the inside. CEO YOURSELF is my way of handing them the playbook. - What advice would you give day one you
Do less, but do it better. I used to say yes to everything because I thought more meant momentum. It doesn’t. Pick the one or two things only you can do, go deep, and fiercely protect your energy. And stop asking “What should I do next?” Ask “Who do I need to become?” That question changed everything for me. - What’s your superpower and what do you delegate?
My superpower is jumping into the fear and doing it anyway. Taking on a CEO role, writing a book, starting a business from scratch: none of it feels comfortable at first. I’ve learnt that fear is like excitement and usually means you’re on the edge of something worth doing, so I lean in rather than wait to feel ready. Delegation is something I’m still learning. The more I let go, the more present I can be where my expertise really adds value, and at home with my kids. - How do you live beautifully?
With intention and with boundaries. My mornings and evenings belong to my family – that’s non-negotiable. Fridays are mine. I do my best thinking early, so I protect that time for deep work and keep meetings to their own days. Living beautifully, for me, isn’t about more – it’s about space. Time for a long walk, a yoga class, a proper lunch with a friend in Notting Hill. Less hustle, more living.
