Seven things we can learn from Olivia Colman

Olivia Colman has been described as the new Queen of Hollywood!

Proudly collecting her Oscar this week for her portrayal of Queen Anne in the multi-award-winning film “The Favourite,” the Norfolk lass gave an inspiring speech.  There’s a lot that business-owners can learn from this.

  1. Aim high – it’s never too early – or too late – to set yourself goals for your life or your career.
    In one of the most memorable scenes of the 91st Academy Awards, the actress inspired children to aim for the stars.  Speaking candidly, she said, “Any little girl who’s practicing your speech on the telly, you never know! I used to work as a cleaner and I spent quite a lot of my time imagining this.”
  2. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done previously.
    If you have the drive to change your life, habits and mindset you can achieve things you may never have dreamed possible. Working as a cleaner, Olivia maintained her vision and worked towards achieving it.
  3. Each achievement is a celebration, but keep going and constantly push yourself toward the next step.
    Olivia’s had some experience of winning – she recently scooped the coveted Best Actress BAFTA for the same role – plus she has three others, and she’s enjoyed success with two Golden Globes! Each time may have seemed like the pinnacle of her career; so what’s next?
  4. Make sure you always get your point across clearly and professionally.
    We may be using a little artistic licence here, but why should anyone be forced to leave the stage without stating their case? This funny, brilliant lady reacted in the best way possible when being urged to hurry up her speech, she made a rude gesture and blew a raspberry!
  5. Acknowledge your team’s efforts.
    Olivia tearfully paid tribute to the filming team, her co-stars, agent and the many aides and support teams that helped to make the film a success. Then she also thanked her family – often overlooked in a business scenario but frequently important to one or other aspects of success.
  6. Be gracious to your competitors.
    Whatever your business, there’s room in the marketplace for more than one supplier. When Olivia beat the Best Actress frontrunner Glenn Close to the gong, she apologised to the star, acknowledging that “You’ve been my idol for so long.”
  7. Be authentic.
    With Olivia Colman, it certainly does seem that you get what you see. This is never truer than in business.

Whatever line of business you’re in, always strive to be the best. It’s not a pipedream.  Our Strategic Team works with business owners who aren’t afraid of a challenge, and who want to be the Oscar-winners in their field.  Belief, hard work and determination can make it happen; ask us if you’d like to find out more… We may not have an Oscar, but we’re supremely proud of our growing collection of industry, accountancy and business awards!