It is with immense excitement and honour that I join the Power of Women family as your new columnist! I’m here to share my knowledge, insights, and positivity with all of you incredible readers. This is more than just a role for me – it’s a passion, a calling, and a true privilege to connect with women who, like me, are navigating the complex and beautiful balance of life, family, and ambition.

For those meeting me for the first time, let me introduce myself properly. My name is Elizabeth McQuillan – wife to my rock, Phil, and proud mummy to two amazing daughters: Ruby, 14, my placid and sensitive soul, and Loretta, my fierce, firecracker toddler who is already showing us she has to win everything she sets her mind to. My family is my grounding force, my motivation, and my constant reminder of what’s truly important in life.

But my journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. At the age of 11, my world was turned upside down when I faced a life-threatening battle with blood cancer. It was a fight I only survived thanks to my incredible sister, who selflessly gave me the gift of life through a bone marrow transplant. That experience shaped who I am today – a woman who cherishes every single moment, with a zest for life born from the knowledge that each day is a gift.

Years later, I faced a very different kind of battle when I was left stranded, with a three-year-old Ruby in tow, forced to move back to my parents and share a room – and even a bed – with my little girl. That period of financial adversity was the spark that ignited my determination to create a secure future for us. It was then that I realised I had to take control of my own destiny, finding the inner strength to become financially independent and support my family. That moment of struggle became the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since.

Women Reaching Their Full Potential

I passionately believe that every woman has the potential to achieve greatness in her own way. My approach to peak performance is built on what I call the Quadrant of Success: Self, Family, Business, and Health. Striking the perfect balance between these four areas is what leads to true fulfilment. While we aim for harmony, there will be seasons in life when one area demands more of our focus than others – and that’s okay. Over the coming editions, I’ll be empowering you with knowledge, insights, and strategies to grow in all these areas.

Let’s Talk About 2025

Are you going to make 2025 your year of business success, bringing you the wealth, freedom, and opportunities you deserve? If so, what steps are you going to take to make it happen?

A dream without a plan is only ever a wish! So, what plans have you – or do you want – to put in place?

I always start by reflecting on the year that’s just gone, analysing what went well and celebrating it! I say, “Thank you, universe – more, please!” Then I turn my attention to what didn’t light me up. Whether it’s the work, the clients, the service, or even the arena I’ve been operating in, I allow myself a huge period of uninterrupted time to tune into my intuition. Business can often sweep us away in the busyness of ‘the do’, but turning inward to surrender to your intuition, your gut, is incredibly powerful.

Once you’ve processed all the info, it’s time to plan. While many people work to yearly plans (which is important), I’m a huge fan of 12-week plans! The bigger picture is essential, but life and business are fluid – things can absolutely change. But magic can happen in 12 weeks!

The Flamingo 12-Week Fast Track

Here’s how it works:

• Start by documenting what you want to achieve for the year ahead.

• Break your goals down into quarters: Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4.

• Then, go deep on Q1. Add granular detail – who, what, when, where, and why.

From there, break your Q1 plans into daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Track these consistently! If you’d like to know more, drop me a DM on Instagram at @flamingobusiness_ and I’ll share my training video and templates with you – for free!

Wealth: The Foundation of Freedom

Wealth brings freedom, opportunities, and independence – and ultimately, a sense of happiness and security. I’m not talking about excessive riches, but the accessible wealth that we are all capable of achieving.

My own wealth has come through strategic business decisions, backed by persistence, resilience, and a strong mindset. I wasn’t a ‘top set’ girl at school – I left with Bs and an A* in speaking and listening (still handy!). I spent 14 years as a school teacher, but it became clear early on that my passion for enterprise was calling. That leap into entrepreneurship changed my life.

My Top Tips for Wealth and Business Success

• Passion and determination trump qualifications or IQ.

• Be brave, be bold, and back yourself!

• You are in control of your destiny – very few people get things handed to them on a plate.

• Control what you can; let go of what you can’t.

• Fear isn’t tangible – it’s an emotion. Face it head-on. On the other side of fear is progress, happiness, or a lesson.

• Make impact your driving force – the income will follow.

• Work smart, not hard.

• Lean into your productive hours – whether it’s 5am or 10pm, use your energy wisely.

• Create multiple revenue streams.

So, are you ready to go confidently in the direction of impactful (and wealthy!) waves in 2025? I hope so – and I’m here to help every step of the way!

Let’s connect on Instagram @flamingobusiness_, or if a new car is on your 2025 plan, I’d love to help with that too: www.flamingocarfinance.co.uk.

Here’s to an incredible year ahead!

Yours Flamboyantly,

Elizabeth McQuillan

Aka – Liz 🙂