Leading Ladies in Dorset - Lesley Paddy
Lesley Paddy, Chair, Trustee and mother to Will, features as one of the ‘Leading Ladies of Dorset’ in Dorset Magazine.
International Women’s Day on Sunday 8th March is a time to celebrate so Dorset Magazine recognised our Dorset Leading Ladies in style. Lesley shares her thoughts, giving an insight into how she has achieved success in her business and charity. She is an inspiration and a great role model for the next generation of girls.
Lesley Paddy
#Willdoes Chair, Trustee and Mother of Will
A 2019 my life changed. After losing my son, Will, I set up a #Willdoes to help young people with well-being combined with my work as Director of Marine Option.
What is the secret of your success?
Passion, drive and running the charity in my son’s name, knowing it may help others avoid the pain and suffering I endure. With my business partner, Pip Riley, we thrive in both Marine Options and UK Marine Spares allowing time for the charity, helping young people who are suffering with no obvious help. Even with promises from government, charities have to fill the gaps.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
My life now is purely based around the #Willdoes charity and progressing the marine business which allows me to work with my charity to help and grow this to support the young people. Sometimes life takes us to somewhere we never thought we would be.
Who inspires you most, either in work or at home?
Will was my drive and complete focus in business and in life. My work drive was to provide Will with the best education I could and I was lucky enough to educate Will at Yarrells Prep School followed by Milton Abbey School. Will is still my focus through the charity and I drive to achieve a successful business. One supports the other.
What makes Dorset such a great place to do business?
As a marine company we work on the south coast from our perfect Cobbs Quay, Poole location. Our charity mission is to ‘help young people achieve well-being through activities’. What better place could there be with sea and the countryside to inspire us all? Ditch the phone and simply enjoy what we have around us.
