Natasha Baer, sales executive at Sales Coaching Solutions, explains why Alison Edgar should win the Leader of the Year category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition:
I believe a true leader leads from the front and always shows positive role model behaviour. Alison is not only an inspiration to me but all of our clients, including young entrepreneurs, including 20-year-old Jordan Daykin, CEO of Gripit Fixings, the youngest contestant to win funding on Dragon Den.
Alison employed me as an intern and has taught me skills which are invaluable. She makes learning enjoyable, and is firm but fair. As well as being managing director of Sales Coaching Solutions, she has created a new brand, The Entrepreneur’s Godmother, which works with startups.
Her patience has given me the confidence to talk to customers and sell our services. There were massive celebrations when I closed my first sale. Alison’s motto is everything must be fun, so she keeps thing upbeat, even during tough times. She believes in young people and gives them opportunities they would not get with other businesses. She works tirelessly to make sure the company is a success.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
