How I used clothes as a tool for success…

I started out in retail many moons ago but after years of never having much money, I made the decision to go into Corporate where I spent over a decade. The last job I had in that world was at Coutts Bank where I realised I needed to do something that utilised my creative skills and passion for style and fashion.

It was whilst working at Coutts Bank, surrounded by HNW clients and double-barrelled well connected Private Bankers I reaslied that investing in a working wardrobe was a tool I could use to feel more confident at work and create a professional image. Looking the part and professional, ensured I was taken seriously and I radiated confidence to others before I really felt it inside. It levelled out my Essex twang insecurities in a well-spoken environment. This was instinctive for me but It struck me many brilliant colleagues simply didn't have the time or the know-how to pull together a stylish wardrobe. They were missing a trick.

I had used my clothes as a tool for success and to make me look and feel more confident than I really was inside. It worked. The penny dropped and I had the idea for my personal styling business.

At that time, only a handful of people in London were providing personal styling. Previously it had been something only celebrities used but over in America it was a service increasingly used by time-poor executives who were often highly visible at work.

I left Coutts and set up Lisa Gillbe Style Consultancy 15 years ago now and since then have styled hundreds of men and women including executives from all industries, TV personalities, radio DJ’s and politicians.

I’ve also launched and host a successful podcast about style and fashion called The Style Stories Podcast. The podcast regularly charts around the world and has been at no.7 in the UK charts consistently (aiming for no.1!).

I know what works to create a stylish, pulled-together wardrobe that makes sure you have the right thing to wear for whatever life throws at you.