1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family; hobbies; past business highlights...
My name is Louise Gatland and I started my life living in Dunoon, Scotland. When I was seven I moved to Basingstoke, England where I currently still live. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and enjoy challenging bike rides - my longest so far is 75 miles. I spent the last 10 years working in a preschool and setting toddlers up to believe in themselves.
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
My journey with PlanNet, which will be one year on July 2, has been amazing so far. Don't get me wrong; it has not been easy. It has encouraged me to dig really deep and work on my self development. But the achievements I have made so far make the journey exciting. I now believe that I am confident, I am a leader, and I am enjoying being me and finding the real me.
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
What drives and motivates me has also changed with my journey. At first I wanted to prove people wrong that I could be successful. But what I have learned is that I was already successful - I just didn't know it. I am now motivated by my incredible team and my goals to achieve more than I can possibly imagine.
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
Many people inspire me within this business. Cindy Bruggeman is an incredible inspiration; her journey and enthusiasm for life are amazing. Chanelle Fry, my mentor and coach - without her my journey would have been very different. She has helped me believe in myself. Eileen Ross is another phenomenal mentor. I remember meeting her in November; she told us her story and it connected with me in so many ways so I followed her on Facebook. She was then challenged to do Facebook Live which she had not done before…and her confidence grew so much. She taught me that I will be forever learning no matter what level we are at.
5. The three words that describe you best are:
I have been thinking about this for a few hours now. I was tempted to ask Facebook but I want to do this on my own. Passionate, Coachable, Friendly.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
I was asked this by the one and only Donald Bradley when I was on stage receiving my Director’s jacket and star. My one piece of advice would be to never ever give up. There have been times I thought I wanted to, but getting through those times was when I had my greatest achievements. The more you fight and work at it, the stronger you become.
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
I can visualise that in five years’ time I will have four stars on my jacket, working towards my fifth star. I will own a nice new car. I have savings in my account. My children are happy and healthy and know that whatever they want to do in life as long as they believe, it will happen. I have a team of Directors who also have a team of Directors. My extension on my house will be complete and my husband will be working in a job that he wants to do. I am traveling more with my family. I'm happy and the people close to me are happy.