Angela is the founder of This is Milk, a consultancy, training and technology business. They focus on human-centred change, digital strategy, research-based product design and education and upskilling for the future.
Part of this ability to change, adapt and try new things comes from being okay with making mistakes. Being a start-up is rarely a straight road. That’s important to remember. You don’t always get it right the first time, and that’s okay. You have to fail, fail fast, be prepared to make mistakes, learn from them and move on.
Angela’s story
In 2012/13 my original business partner Gillian and I were contracting and consulting when we noticed a problem. Businesses were being driven by hierarchies and technology rather than by the needs of their customers and the people who worked for them. We decided to do something about it and the idea for This is Milk was born.
My biggest challenge was
Learning to trust my gut instinct and to be confident to walk away from something that isn’t sitting right. In the early days, I often believed that nothing bad can come from a cup of coffee with someone. Yes, it can. And I also thought I had to pursue every opportunity, even when my gut told me it wasn’t the right one. I should’ve trusted my gut in all of those situations because I did know that something wasn’t right, even if I couldn’t entirely articulate what it was.
Angela recommends
Funding for tech and equipment
Embracing self doubt productively
Do more with a joint venture