Madonna proves a fitting inspiration

After working for six organisations in 13 years, Amanda Boyle became tired of waiting on other people to make the decisions and struck out on her own.
Now managing director and co-founder of Caledonian Contracts, a shop-fitting company that serves High Street chains across the UK, she was last year’s businesswoman of the year in Scotland.
“The two people I particularly admire are Madonna and Germaine Greer, both of whom don’t find it necessary to follow conventions. That probably inspires me more than anything,” she said.
Dundee-born and bred, she went straight to work after leaving school, and had communications management posts in large companies and public sector organisations across the UK. Eventually, however, she went to Dundee University to do an MBA. She and Stuart McNally set up Caledonian six years ago.
“I’m not very good at working for other people or in big companies where things move very slowly,” she said. “In my own company we can make decisions much more quickly.”
Now 39 and divorced, she said: “Women find themselves pulled in all sorts of directions, for example I have a six-year-old son, so ruthless time-management is essential.
“Getting to the top job and getting the highest salary is not what it is all about.”
The company, which employs 21 people and turns over £4m a year, was started with no money.
“We persuaded our clients to pay up front. We have good relationships with our clients, and the company has been self-financing. My advice to other women trying to break through the glass ceiling is not to be put off by setbacks. If you are determined enough, you will overcome them.
“When I started the business I was earning a lot less than I had been paid before, and my earnings have probably not risen as much as they would have if I had stayed in employment. But I am comfortable, and that is enough.
“I have bought a cottage with a garden not far from the beach in Broughty Ferry, and I have a horse. That is how I unwind, though some people question if I ever do.”

Article by: Alan MacDermid
Source: The Herald