Q & A with Ali Sparkes, The Health Dispensary

Tell us a bit about yourself

My mission in life has always been to help people feel happier and healthier, to enjoy life to its fullest. I trained as a Pharmacist and latterly in Health research, leadership and coaching.

What advice would you give to women who want to success in business?

Be who you are, give it your all and challenge the status quo.

How do you achieve work-life balance?

As there never seem to be enough hours in the day my ethos is that if I enjoy work, I don’t have to worry so much about the hours I put in. It is important though to take time out to rest and play.

Did anyone or any particular organisation help you out along the way?

Lead Wales (old name for ION) and Learning to Inspire both came along as leadership schemes in Wales and both have helped my work and personal life immensely.

What have you learned about leadership?

Leadership is not one person dragging others behind them! Everyone can aspire to be great leaders, even if it’s self-leadership.

In your opinion, what is the key to success?

I think I’ve learned over the years that success rather than grand gestures is doing the smaller things well, adopting good behaviours and habits and remaining inspired.

What are the 3 words you would use to describe yourself?

Creative, inspired, determined.

Who inspires you?

Katharine Hepburn - I loved the fact she was not defined by anything or anyone.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

We have one remaining 'Women in Leadership' event in Cardiff. To find out more about our joint programme with Chwarae Teg, click here.