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When my husband Wayne came home from a networking event with Global Welsh Connect, themed “Creating Businesses that Stand Out,” he asked me a simple question:

“What are the values of your business, AJC Medical Secretary Services?”

Without hesitation, my first thought was… my family.

Family is everything to me. I’m incredibly proud to work alongside my daughter Hannah and my daughter-in-law Lauren, and I often lean on Wayne’s advice when I need a sounding board. Any business owner will tell you their business is their “baby” — and that couldn’t be truer for me.

By the age of 24, I had three children under five, so I had to grow up quickly and develop strong emotional intelligence. Looking back, that experience shaped me not just as a mother, but as a businesswoman too. I truly believe the pillars of emotional intelligence — empathy, patience, understanding, and clear communication — are at the heart of both my family life and my business.

I want anyone who interacts with AJC Medical Secretary Services to walk away thinking: How polite they are. How helpful. How friendly. How lovely. And if something doesn’t go quite right — because sometimes it doesn’t — we put it right. We listen, not to reply, but to truly understand. We endeavour to keep our team on the right path, make sure consultants and patients feel heard, and most importantly, on their behalf, we get things done in a professional and efficient manner.

When I reflect on it, my business values are exactly the same as my family values: honesty, humility, kindness — and yes, love. I genuinely love my business and what it does. I’ve watched it grow from “my baby” into a strong, independent adult… although, if I’m honest, it will always be my baby!

Just like with my children, I don’t ignore the flaws. I talk them through, learn from them, and do better next time. I celebrate the successes with pride. I look after my clients and try to make their day that little bit less stressful.

Raising children isn’t easy. Running a business isn’t easy either. Both take dedication, resilience, and heart. But as I’ve always done with my (now grown-up) children, I listen, I advise, I go out of my way to help, and I keep smiling through it all.

And at the end of the day? I go home, off-load everything onto my very patient husband — who listens, offers advice, tells me when he thinks I am right, but also when he believes I am wrong. Either way he stays super-positive and supportive of all my endeavours… and best of all, pours me a well-earned glass of wine. 🍷