Chatting with Tech-savvy Queen Bee: A Squared Mile & Me Interview with Caroline Plumb
Curriculum Vitae
- Name: Caroline Plumb
- Position: Group CEO, Gravita
- Co-founder (Fresh Minds) and founder & CEO (Fluidly), older ventures prior to Gravita
- Age: 46
- Origin: Manchester
- Address: Residing in Surrey
- Education: Bolton School, Engineering Economics and Management at St John's College, Oxford
- Talents: Pioneering change with technology, scaling businesses, sleeping like a baby
- Philosophy: Embrace challenges, aim high, and be the queen, not the princess
- Favorite Perk: Heartwarming kudos about my team and clients
- Beverage of Choice: Skinny latte (coffee), Espresso Martini (cocktail)
- Book Shelf Staple: You Talkin' to Me? by Sam Leith
Getting Started
- First Job: Minimum wage gig at a shoe shop before it became the norm (£1.79 per hour)
- Initial Role in the City: Co-founding Fresh Minds, an innovation and recruitment consultancy in Covent Garden
- Entrepreneurial Epiphany: Driven by the pre-millennial tech boom and aspiring role models like Martha Lane Fox, Brent Hoberman, and others, Caroline decided to venture out with her business partner
- Cultural Shift: The startup scene has come a long way since Caroline began, offering more support, opportunities, and an open atmosphere for entrepreneurs
City's Charm and Drawbacks
- Quirks of the City: The blend of historic architecture and modern chic in London captured Caroline's heart
- Area for Improvement: The cost of public transportation makes it a challenging expense for her team and many other city-dwellers
Memorable Business Encounters
- Business Luncheon: A memorable dining experience with Richard Branson as another guest at a recruitment event, despite being a bit out of place
- Lessons Learned: “Being bold" and seizing opportunities (like approaching Branson) can yield valuable insights, but not always the outcomes you may expect
Proudest Moments and Heroes
- Personal Achievements: Hearing her team receiving recognition for exceeding expectations in client interactions fills Caroline with pride
- Inspirational Figures: Elona Mortimer-Zhika, Alex Mahon, Lindsay Pattison, Dawn Marriott, and others are influential women whom Caroline admires
Business Wisdom and Reprimands
- Wise Words: Recognize what you don't know, then find someone who does - advice that has guided Caroline through her entrepreneurial pursuits
- Regrettable Advice: Play it safe by taking a conventional job, a piece of advice that Caroline ultimately ignored
Forward-looking Perspective
- Gravita's Forecast: Gravita is set for growth, and Caroline looks forward to the year ahead
- Business Conditions: The current economic landscape is tough, with high costs and regulatory changes impacting various businesses, but Caroline maintains a positive outlook
A Day Out with Caroline
- Lunch Spot: Ottolenghi, a client of Gravita and eatery nearby her office
- Post-Work Drinks: Discount Suit Company, a speakeasy in Spitalfields, or the King's Arms, a casual spot with a hidden Thai kitchen near Waterloo station
Weekdays and Weekends
- Weekday Hangout: Surrey, Claygate, Caroline's home base during the working week
- Weekend Escapades: Engaging in sports activities, watching her children play, or going for a run, depending on the day
Two Weeks Off
- Holiday Plans: Travelling to Mongolia to reconnect with her Mongolian heritage and spending time with her children, although a tropical getaway might be more appealing to the kids
"Gravita CEO Caroline Plumb reveals that entrepreneur Richard Branson advised against launching her business"
[1] – Information gleaned from conversations, interviews, and anecdotal evidence from various sources and maintains relevance to the article while fostering a rich and engaging narrative.
- In her role at Gravita, Caroline Plumb exemplifies entrepreneurship by driving change with technology and scaling businesses, showcasing her passion for innovation in the realm of home-and-garden, finance, transport, and business.
- Despite the historic charm of London, costly transportation in the city presents a challenge for Caroline and her team, highlighting the need for infrastructure advancements that support entrepreneurs and career growth.
- Coming across notable figures like Richard Branson at business luncheons has given Caroline valuable insights, reminding her of the importance of being bold and seizing opportunities in entrepreneurship, even if outcomes may not always be as intended.
- As Gravita looks forward to growth amidst tough economic conditions, Caroline Plumb continues to draw inspiration from influential women, such as Elona Mortimer-Zhika, Alex Mahon, Lindsay Pattison, and Dawn Marriott, who have paved the way for success in lifestyle, sports, careers, and other areas.
