In partnership with ELEMIS, we interviewed four brilliant AllBright members about the stroke of genius that sparked huge success in their careers. This is what they had to say…

We all have strokes of genius; those ‘aha’ moments when things click into place and we have a realisation that can change the course of our lives. When it comes to our careers, a stroke of genius can be the catalyst for moving in a different direction, launching something new or stepping away from work that no longer serves us. These strokes of genius are essential for keeping us resilient and strong – traits that luxury skincare brand ELEMIS understands are vital for women. The brand’s new ULTRA SMART Pro-Collagen Night Genius is unrivalled in offering a dose of powerful overnight recovery for hardworking skin, meaning women can wake up refreshed, re-energised and ready for the day ahead. The global beauty brand has over 30 years’ expertise that truly champions ‘truth in beauty’. Here, four AllBright members reveal the strokes of genius that helped them realise a truth about their careers – and ultimately propelled them in new and prosperous directions.

Iranian activist Negin Shiraghaei spent two decades working in London as a journalist for the BBC World Service's Persian service, before leaving in 2019 to start her own company. She is now CEO and founder of communication company, Open Growth UK . Tell us about your current role “I am CEO and founder of Open Growth UK, a start-up that aims to elevate the online reputation of purpose-driven individuals and companies. We create online communities and thought leadership platforms to give visibility to the voices that are usually neglected in the noisy communication world of today.” What was the ‘aha’ moment and stroke of genius that led you to your current role? “There was a series of events that led to my ‘aha’ moment. I’m passionate about women’s rights, and realised that women seemed less eager than men to talk about various topics, usually stating ‘I’m not an expert in the field’. So I started running free workshops to train more women for interviews. Building a reputation, specifically online, was something that women didn’t seem to find easy – and I realised I could be more effective working on their side than in the media. This was my ‘aha’ moment.” Following this stroke of genius, what steps did you take to realise your dream? “It wasn't easy. I was at the peak of my career as a journalist, covering a world full of injustice and making a difference. ‘Why would you leave something you’ve built for 20 years and start over just before you turn 40?’ people around me asked. I asked myself the same question over and over. I had no prior business experience – I didn’t know where to start with launching my own company! I spoke to one of my mentors and with his help I got my first client. Now Open Growth UK has software that accommodates online communities and helps individuals and companies build their reputations. It's growing fast and I already feel I have achieved the unimaginable!”

How did other women play a part in your journey of turning your stroke of genius into a reality? “One of the people who helped me a lot through this process was my first client, Shellye Archambeau. She’s a successful businesswoman in tech and one of the first black CEOs in Silicon Valley. We've been working together for almost a year and every day has been a pleasure. There were points when I felt I’d failed and should just give up, especially when Covid-19 took over the world just three months after I started the business. But Shellye’s passion and energy kept me going. She taught me to be unapologetically ambitious, something that culturally I always thought I hadn’t been.” What challenges did you face in this process and how did you overcome them? “Remotely running a team of multinationals proved to be challenging at the beginning. I wanted to build a business plan that was socially responsible, so I partnered with a charitable organization in India training girls in social media management to eventually secure jobs for them. When Covid-19 hit and the process was moved online, keeping the quality of the output high was difficult, but we managed to adapt and use new tools to overcome this.” What have been the highlights for you and your career since your stroke of genius? “When the first numbers for Shellye’s book, Unapologetically Ambitious, came out in October 2020 - it sold more than 20,000 copies in the US in just three weeks! I’m proud because I ran the campaign for the book with Shellye.” What advice would you give to other women looking for inspiration for their own stroke of genius? “Keep an open mind. Talk to people around you and don't be afraid if someone asks you hard questions. Try different things, and review your values – check your diary (or start writing one). It really helps to review your journey and thought processes. More than anything else, don't be afraid of failure. Success is nothing more than an anomaly in a series of adjusted failures.” You can find Negin over on Twitter

Nicky Bamgbade is a certified personal trainer who transitioned to online coaching during the pandemic. She now helps boost women’s confidence through coaching sessions and her weekly IG Live series, Konfidence Klass . Tell us about your current role “My current role as a coach is so multifaceted – it could mean giving a talk to disadvantaged youth or consulting with corporate businesses. I specialise in helping women go from overwhelmed to organised, so my working days are always different. But my mission is always the same: to encourage the heck out of every single person I meet!”   What was the ‘aha’ moment and stroke of genius that led you to your current role? “For me, my ‘aha moment’ was recognising that it’s OK to pivot – I don’t believe we’re supposed to be stagnant, so evolving has been vital to my career. When the UK entered lockdown, I knew I could still help women grow their confidence, and that’s where my online coaching sessions were born. During the pandemic I was able to help women build healthy habits and routines one online coaching session at a time, and the feedback was immense.” Following this stroke of genius, what steps did you take to realise your dream? “I don’t think it’s possible to give your best to anything without some form of investment. For me, that investment consisted of two things: money and time, even if it meant making sacrifices to produce a better service for my audience and clients. I hired a coach to help me with personal branding, and a brilliant web designer who taught me the importance of customer retention. I then stopped taking online PT bookings in order to devote more time to my speaking and coaching.”

How did other women play a part in your journey of turning your stroke of genius into a reality? “I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of a great sisterhood. At the start of 2020, I created a ‘mastermind’ WhatsApp group with three other brilliant women. Every week we met online to discuss our wins, losses, and ways to improve, as well as our goals. By the end of the year, we each wanted to be able to say we had evolved and smashed our goals. These women pushed me when I felt like giving up and motivated me in ways I couldn’t do on my own. I wouldn’t be doing any of what I’m doing if it hadn’t been for them!” What challenges did you face in this process and how did you overcome them? “The pandemic was the main challenge – none of us could have envisioned the changes that 2020 would bring into our lives. But I’m so grateful for some of them as they forced me out of my comfort zone. I was scared of training clients over Zoom at first but I was determined to get ahead of the curve and transition in a new direction.”  What have been the highlights for you and your career since your stroke of genius?   “There have been so many highlights, including working with major brands and featuring on a national television show. But the biggest highlight has to be creating my weekly IG Live series, The Konfidence Klass. I love that I’ve helped so many women grow in confidence at a time that’s so uncertain. I really feel the Konfidence Klass has been my biggest tool when it comes to helping others.” What advice would you give to other women looking for inspiration for their own stroke of genius?   “Don’t be afraid to try new things. Surround yourself with encouragers and motivators, whether it’s through great friends or even podcasts and books. The voices we listen to play a major part in what we eventually do, so make it your mission to listen to what will edify, empower and encourage you.” You can find Nicky over on .

Marissa Maharaj is an LA-based lifestyle photographer, and her work has appeared in the design book, . She is also a writer and life-coaching content creator. Tell us about your current role   “As a freelance photographer and business owner I’m incredibly grateful for the ability to select projects that excite and inspire me. As a writer, I’ve had the opportunity to create life-coaching content, newsletters, travel guides and book reviews. Both of these roles feed my desire for connection through creativity."  What was the ‘aha’ moment and stroke of genius that led you to your current role? “Back in 2016, I came alive as I learned from and photographed the likes of Gloria Steinem, Olivia Wilde, Sophia Bush, and more. The stroke of genius for me was recognising that what I loved best - supporting women, philanthropy, beautiful gatherings and creative photography - was available to me if I chose to focus my work and energy where my passions were.” Following this stroke of genius, what steps did you take to realise your dream? “I had to focus my time and energy on what I loved. In a difficult but essential move, I closed out a decade of wedding photography to open up my travel schedule. I was, and still am, learning the discipline of creating space in my professional life, which is often learning the art of saying no in order to invite new energy and opportunities into it.” How did other women play a part in your journey of turning your stroke of genius into a reality? “As far back as I can trace my career, women have been there as bridges and lighthouses, illuminating my path and offering help along the way. As Olivia Wilde brilliantly put it, ‘we have to remember to send the elevator back down’, and I’m beyond grateful for all the women who have done so for me.” What challenges did you face in this process and how did you overcome them?   “For me, one of the many lessons of 2020 has been the importance of adaptability. At the beginning of the year I launched an extensive vision board to help people create a more supportive framework for their goals. My philosophy for vision boarding was about equipping myself with the best odds for achieving my goals, regardless of what circumstances the year would bring. 2020 put that to the test unlike any other year before!

“I started writing more, checking in with vision boarding clients through a newsletter that suggested ways in which their goals could remain relevant even in the bleakest of situations. I soon realised that our commitments, routines and rituals were far more than just relevant – they were essential because of the daily challenges we were collectively facing. My writing became a source of connection and joy throughout the year, and it sustained me creatively while many other projects were put on hold.” What advice would you give to other women looking for inspiration for their own stroke of genius? “Always make time for what you love, even if it doesn’t generate income or hasn’t found an audience yet. Keep your hand in projects that are purely for your enjoyment, because what you pour your creativity into will always thank you back. “Continue to be curious about ideas that excite you, scare you or move you. Every stroke of genius begins with noticing. Pay attention to the aching, to the sparks of joy, to the butterflies in your stomach. These are your clues. Listen to them, and they may just guide you home.  “Finally, embrace your unique journey in all of its delicious randomness. Before I was able to take my business full-time, I sold kitchen knives, worked at a sandwich shop, tutored moody tweens, poured coffee, and babysat Koi fish (you read that correctly). Trust your weird and wonderful journey. None of it is a mistake.” You can find Marissa over on

London-based fashion designer has had her designs worn during London Fashion Week and featured in magazines including Vogue and Elle. Her brand is based between London and LA and she has worked with Prince and Madonna. Tell us about your current role “As a small independent fashion designer I have to wear many hats – or in my case, turbans. Learning every element from design to production is crucial for me to be able to successfully delegate, and the ever-changing landscape certainly keeps me on my toes.” What was the ‘aha’ moment and stroke of genius that led you to your current role? “I’ve had a series of ‘aha’ moments – at the age of 13 I had two jobs and some side hustles going at school! My most recent ‘aha’ moment was when I was commissioned to design a series of gowns for an international TV campaign. I was working as a stylist at the time but soon realised the director thought I was a designer. This was a massive project with 12 weeks of work, and there was no way it was going to be given to a stylist with such little experience. I remember looking out of the window in Soho and going ‘aha’… it’s now or never!”

Following this stroke of genius, what steps did you take to realise your dream? “The campaign was a huge success with an opportunity to launch my own line, but funding it was the next step. I was working with a hairdresser who had budget to buy pieces for international hair shows, and I presented the option of designing the collection myself – and then using the clothes for PR when they weren’t being used. He said yes, and the brand was born!” How did other women play a part in your journey of turning your stroke of genius into a reality? “I’m fortunate enough to have a great support network of women who I turn to for advice, and who constantly encourage me. Without their support, my work wouldn’t be possible.” What challenges did you face in this process and how did you overcome them?   “In the beginning I was so eager to get funding that I had very little strategic, long-term planning in place. Now I know that the faster you grow, the faster your team needs to – and overheads can escalate.” What have been the highlights for you and your career since your stroke of genius? “My highlights are working with Prince and Madonna, and Madonna wearing one of my kaftans for her Oscar party – a photo of her and Lady Gaga went viral. Harrod’s is the ultimate in luxury for me, so seeing my collection in the window and having my turbans sold in the store is something that I am very proud of. It’s important to step back and look at what you have achieved, as opposed to what you haven’t.” What advice would you give to other women looking for inspiration for their own stroke of genius? “The only person stopping you is yourself. Once you understand that and hold yourself accountable, you can really push yourself forward. I am constantly learning and look at where I have gone wrong in the past to take actions that fix my mistakes. “Finally, do something you love! And always treat colleagues with the same amount of encouragement and compassion you would want in return.” You can find Julia over on Instagram

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