Awards shortlisting brings recognition for Merton company director ‘on a mission to change lives’

A Merton businesswoman who changes people’s lives through boosting self esteem at work has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Patricia Brooks, who founded her company Geneva Pearl http://www.genevapearl.co.uk five years ago, is a finalist in the Multicultural Business and Community Champion awards, due to be held on Saturday, November 30, in Birmingham.

Patricia, a workplace culture expert, helps employees and leaders at all levels of responsibility, to unleash their true potential by exploring their strengths — that they may not be aware of.

After growing up on a Chelmsley Wood, Birmingham council estate, Patricia has now steered Geneva Pearl to an inspiring and flourishing business working with individual employees, staff teams or whole companies or organisations.  

She also brings a key focus of well-being and has won praise for her WellWork Journal which is making a positive impact to people’s working lives.

She said: “Many people don’t know what their strengths are so have not been able to seek roles that align, meaning they are in jobs that they don’t enjoy and get real satisfaction from. I am on a mission to give as many people as possible the tools and knowledge needed to aim for and live their best lives.

“We work a lot with teams struggling with tensions, low productivity, low performance and absenteeism. 

“Our engagements also make a point of making sure the leaders we work with look after themselves too, which is why we have created a unique product in the WellWork Journal. 

“Because the WellWork Journal has been such a success, I’ve also created and self- published a colouring book to extend the wellbeing and self-care aspect. 

“Many of the individuals I work with come from underrepresented groups, so it was important for me to have the first colouring book inspired by Africa and the Caribbean. I’m in a position to give back, so a percentage of profits go to Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK.”

Patricia added: ‘It was a complete surprise to receive the news that I was a finalist. Real award nominations are something quite alien to me, something I never thought I was worthy of. 

“My work is what I do, because I believe it is my purpose to be helping people in this way. 

“As I look back through my career, I have faced some harsh critics, unwelcome challenges and barriers. I’d be lying if I said they didn’t hurt, but they have somehow empowered me to go and get what I believed I was capable of, and deserve.

“To be a finalist is a real honour. I know I’m up against some amazing individuals and I look forward to standing with them. 

“The energy and ‘power’ in the room on the night of the 30th is going to be electric. I cannot wait.”

MBCC awards founder, Zoe Bennett BEM, said: “It’s wonderful to see Patricia’s passion for making a difference recognised in her shortlisting.

“Whatever the outcome on the night, along with our other brilliant finalists, she’s already a winner.”