Catherine Harland - CEO Sleepout UK

Catherine Harland

How long have you been in business for?

For 30 years but after many years in PR, I took the plunge to change careers 18 months ago, retrained and founded Menopause Mentor, a menopause workplace training provider

What are some of your driving values?

Because of my challenging menopause journey and misdiagnosis, I am highly passionate about providing employees and employers with the correct information.

You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?

It’s something I’ve always endeavoured to do throughout all of my career, from raising £1.2m for Macmillan Cancer Support with Fashion Kicks after losing my Mum to supporting CEO Sleepout, as there should be no one living on the streets in 2023. It’s heartbreaking.

Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?

Homelessness and poverty.

How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?

I did my first CEO Sleepout 5 years ago and have been an active supporter ever since, encouraging others to sign up to raise funds and awareness

What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?

Now I’m a menopause coach, I offer my time to certain charities, community wellness sessions and I’m a founder member of MenoClarity, a not-for-profit educational forum, offering much of my time to ensuring followers receive balanced, evidence based information as there’s so much misinformation circulating.

Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:

Dedication. Whatever I undertake, I give 110%.

How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?

For those fortunate enough to have successful businesses, I feel it’s imperative to give back to society, whether that be monetary or time to those less fortunate. There’s numerous ways to do this and I encourage every single business to embrace this ethos.

Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?

Example. It’s all about setting a good example to future generations.