Marie Vida on diversity in business

I'm originally from Riga, Latvia, and I'm British-Latvian. By the time I finished my master's degree in human resource management in London, I'd made so many friends and connections that I decided to stay for good.

I've built three very different careers side by side. I'm an employment lawyer with a solid career in HR and talent management, helping people define and pursue their career goals. I'm also a London-based model and a seasoned luxury travel blogger, with 53 countries on my list. Travel is one of my top three passions, and I run my own bespoke travel business focused on experiential travel.

You have so many passions. Where do you start?

My passions and career paths are very diverse, so let's take them one by one.

I love my corporate career. I have more than ten years' experience in career coaching and mentoring, talent management and graduate recruitment. It's about helping people find opportunities that meet their professional dreams, and helping them make important, sometimes life-changing, decisions. I'm proud to have helped hundreds of graduates and established professionals find their passion and purpose.

My travel company focuses on experiential and luxury travel. We organise bespoke tours to Europe, Asia and the East for our loyal guests, shaped around their dreams and away from the usual tourist track. I'm an absolute travel addict myself, and I love showing our customers special places and hidden gems. That's my real passion.

I've also been modelling since I was 15 or 16. I specialise in location shoots and work with established and up-and-coming designers. I try to shoot in special locations so their beautiful creations look outstanding.

Ever since I can remember, I wanted to travel, be my own boss and a true leader, and model beautiful things. Put it this way: there are some real fashionistas in my family.

Sounds unachievable, or far too diverse? Probably, but I wasn't willing to give up on any of these dreams, so I decided to pursue them all at once. Has it worked? Absolutely, although it's taken an enormous amount of effort, sleepless nights, hard work and self-motivation.

• In HR and careers: life and career coaching and mentoring, talent management and professional development, and UK employment law casework. I'm a fully qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
• In travel: off the beaten track, with unique locations and residences not available through the main channels. Experiential, VIP and luxury travel, with bespoke packages built through a personal consultation.
• In modelling: location and unique residence shoots, evening gowns, and luxury gowns and jewellery.

What motivates you in business?

Positive results, happy and satisfied customers, and being able to help and give something back to the community.

As a successful woman in business, how would you encourage others to overcome obstacles and challenges?

Believe in your dream and don't let anyone crush it. Use your IQ and your emotional intelligence to work out the best way forward. Make sure your support group is credible and gives genuine, well-balanced advice based on knowledge rather than opinion and emotion. When you're in a difficult situation, ask an expert you trust, not just a friend. Friends are great, so stick with your besties, but often you'll need a professional to help you.

Always remember Winston Churchill's words: if you're going through hell, keep going. Trust my experience. With the right determination and hard work, you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Believe in your dream and don't let anyone crush it.

Marie Vida

Do you have any top tips for success?

Believe in your dream. Have a plan. Make sure you're surrounded by the right people to deliver it. And there will always be obstacles along the way, so never give up. Keep going to your final destination.

Tell us something interesting about you.

Aside from my businesses I have plenty of other passions. I love surfing and skiing, and I absolutely adore animals, especially big cats. I help a few cat and dog shelters in Eastern Europe. I also love political science.

Any fun facts?

When I started skiing, I thought I could work it out myself because it looked easy enough, so I told the instructor I already had some experience. To my disappointment, and his, I spent the first two hours falling over on the intermediate slope and bumping into people. By the end of the day I was embarrassed and bruised, and my instructor wasn't impressed. Since then I've truly believed that honesty is the best policy.

What services do you offer?

• Career and life coaching and mentoring, interview and assessment preparation, CV reviews and support with career changes.
• Bespoke travel arrangements, featuring unique locations and experiences, with a focus on Italy, Greece and the East.