47. Stop Sleepwalking Through Change: Why Your Voice Matters in Business with Wendy Bell

In this episode of It Starts With YOU, Vic O'Farrell is joined by business leader and natural connector Wendy Bell. From their early days working together at Regus (now rebranded IWG PLC) to Wendy's current role founding the Crawley Gatwick Chamber Company, the conversation explores what it really means to lead with purpose, lift others up, and stay vocal in times of change. Wendy shares how helping others succeed has always been her biggest driver and why now, more than ever, local businesses need to stop sleepwalking through government shifts and start using their voice. They dive into personality insights, self-awareness, and the challenge of leading a networking organisation with real impact. This episode is a reminder that real leadership doesn't need a spotlight, it just needs action.     . "It Starts with You" podcast is available everywhere on Wednesdays every fortnight.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review! Thank you, Vic.      Let's Connect! Follow Vic O'Farrell via the Queen of Behaviours  Instagram - @vicofarrell LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaofarrell/ Email – [email protected] Website - www.queenofbehaviours.com Work with Vicky Showreel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTWViLzyLkU Programmes: https://queenofbehaviours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Programmes-2024-new-copy.pdf Speaker Pack: https://queenofbehaviours.com/speaker/   FREE RESOURCES Newsletter: https://mymailers.biz/qob/?fbclid=IwAR3CWpPKNLH0Qy7_9fDBYrCK0o6PdDXfHD08phcq8_okFfJM9UT6cAvIFOo Understand Different Personalities: https://form.jotform.com/250735619744363 Quick Guide to Disc: https://queenofbehaviours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Quick-Guide-to-DISC.pdf DISC for Team Success: https://queenofbehaviours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Using-DISC-.pdf   For updates on new episodes and everything podcast related Watch the podcast on YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@queenofbehaviours Instagram - @itstartswithyoupodcastqob Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/queenofbehaviours TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itstartswithyoupodcast LinkedIn Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/queenofbehaviours/ Website - www.queenofbehaviours.com/podcast   About the Guest As Director and Chair of CGC Co Ltd, Wendy Bell leads with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to inclusive growth. A seasoned senior leader and event strategist, Wendy brings over 20 years of expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational transformation to her role, shaping CGC Co Ltd into a values-driven organisation that champions community empowerment and service excellence. Wendy's leadership journey spans high-impact roles including CEO of Crawley Town Centre BID and General Manager of Sussex Enterprise, where she spearheaded innovation, compliance frameworks, and member engagement across thousands of events. She also joined The Events Group (UK) Ltd, contributing her expertise to the delivery of vibrant festivals, fayres, and market experiences across the UK. Beyond her executive responsibilities, Wendy is a passionate advocate for social equity. She serves as a trustee of the Crawley Town Community Foundation and Ten Little Toes Baby Bank, supporting grassroots initiatives that uplift families and strengthen local communities. Her approach blends creative direction with rigorous governance, always guided by the principles of sustainability, inclusion, and purposeful leadership.   Get in touch: [email protected] 07985 103330 Www.cgcnetwork.co.uk