Anita Morris

From Psychology graduate to working with the United Nations

Liverpool John Moores University

Anita Morris launched Holden Morris Consulting Limited after graduating from Liverpool JMU with a BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Psychology and an MSc in Occupational Psychology. Anita started her business psychology consultancy, aided by a bursary package from Liverpool JMU’s Student Enterprise project.

Anita’s enjoyment and satisfaction in running her own business is clearly evident: “I’m in control of my own destiny; the success or failure of the business is down to me. It’s certainly challenging but I’m in a position to be able to forge the future I want and make decisions that affect me and the future of the company. It is hard work but the sense of achievement is amazing. Last year I had the opportunity my to visit No. 10 Downing Street and the United Nations in New York and Geneva, which were fantastic experiences.”

The biggest challenge that Anita has faced so far is time, or the lack of it. In setting up her own business, Anita has been responsible for every aspect from sales and marketing to accounts, administration and getting on with the job of designing and delivering training and coaching. Luckily, Anita now has some part-time help and a good accountant to talk to.

Anita’s biggest influence on her road to success is her brother who is also an entrepreneur and worked hard to become a success, recently achieving millionaire status through creativity, a positive attitude to risk and sheer hard work. Anita also greatly admires Richard Branson not just for his success but his ability to not take himself too seriously; “you need a good sense of humour and you need to be able to laugh at things. Running your own business can get pretty serious but it doesn’t have to be all the time.”

Anita has some tips for Psychology students or graduates who are considering self-employment:

Talk to someone you trust and get help with your business plan

You need someone to challenge the viability of your ideas; talking to family probably isn’t a goodidea as they may be biased and might not give you impartial advice

If you have researched your idea well and understand your market you are more likely to succeed

When things get stressful, you need a sounding board so again, talk to someone objective who you trust and who may be able to give you a different perspective on a particular problem

Self-belief is an essential ingredient; it helps you stay focused and make it through the tough times