Over the past weeks I have become aware of the phrase “critical friend”.
It has frequently popped up during conversations with like-minded businesswomen.
The Future50 is a cause for celebration. East Anglia is a hot bed of talent and entrepreneurism - but come on ladies where were you? The EDP's Future50 is a splendid collection of entrepreneurs, all of whom, apart from Claire Martinsen and Kate Gaskin, are male.
I was fortunate enough to be invited to an event recently which discussed our region in the context of the global market place.
Hosted by MBA students of the Norwich Business School, the event encapsulated all that is good about business in our region.
I was on Radio Norfolk recently with careers adviser Ann Starkie and image consultant Sarah Morgan. We were there to discuss the challenges faced by those who unexpectedly find themselves back on the job market.
With the help of graphic designer Jon Mullender, I have had an interesting few months working on a new website.
What to do? The recession is biting hard; there is emptiness on the high street where old favourites used to languish and redundancy pay-offs where income used to flow - and no sign of the cavalry yet.
As the recession bites harder, it becomes difficult to find anyone whose life has not been affected. What I find interesting, though, is the emerging change to our approach to work.