Julia Crawford (FCIPD)

After doing an A-level in law, I initially wanted to study law at university. However, I realised that my memory wasn't good enough, so I decided to do business studies with a psychology degree instead in Canterbury, which I loved.

HR incorporates law, business and psychology, so it was a great fit.

Since then, I have been a learning junkie and studied for my professional qualifications and am now a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

I also completed a postgraduate certificate in the Psychology of Organisation Change, my Master's in HR Management, and, more recently, an apprenticeship in Coaching (plus a few others as well).

I have worked for various organisations in various industries, including the public sector, retail, manufacturing and aviation.

I used to say I went into HR because I enjoy working with people. I laugh at that statement now because people can sometimes be very frustrating.

What I've learnt is that I love working with the challenges that people create. I enjoy understanding how people think (or try to) and helping to develop solutions to problems.

I have always wanted to run my own business, and I started People Pillar because I needed to be challenged. I wanted to work with smaller companies where I knew I could add value and make a difference.

I also wanted to have the flexibility to decide what work I did and, more importantly, who I worked with. It was important to work with business owners who shared my values, and we could also have some fun along the way.

I get to work with amazing clients while having the flexibility to spend time with my family. I take Ralph and Nelly out for walks every day and watch my daughter play football (unless it's raining – that isn't much fun!!).

Juggling all of that is hard, but I understand how important it is to get the right people into your business and keep them, as that ultimately makes your life easier.

My idea of heaven would be travelling somewhere warm (that I haven't been before), reading a good book, and if you add some cheese and red wine into the mix, then happy days!!