An organisation's purpose and values should run from the top of its tree right through to its foundations. They form the heart and soul of a company and should drive EVERYTHING it does. Only then will people see and feel its authenticity on every level.

It's not always easy making decisions in business. But every single choice you make shapes your brand, its culture and the world we live in. For better or worse. Knowing and living your values makes hard decisions easier.

Everywhere we look there are so many companies whose stories need to evolve before we can call ourselves an equal society. And, if the stories being lived and told in the business world continue to silence and omit the voice of the feminine, I predict that all those soulless organisations who could be transforming themselves and the world, will simply fall by the wayside as the next generation completes its coming of age.

Having a powerful purpose could save you. Because the story your organisation chooses to evolve has the power to transform you into the unique, inspiring and successful business that the planet and everyone on it, needs you to be.

When Orla Kiely closed all her UK stores last week it was a bit of a shock. Many of my chums have an Orla cushion, candle or set of blinds somewhere in their home. But when I thought about it in relation to a pattern I started to notice earlier this year (no pun intended) I'm more shocked that I didn't see it coming.