Caroline Rush CBE is the Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council. Her role is to promote the British fashion industry, particularly through organising London fashion week and the British Fashion Awards. She’s credited with giving LFW the reputation it has today, and was awarded a CBE in the 2015 New Year Honours for services to the British fashion industry – which makes us think she is the ultimate inspiring woman! Here’s how she did it and some inspiring lessons we can take from her.

She changed her dreams and stuck with what she loved

Having initially pursued an art course, Rush established her career in public relations and marketing in the early 90’s in Manchester. Her break through point was when she got hired by Annette Worsley-Taylor Associates. Here Rush began her long-term collaboration with the British Fashion Council, providing and marketing solutions for London Fashion Week. In 2002 Rush launched a public relations company Crush Communications, serving as managing director and overviewing the council’s press office for all initiatives, including the British Fashion Awards.

She defined the job by her successes

Rush played a key roll in attracting top British brands like Burberry and Pringle back to London. Hilary Alexander credited Rush with changing London FW from being not even comparable with Paris, Milan and New York to a show that shows that Britain really is where it all begins.

Explore every opportunity and work hard

Although she’s been with BFC since the 90’s, her first job was in a fashion boutique as a normal sales girl! From there she managed to build herself up into the person she is today, her love for fashion had her selling clothes to customers and then drove her towards the path of working with the British Fashion Council. Even if you don’t think the job you have now will ever lead you anywhere, think about what experience the role is giving you and how it can help you!

Stay motivated Career Girls.