Andrea Christie-David is a human rights lawyer who is also the founder and managing director of Leor In Home Early Learning, an Australia-based company that places qualified, experienced early childhood educators into family homes. She tells the Connected Women community how she started the business and why.

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I spent the last decade as a human rights lawyer, working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people in areas such as migration and refugee law, domestic violence, homelessness, family law, and child protection.

In my last role, I was the chief operating officer of a social enterprise law firm. I joined that business when it was in the startup phase and was responsible for implementing a lot of the systems and structures that allowed it to grow rapidly and across numerous locations.

The idea for my business, Leor In Home Early Learning, came to me after experiencing different types of childcare, identifying some of the challenges that women in the childcare industry were experiencing in terms of fair pay and flexible working arrangements, as well as the negative impacts that the Child Care Subsidy would have on female engagement in the workforce.

I officially launched my business in July 2018. Leor In Home Early Learning “allows families the comfort and convenience of having their children cared for and taught within their home environment, at a cost that is comparative to full-day childcare.” Through the model, families in Australia are given the chance to enjoy a unique way of meeting the demands of a busy family life, especially in a household where both parents are working, and make life more comfortable for the entire family.

Let me tell you a bit about my experience as a small business owner in Australia.

What circumstances or an irresistible urge motivated you to follow your dreams?
The circumstances that spurred me to finally take the plunge was the reality that I had hit the glass ceiling. Because I was due to give birth and go on maternity leave with my third child at the time that my then boss was leaving the business, I was overlooked as his replacement, as well as overlooked in any future planning for the business. It made me realize that I could put all that energy into something that would provide more longer-term benefits for my family and be my own boss.

What do you love most about your business or career?
I love the fact that my own children inspired this business and that running my own business allows me to give them the highest quality early childhood education around, as well as the flexibility to allow me to spend quality time with them when I want to instead of being stuck in a 9 to 5 job.

Do you ever feel like giving up or have you ever felt this way? What made you carry on?
Definitely. The startup gig is a hard slog. Being innovative means that you either need proof of concept, or be able to instill a certain level of confidence in your consumer to take the plunge. We’re fortunate to have a solid model and are extremely grateful to every single family that joins because it means they have confidence in what we can deliver. I keep at it through those tough times because I truly believe in the concept and I know it will make a positive difference to the lives of so many children.

What was the biggest challenge you faced building your business or career?
The biggest challenge I have faced through my career is being bullied or sidelined by men who felt intimidated by me. I was often surprised that men in equal or higher positions would mistreat me simply because I was doing my job well. We’ve all seen the commentary about women who speak up being called aggressive or bossy, prejudice that I have repeatedly been exposed to. I eventually came to terms with the fact that it was their issue and not mine and I shouldn’t change my work ethic just because they were intimidated by my abilities and confidence.

If you could do it all again what would you do differently?
What advice can you give women who are thinking about a similar business or career?
Nothing. I’ve enjoyed the vast array of roles that I have been fortunate to hold and I have learned something from every work environment, every work relationship, and every single role I’ve held.

What is your favorite quote that inspires you in your work and daily life?
Treat others as you want to be treated. I apply this mantra in daily life, as well as all my key business decisions.

 

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