Parlour MAVEN x I'm POSSIBLE: Winsome Cornish on Transition and Finding Excellence

From music publicist to newspaper editor to non-profit administrator, Winsome Cornish has worn many hats and has managed to successfully transition and excel into each space. What are her secrets to success? Cornish shared a few gems, along with a glimpse of what she has coming up next in our latest installment of Parlour MAVEN.Londoners, catch Winsome on March 8 as she joins another dynamic line-up of speakers at the next I'mPOSSIBLE Conversation, taking place as part of the Women of the World festival during International Women's Day at Southbank Centre. Parlour: You've had a varied work life while many struggle to transition, any advice on changing careers and finding success?There has been an organic connection in the positions I have held, none were particularly planned, and I have tended to transition through extending my roles. For example, as an enthusiastic record company press secretary, I volunteered to write music reviews for the newsletter, which the publicity department circulated to the media and also undertook other press office duties. Dedication to the job and the fact that, along with my boss, I was usually one of the last to leave the office, led to me becoming a press officer, my first major promotion.I joined Voice newspaper due to my PR and media liaison skills, where I took an overall interest in the presentation, direction and content of the paper, which eventually led to me becoming editor. My record company role was the catalyst to artist management, and my community advocacy and campaigning was relevant background for my role at Operation Black Vote. In between I edited several other publications and ran multi-ethnic Spectrum Radio.I endeavour to put any product or company I am involved with ‘on the map’ and any attributed success has come out of my commitment to the job at hand. My current role in foster care is a continuation of my interest in our community and young people. I have also been lucky that I was head-hunted for the majority of those positions.It has become very difficult to switch careers. Even if you have the skills without the relevant qualifications there is limited opportunity for change. It is prudent to plan at least five years ahead, and although it can be very expensive, arm yourself with the necessary skills and qualifications. Most importantly to find success my advice, be very interested in your current position and always give double what you feel is the maximum requirement.What are some of your career highlights?Meeting greats like Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela and working in conjunction with civil rights leaders like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton. These encounters have given me perspective on what makes these men stand out as leaders. And although some may disagree with the Queens Honours, I truly appreciate receiving the award, and working with Simon Woolley at Operation Black Vote was in itself an honour.What inspires you?I am inspired by everyday level headed people, those who take responsibility.You spent many years working in newspaper and radio, two industries that have changed drastically over the years. If you were editing the Voice today, how do you think your experience would have been different, considering the contemporary role of the Internet?During my Voice newspaper editorship, the paper's reach was extensive considering there was little technological social networking and web. I was skeptical about the Internet, saying to anyone who would listen ‘it won’t take off, no one will shop online!' And though the market is crowed and far more competitive today, new technology means the media can reach a wider audience. Communication is far easier, and the strong sense of community is a constant. I believe my experience would be enhanced by the home market and world-wide potential.How do you find balance between life and work?I used to work too much, or at least be at work too much because I didn’t have any immediate family commitments. I took one year out over 2011 to re-group after leaving Operation Black Vote. I tended to be absorbed by work but not obsessed with it, so there was balance, but nothing written in stone. I admire those who have life and work regimes but I tended to let life take its course.What's next on your agenda?I have always had an interest in fostering and adoption and I followed that up last year when I became a foster carer. I initially wanted to set up projects to help disadvantaged young people in Lambeth but I was very aware of the fact that I had no real experience of closely engaging with young people outside of friends and family. I still have my placard hat on and feel that because of my professional background I am expected to be ‘out there.’ However, I have known for decades of the disproportionate numbers of black children in government care and so in this phase of my life, I am hoping that my involvement in young lives may have positive outcomes. At the same time I am also looking at the shortfalls within the system and in what direction I may extend my role to serve. On March 8, the sevent I’mPOSSIBLE Conversation will take place at Southbank Centre in London, UK. As the exclusive digital media partner, we will be running a series of Parlour MAVEN profiles on each of the speakers in the weeks leading up to the event. For more information on how you can attend, visit i-am-possible.com.