Zita West - 2011 Mentor

Zita West is Britain’s best-known midwife, having advised stars including Kate Winslet. Her London clinic specialises in fertility and IVF treatment, and books include Zita West’s guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception

Zita West is Britain’s best-known midwife, having advised stars including Kate Winslet. Her London clinic specialises in fertility and IVF treatment, and books include Zita West’s guide to Fertility and Assisted Conception.

We caught up to talk inspiration and her own experiences of mentoring.

What fired your ambition? I was a practising midwife when I experienced post-natal depression. I tried various remedies and found that acupuncture had a profound effect on me. Realising it could help other women, I set up an antenatal clinic. I did a diploma in nutrition and a counselling course so I could offer a holistic package at the clinic.

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What’s been a career high? Given the nature of my work, it can be very rewarding when we have success stories. On the other hand, it can be equally heartbreaking.

What’s the best careers advice that you’ve been given? It’s important to have a rapport with clients, but you need to be able to detach after a day’s work.

What makes a good mentor? Someone who has had to work hard for their achievements. I was from a working class background, it took a strong vision and fire in my belly to get me to where I am today.

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