TM20: Michelle Ward
Michelle Ward… strives for exceptional service
I work as… a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, and I’m the founder of Indelible IP.
Before joining the profession I was… a scientist. Or least that was the plan. I have a degree in plant sciences.
My current state of mind is… happy and content. I enjoy what I do, have my family around me and live in a beautiful part of the country.
I became interested in IP when… I did what I thought was a temporary job until I could get my dream role in plant research. I worked as an admin assistant for a patent attorney and got drawn into the world of IP.
I am most inspired by… those who have shown determination and succeeded at what they set out to do, often against the odds.
In my role, I most enjoy… making a difference for the businesses I work with, and getting them out of difficult and stressful situations.
In my role, I most dislike… breaking the news that the new brand an entrepreneur has been dreaming of using needs changing due to a conflict.
On my desk is… a cup of decaf coffee. I love coffee, but I have to limit my caffeine intake!
My favourite mug… has a picture of Piglet, a character who listens and is always there for his friend. Important attributes.
My favourite place to visit on business was… Seattle. I loved the mix of city, sea and mountains.
If I were brand, I would be… John Lewis. It’s trusted for its reliability and customer service, key attributes that I strive for in business.
The biggest challenge for IP is… raising the profile of Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys among small businesses. Experience suggests that small and medium-sized businesses are more likely to use unregulated services or to try to do their own IP work.
The talent I wish I had is… speaking a foreign language. My brain just doesn’t seem to be wired for it.
I can’t live without… my Garmin watch, although I don’t necessarily meet my daily step goals!
My ideal day would include… a walk in the mountains.
In my pocket is… no pockets today!
The best piece of advice I’ve been given is… be yourself.
When I want to relax I… go for a walk or read.
In the next five years I hope to… have successfully guided my teenage daughters as they make some important career choices. Unfortunately, neither of them has shown an interest in IP.
The best thing about being a member of CITMA is… the support and sense of community it provides, particularly since I set up my own business.
Read the full issue
