Maggie Collette grew up in poverty in Peru, but ended up with an incredible career in private banking, with all the trimmings.
However, the endless pressure and travel caused her to pass out on an aeroplane, with her doctor subsequently telling her she was at risk of a heart attack before she turned 35.
Maggie chose health over wealth and resigned to start her own business helping women monetise their social media and develop unshakeable self-belief.
She is now one of the world’s leading social media coaches and founder of Think Like A Boss.
We chatted with Maggie about her relationships with work and money.
How do bosses think?
Bosses set time aside to work on their mindset and self-care every day. They know their health is the real wealth and they know that nothing works unless they do.
Bosses say yes to things that serve them and say no to things that don’t.
Are you a spender or a saver?
[Laughs]. Spender. My dad always told me to live each day as if it were your last. There are lots of savers in my family and it always makes me think: ‘Why don’t you go out and live a little?’ What’s the point in saving if you’re not enjoying it?
Luxury island or private jet?
Luxury island, for sure. There’s only so much you can do with a private jet — especially at the moment.
What do you regret buying?
Buying things, like clothes, because they’re a great deal. Invariably they end up at the charity shop.
And regret not buying?
A VIP ticket to hang out with Elton John and David Furnish, backstage at a concert after party in Las Vegas. It was my 30th birthday, too.
All I needed to do was pay another $200 to join them and I can’t believe I didn’t just do it! I’m still crying inside. Elton, if you’re reading this… call me, I’d love to hang out.
As a society, do we obsess about money too much?
At times, yes. Lots of people see money as equalling happiness, when true happiness should come from within.
Money is a vehicle that can help you do great things, but it doesn’t guarantee you happiness.
When we think about something too much, we are coming from a place of scarcity and lack.
What happens then?
Let’s say you’re worried about how you’re going to pay next month’s rent. If you keep thinking ‘how will I pay the rent and what if I can’t pay’, that nervous energy will amplify and you will attract more scarcity and more uncertainty.
If, however, you try and find a solution to your money woes, instead of focusing on the problem, you empower yourself to believe that you will be able to pay the rent.
You’re actively doing what you can to find the money. That solution might come in the form of selling clothes on eBay or applying for a second job. Come at things from a solution-based focus rather than a problem-based focus.
What is your personal attitude to money?
I love money because it can help you to do wonderful things, such as travel, buy a home, invest in yourself and give back to people in need.
I keep track of my incomings and outgoings every single day, especially when it comes to my business. You could say I’m somewhat of a spreadsheet nerd.
Name the first extravagant thing you bought…
A black Yves Saint Laurent handbag with a gold chain. I will never forget that day in late February 2011 — I’d just received my first big bonus in banking.
I was 25 and I remember trying to keep a poker face when I opened my bonus letter. To say I was overjoyed is an understatement.
The first thing I did was pay off my £5,000 credit card debt, then I took myself to Harrods and ordered my YSL handbag. Even ten years later, it’s my trusty go-to favourite.
Best piece of advice when it comes to making money?
You have to invest in order to accumulate. Whether that means trying new things or investing in support to get you there, money doesn’t just come your way without you taking a risk of some sort.
What do you miss from your upbringing in Peru?
How simple life was and how easily pleased people are. In the western world people care too much about things which aren’t actually that important, such as other people’s judgement.
Westerners also seem to ‘need’ some things to be happy like ‘the latest iPhone’.
How do we all learn to believe in ourselves?
By working on our mind every day. Your mind is a muscle. If you’re not actively setting time aside every day to reinforce how great you are and that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, you’ll stay stuck on the self-doubt struggle bus.
Find out more at thinklikeaboss.co
If you want more tips and tricks on saving money, as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join our Facebook Group, Money Pot.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch at metrolifestyleteam@metro.co.uk.
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