Ruby of the month is where we get to know some of Australia's most dynamic and successful women in business. Here we learn how combining the study of nutrition and wellbeing with her experience as a chef, led Sherry Strong to develop a unique perspective on why eating and thinking well is vital to our productivity and happiness. Sherry provides an insight into her dynamic career, plus she shares her ‘seven secrets for surviving the silly season’ as the festive season gets underway.

Sherry Strong

"As a chef I want to make sure my food nourishes the body as well as pleasing the palate, and as a nutritionist I ensure that the vital food I serve tastes delicious. It is a myth you can’t have both."

As a wellbeing consultant, Sherry runs programs and shares her insights with individuals, corporations, government and community groups. A typical working week for her can vary from giving advice to executives in a blue chip boardroom, presenting at conferences, doing pro bono work with kids from Fifteen or Reach, or working on her documentary film or book due out in 2009. In addition to carving out a successful career as a leading nutrition and wellbeing consultant, Sherry is also the former Victorian Chair of Nutrition Australia and Melbourne Head of Slow Food.

Breaking the mould

“The turning point in my career came during a Symposium of Gastronomy 9 years ago when I decided I wanted to talk about food for a living, combining a philosophical and wellness aspect.” 

Following that inspiration, Sherry set about building the business she runs today, joining the board of the National Speakers Association from 2000 to 2003, which proved invaluable in helping her learn about building her business.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing during the business start-up phase, particularly in respect to early financial advice that Sherry received.

“In the financial area I should have been less risk averse, backed myself, created a better business plan, insisted on getting a proper loan and being taken seriously.  Instead I went to a bank manager who looked at my business plan and suggested a business credit card rather than a loan for what I was intending.

“I now know that seeking advice from a mentor who understands your business and backing yourself is a vital step in the right direction.”
 
On the upside Sherry says that consistent planning from the start has been an essential way of bringing her business dreams alive.

“I have always had a clear vision of what I want and have written this down each year, but not in great detail, so I’ve allowed for some detours which have often been delightful and challenging.”

Selling the invisible

Striking the balance between providing quality information to your clients and wider audience, and being appropriately rewarded for your time can prove challenging for some small businesses – particularly those providing advice services, or what Sherry refers to as “selling the invisible”.

“I’ve discovered that it’s essential to know the value of what you do and to be confident and to feel really good about the exchange of your services. You don’t want to run the risk of becoming an unsustainable business.”

“Years of research and resources have gone into developing my intellectual property and learning how to present this in a digestible, entertaining way.  There is certainly strong public demand for information about nutrition and wellbeing, so I’ve had to learn to pick a cause that I am passionate about supporting. I know from feedback and results of those who’ve attended my programs that I am making a difference.”

Keeping it fresh

Seeking the advice of colleagues and mentors has also been essential to keeping Sherry’s business flourishing with fresh ideas. 

“Mentors change as your business changes, and right now I’m seeking mentors for the parts of the business I need to develop.  I am more interested in the mentors who’ve achieved success with great integrity over financial gain, preferably both, but definitely in that order.”

Sherry has recently begun overhauling how she markets her business and the products she supports.  To help others become inspired and access resources about wellbeing and nutrition, her website is being equipped with webcasts, podcasts and interviews with like-minded advocates who are also passionate about wellness.

“I am now on the cusp of making changes and finding products to produce and promote that are in line with my values and knowledge. Right now I am overwhelmed with choices and will spend the next two months ‘picking a lane’.”

Sherry is currently writing a book called Nature’s Principle - what’s good for the planet is good for the body, and making a documentary film called the Lethal Recipe – the truth about food, both due out in late 2009. 

View Sherry's 'Seven secrets for surviving the silly season'