Photos: Tessa Burrows.
As Phillippa Jacobs-Lory celebrates being the newly-elected director for global organisations Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women, her thoughts also turn to the pain, personal struggles and positivity that have been pivotal on her path to success.
“We all get dealt things we don’t want or know how to handle,” shares Phillippa, 53. “But my intentions are always to look to the positive side of things.”
The inspiring Cantabrian launched creative agency Pinnacle&Co with no money and nothing to her name 26 years ago.
Then in her thirties, not long after undergoing a hysterectomy to treat endometriosis, Phillippa joined Zonta International. It was one of the most challenging periods of her life as she grieved her dream of becoming a mother.
“When I first went, it was a room full of women that ironically had Deborah Bush MNZM, QSM speaking on endometriosis to our Zonta Club. I remember crying that night in front of everyone. I had just had a hysterectomy and thought, ‘Wow, there’s a group of people who really care about others and can make a difference,’” shares Phillippa. She explains Zonta International is an organisation that advocates for women and girls’ rights.
“This was a big and emotional time as I had always wanted to be a mum. It still makes me teary today, but in my head and heart, there was no choice.”
For 21 years, Phillippa suffered from excruciating periods so intense, she would sometimes faint or vomit from the pain, before doctors finally diagnosed her at age 32.
Endometriosis causes tissue to grow outside of the uterus, causing severe pain and may cause pregnancy complications.
“It was a long, hard road – being told to toughen up or you are just one of those people with bad luck who get bad periods,” says Phillippa. “For anyone who has endometriosis, I think we are tougher. We do work in pain, and we do carry on when we’d rather be curled up at home in bed. So it has definitely changed who I would have been if I wasn’t in so much pain.
“But I am a glass half full or overflowing, actually, kind of person. I try to look at the brighter side of life.”
Phillippa is stepmum to husband Russell’s two adult children, who are now in their twenties. She has worked hard to find fulfilment in other areas of her life.
“Without taking away from what my stepchildren bring me, not having my own baby and now not my own grandchildren, it does hurt,” she confides. “But I feel giving my utmost to others is how I can fill some of that joy.”
Her husband, family and two beloved dogs, Jack Russell Coco and border terrier Ronnie, have played a huge role in this.
“Puppies aren’t for all fixes, but they do make us feel more complete. We smile so much with the unconditional love we get daily,” she enthuses.
Phillippa is still at the helm of her company Pinnacle&Co, holds roles in two other committees within Zonta. She has devoted 17 years to mentoring young women through the Z Club at Avonside Girls’ High School.
“I am so proud of what I have built,” says Phillippa. “Encouraging people to do what they can to help others is truly special and rewarding in business, in Zonta and in my life.”
Early in Phillippa’s career, she faced many setbacks and challenges, but she wouldn’t let them derail her career dreams.
“I set to the footpaths and started door-knocking,” she recalls. “On my 101st door, a wonderful person, Terry, offered me a rent-free office for six months to start my own business. I got a computer, a kitset desk and a second-hand chair, then set to it. Starting with no clients and no money was incredibly hard, but it’s what led me to being successful today.”
Looking to the future, Phillippa dreams of a world where Kiwi girls and women don’t wait almost nine years on average to be diagnosed with endometriosis.
“We have some of the world’s best surgeons and gynaecologists in this country,” she says. “If your doctor is not one of them, find another one. Don’t wait 8.7 years for a diagnosis – start your new life today.”
Visit zonta.org.nz for more information.
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