Unscripted with Spencer Lodge #192: Ann Summers CEO On Surviving Sexual Abuse And Becoming A Lingerie Tycoon
If you've ever been to the UK or Ireland, you've probably walked past an Ann Summers store and felt intrigued to step inside. Specialising in sex toys and lingerie, and with over 140 brick-and-mortar stores, Ann Summers is undoubtedly one of the most popular sex toy brands globally. The CEO of Ann Summers, Jacqueline Gold CBE, joins me this week to discuss her journey to success and how she became one of Britain's wealthiest women. Following a childhood of neglect and sexual abuse, Jacqueline is on a mission to empower and inspire women from all walks of life to pursue their dreams and challenge the status quo. Discover how Jacqueline turned her childhood trauma into her superpower, and how she helped Ann Summers dominate the sex toy industry for decades.
Discussion points
- 04:36 Jacqueline’s childhood
- 06:13 Jacqueline’s relationship with her parents
- 12:30 Why she kept her abuse a secret
- 14:20 Coping mechanisms
- 17:07 Forgiveness
- 20:24 Recurring thoughts about her abuse
- 21:33 Jacqueline’s first part-time job
- 25:56 Sex toys
- 30:00 Ingredients for a successful business person
- 35:25 Jacqueline’s first store
- 39:53 Creating a welcoming environment
- 42:25 Selling online
- 45:40 Innovation within the market
- 49:35 Giving up
- 51:10 Jacqueline’s purpose
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Socials:
Spencer Lodge
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/
https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV
Jacqueline Gold CBE https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinegoldcbe/?hl=en