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My story is not for the faint hearted.

But it is about the pivotal lessons I’ve learnt from having an eye removed to cancer – and how they can help you personally or professionally. It’s about stripping back to what really matters.

How to pause, re-align and truly see what’s valuable to you. Before something forces you to. Like it did, me.

Learn from Tessa – on stage, in studio, interviewing others or with pen in hand.

Focusing on what truly matters…

Chances are, you’ve been touched by cancer. Or trauma of similar severity.

Well, it literally smacked me in the face. I had my left eye removed just three weeks after a shock ocular melanoma diagnosis (rare form of eye cancer).

As a journalist, I wrote the headlines for years. Then, I became them – appearing in newspapers, on radio shows and podcasts.

Whether it’s about personal growth or professional leadership, I am now communicating my story to help others who are lacking clarity see more clearly.

    My Story:

    In the blink of an eye

    Through my story, I hope to enhance your life’s vision.

    And encourage anyone going through adversity to pause – and see it as something purposeful.

    I was running along the river one March day when I noticed my eyes weren’t working together. A trip to the optician, an eye hospital and an ocular oncologist later, I was told I had a rare form of eye cancer, and my left eye needed to be removed. Just three weeks later, I had ‘enucleation’ surgery.

    From calm to chaos – and fear, in the blink of an eye.

    In the rush hour of my life – a busy mum of two girls, running my own business – my mortality was suddenly shoved in front of my face.

    Everything changed in that moment. And it was terrifying.

    I now have monocular vision and am just one of a thousand people who wears an eye prosthetic.

    I mourn the eyesight on my left, my former face and the sweet calm of normality.

    But what I’ve learnt on this unwelcome voyage has fundamentally changed my outlook – for the better.

    And I believe that what I’ve learnt can help many focus more clearly on what matters most.

    Tessa-Parry-Wingfield-In-the-blink-of-an-eye
    Tessa Parry-Wingfield
    What people say about Tessa
    Tessa-Parry-Wingfield-Testimonials-portrait-XL
    “Unless Michelle Obama offers to compere any of my next events, you are my go-to woman!”
    Euphrasie Mundele Kilolo, Enterprise Support Officer, Chair of the Women’s Network, Richmond & Wandsworth Councils

    “Tessa made the most wonderful guest on the ‘How Long Have You Got?’ podcast. She told her extraordinary story in a way that was both erudite and emotional, practical and personable. She is a generous and fluent storyteller – giving the listener insight into her journey, as well as hope and take homes. The episode with Tessa is one I often think about and often share with others.”
    Jeremy Langmead, Columnist for The Times

    “Tessa brings both heart and depth to the stage. Warm, engaging and humble, she holds the room with the quiet power of her presence and the strength of her story.”
    Celia Rizothanasi, Queen Bee of linkedin & Marketing AI

    “As Norge Mining’s podcast host, Tessa developed an engaging on-air persona, creating a connection with both the guest and the audience. Tessa possesses strong communication skills, and an ability to create compelling narratives and relevant content that demonstrates a deep understanding of subject matters, which ultimately resonates well with listeners.”
    Kerrie Palmer, Associate Partner, Burson Buchanan communications advisory