Lara Baker
Lead - Songwriter & Publishing Partnerships UK & International, Spotify
A moment in your career when you really backed yourself.
“Being made redundant in 2018 was a huge low for me, it really knocked my confidence. I had been at the organisation for 13 years, and was really taken aback by the feeling of losing my professional identity.
But I had to find work as I was in the latter stages of buying a house. So I picked myself up and started a consultancy business, and knocked on the door of pretty much everyone I had met through my career.
I was genuinely surprised by how many great people and organisations wanted to work with me, and over the course of the two years I spent self-employed, my confidence slowly returned.
I really learned to trust in my abilities and character, and not define myself by or find my self-worth in the company I work for.”
One thing you’re proud of in your career.
“Co-founding the UK's Women in Music Awards (with the incredible Alison Wenham OBE and our partners at Music Week).
We are in the twelfth year now, and have celebrated hundreds of women from every sector who might otherwise never have received the recognition and flowers they deserve.
It's my favourite day of the year. I always come away so moved and inspired, and I hope that's the impact it has on the next generation of women entering music.”
Name another woman in music who inspires you, and why.
“Remi Harris OBE.
Remi gave me my first job as a 20-year-old at AIM, and remains my mentor and good friend to this day.
Through her Music Leaders Network she has transformed the career development of so many women in music. For me personally she has simply been there through the highs and the lows, always lending an ear and words of encouragement when I needed them most.
I also want to highlight:
Alison Wenham OBE (Chrysalis/Blue Raincoat - and my Women in Music Awards co-founder)
Sharon Riley (Virgin Music)
Karma Bertelsen (FUGA)
Praveen Bhatia (Tan Ward)
All women who’ve had a huge positive impact on my career and life.”
