Justine Roberts

Justine Roberts left the city behind when she moved to change the face of parenting forever. Creating a platform for mothers to learn and discuss various subjects from childbirth to career advice; holiday planning to health - Justine established Mumsnet as a vital cog in motherhood. The website grew considerably as the useful advice and insights it provided proved its credentials as the one-stop shop for parents. Without the need for many to read book after book on parenting, the website allows parents and parents-to-be to search what is useful to them or browse the hot topics of the moment. After a family holiday-gone-wrong back in Florida, where her 'family-friendly resort' failed to live up to its reputation - Justine found her eureka moment'. After discussion with other mothers, who thought a forum for such advice would be well-received, the idea was born. Justine founded Mumsnet back in March of 2000 in her back bedroom, alongside co-founder Carrie Longton.

Looking back at the timing of the venture's establishment - starting out after the dot-com bubble had burst - Justine could easily have been disheartened. But it was her inner resilience that kept Mumsnet afloat during this turbulent time. Struggling through the initial extremities of market volatility and lack of opportunities for investment into digital start-ups, Justine and Mumsnet came out the other end relatively unscathed, owing to the low overhead of her business, the usefulness of the platform and her unwavering commitment to the cause. Eighteen years later, Mumsnet enjoys 14 million unique visitors each month and 128 million page views. Justine quickly earned herself a reputation as one of the finest entrepreneurs and inspirational figures in society.

Mumsnet became one of the country's most influential websites and Justine and Carrie began receiving deserved recognition for their role. By 2010 she was listed in The Guardian's 2010 Power 100 and in 2013 Justine and Carrie were named by BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour as the seventh most powerful women in the UK. 2011 had seen her introduce Gransnet to the world, offering an opportunity for over 50s to share tips and tricks from 'how to entertain grandchildren' to legal advice on downsizing, pensions, making a will and more. In 2015 Richtopia listed Justine among the 500 Most Influential CEOs in the World and 2017 saw her appointed as a CBE in the New Year Honours. There is no doubting Justine's acumen as a leading businesswoman and an inspiration to many. Her major influence has seen Justine become a sought-after business speaker, delivering keynote speeches at corporate events all over the world.

In February 2023 we sat down virtually with Justine Roberts and discussed how to stand out from the crowd as an entrepreneur. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Justine Roberts.