In the UK, Mary is known as a provocative and outspoken public figure. Over her extraordinary career she’s built up a unique reputation as an untameable creative force, on a mission to champion the role of independent businesses and our local communities in the growth and wellbeing of the nation. During that time, she advised the government, and businesses, and has been dubbed Mary Queen of Shops by the BBC. But in this episode she opens up about where all that drive comes from. 

From a childhood with her loving family, battling for attention with her siblings. To having to pull together with her brother to cope with the death of her mother while still only a teenager, this is a story of how she channeled her innate mischievous energy to fuel a new found sense of purpose. 

Mary’s is an inspiring story, full of audacity and ambition, but it is also a story of humanity, compassion and warmth. There’s so much there for us all to take away.