Ambitious millennial women ready to claim their power and lead with greater purpose are the focus of Petersfield personal development expert Mikaela Jackson’s new book, You Are Meant for Something Bigger.
Petersfield personal development expert Mikaela Jackson’s empowering new book You Are Meant for Something Bigger is perfectly timed for International Women’s Day this March 2026.
We caught up with the mum-of-two to talk about millennial women, purpose-driven leadership, family life in Stroud, and her favourite local haunts.
Hi Mikaela, You Are Meant For Something Bigger is “an essential read for millennial women ready to claim their power, realise their potential, and to live and lead with greater purpose” – can you explain more?
“As an ambitious millennial woman navigating career, business, and family life, I wrote this book for us. It’s about helping women claim their power, realise their potential, and lead from purpose to create ripple effects of positive change – in their work, their lives, and the world.
“We deserve to feel fulfilled, free, and like we’re truly winning at life. Because more empowered women are a positive force for all.”
Tell us about your family
“I’m a mum of two boys, six-year-old Koby and three-year-old Beau, and I live with them and my husband James in the village of Stroud in Petersfield.
“I grew up in Aberystwyth and that’s where my parents still live.”
What do you love about where you live?
“Coming from a seaside town, I felt this burning desire to be closer to the coast and over a number of years, Petersfield kept calling us. Not only for its proximity to the coast and beautiful beaches like West Wittering – which was a huge priority, but also the beautiful South Downs countryside and its links to London and other nearby towns. It’s a great location, and the town is lovely.
“My children go to the school and nursery in the village, so it’s just ideal. It’s a wonderful community, and the people are great and like-minded, so we’ve made lots of friends and connections already!”
Where are your favourite haunts in the area?
“I love going to Madeleine’s cafe in town for a coffee and to do some work on my laptop. Sky Park Farm for a nice meal, and I take my kids there – there’s often something going on, and it’s great for families. And the Seven Stars Pub on my doorstep is very convenient too!”
Do you belong to any local groups?
“I am on the Parish Council where I live and I go to local networking events.”
What are you looking forward to this year?
“My book launch is a pretty big deal for me because it has been a dream of mine to write one for so long. I’m really looking forward to enjoying the fruits of my labour and hopefully seeing the impact it has. My husband and I are turning 40 this year so we’re planning a few events to celebrate the occasion in style!”
We are running a pets feature this month, do you have any pets and what do they mean to you?
“We recently got a British Shorthair cat called George Blue Jackson. He’s the ideal pet for us. He’s a handsome indoor cat and not phased by much, which is good because my boys are always crashing about! I think it’s great for children to have pets to look after and love.”

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