
International Women’s Day – Nannytax Interviews Shada Lambert

#BreakTheBias
Shada Lambert, more commonly known as Nanny Sharz, is excelling in her childcare career as an International Nanny, Childcare Expert, Sleep Consultant and now founder of her nanny enterprise Nanny Sharz Ltd. Here at Nannytax HQ, we interviewed Shada for International Women’s Day 2022 as she shares her experience in the nanny childcare industry, challenging the stereotypes and discrimination she has sadly faced. A real asset to our nanny childcare industry, Shada is helping forge positive change for the next generation.

“The International Women’s Day Slogan #BreaktheBias means we are advocating to live in a world where people don’t discriminate against each other. A world where everyone’s unique and authentic self is celebrated.”

What inspired you to pursue your career in nanny childcare? Tell us a bit about where your journey began…
My mother was my biggest inspiration when I was younger because she was a childminder. I grew up seeing her raise 8 of her own children whilst also looking after other people’s children too.
My Nanny journey started from a very young age. I was 13 when I started teaching Dance at my Performing Arts School and it was there I became a babysitter after the parents saw how good I was with their children. This forged my Nanny career which was birthed through word of mouth recommendations.

“My mother was my biggest inspiration…I grew up seeing her raise 8 of her own children whilst also looking after other people’s children.”
What barriers have you faced in your field? How did you overcome them?
When I was early into my career I found it quite difficult to be assertive out of fear of being labelled ‘aggressive’ or ‘blunt’. I was 16 when I became a Nanny and through to my early 20’s, a lot of parents didn’t trust my expertise because of my age. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s that I found parents would have a bit more respect and trust my knowledge.

“Showing up to work as my most authentic unapologetic self has allowed me to lead with professional confidence.”
Also being a Black British Born Jamaican Nanny has had it’s challenges too. Having to experience racial abuse, discrimination and stereotypes has been the biggest barrier so far.
Experiencing certain agencies refusing to put you on their books and being told “The family are looking for a Nanny that is more like them” can be very disheartening.
I wouldn’t say I have completely overcome these barriers, but what I will say is that showing up to work as my most authentic unapologetic self has allowed me to lead with professional confidence. That is what has helped me work towards overcoming these barriers.
What does the 2022 International Women’s Day slogan #BreaktheBias mean to you?
For me, the International Womens Day Slogan #BreaktheBias means we are advocating to live in a world where people don’t discriminate against each other. That people are not racist and don’t stereotype people – especially women – based on how they look. A world where being different is celebrated and everyone’s unique and authentic self is celebrated.
As the only childcare providers able to work during lockdowns, what was your experience like as a nanny throughout the Covid-19 pandemic?
My experience throughout the pandemic was very insightful. My bond with my Nanny Family became so solid. We become even closer as for a full 9 months they were the only people in my bubble.
My pandemic experience was also very eye opening as I started my Nanny Sharz Ltd business and it did so well in a matter of weeks. I was the busiest I had ever been. In my personal life there was a lot of deaths, which was very difficult. I lost my Grandad in Jamaica and never got to attend his funeral. That was heartbreaking.
On a more positive note, I was able to build my social media presence online as an International Nanny and won an Award for Best Social Media Nanny at the UK Nanny Awards, so overall I had a very bittersweet experience.

“I was able to build my social media presence online as a International Nanny and won an Award for Best Social Media Nanny.”
How does connecting with your culture and background influence you as a nanny? Are there any elements of your culture that you enjoy bringing to your nannying?

“In my culture it is very important to have manners and be respectful so that is something that is ingrained in me and something I always teach my Nanny Charges.”
Being a British Born Caribbean woman I still feel very connected to my Jamaican roots in both my personal and professional life. In my culture it is very important to have manners and be respectful so that is something that is ingrained in me and something I always teach my Nanny Charges.
Also, it’s very important that my Charges try foods from different cultures so I love to cook or bake Jamaican dishes with them. A lot of Jamaican food is cooked with flavour and spices so that is another element of my culture that I enjoy bringing to my Nannying.
I also love to play Reggae or Lovers Rock when I’m cooking, cleaning or playing with my Charges and that is such a Jamaican thing to do. All my Nanny families love my Banana Fritters Jamaican Style!
In your opinion, how do our individual actions, conversations, behaviours, and mindsets have an impact on our larger society?
As a Childcare Professional I am a big believer in ‘Children are like sponges’, they absorb everything we say and do that’s why I am so intentional with my actions and words.
How we act, the things we do and talk about have a huge impact on the next generation. The lessons we teach them in their childhood will be the foundation, morals and values that they carry into their adolescent and adult life. The skills we teach them will be the tools they use to navigate through life.
Therefore, I teach my Charges the importance of kindness, use positive language and I always encourage them to do their best. I teach them accountability and the skills of being intentional through their behaviour, mindset, actions and words. I believe this will help to raise confident, happy and kind individuals so they can be a great asset to themselves and society.
What are your future goals and aspirations? What’s next for Nanny Sharz?
I have so many goals, but for this year I have been working on a project for the past 2 years that will be launching in May/June 2022.
It is the 1st of 3 parts of my 2nd Project in May/June 2022 and the aim will be to Build, Inspire, Connect, Collaborate and Support Nannies and Mannies of all races and gender within the Community worldwide.

Where can I learn more about Nanny Sharz?
Shada Lambert is an Award-Winning Childcare Expert, International Career Nanny and Speaker, Parent Coach, Sleep Consultant, Potty Training Specialist, Entrepreneur and Nanny Mentor with over 17+ years childcare experience. Discover more about her work at www.nannysharz.com.