“Heartbreak led me to become a private investigator. Now I set people free with the truth." Ali

“Heartbreak led me to become a private investigator. Now I set people free with the truth” – Ali

We at BoxHuman are passionate about highlighting and celebrating inspiring humans; especially the ones who are inspiring, helping, or bringing light to others within the world. We do this to rebalance some of the negative messages we often hear, see, and receive daily. We met up quickly with one of these amazing and interesting individuals…

Hi Ali, I’m so excited to meet you as this is definitely one of our more unique interviews. Let’s dive straight into our BoxHuman Inspire Series interview. Can you please tell me a little bit about you and what you’re especially known for?

Hi, my name is Ali and I am a private investigator.

Wow, a short but very interesting into, thank you Ali! This is the first time we’ve interviewed a private investigator so we’re very intrigued…Can you please tell us in your own words how did your journey into being a private investigator begin? What inspired you to do this and why?

It began from a heartbreak when I lost my father. At that time I was working for Age UK as a dementia specialist. My father died when he was ninety-eight. I found that being with older people just compounded my loss. So, I had always been interested in crime and psychology, I put the two together and came up with being a private investigator.

Thank you for sharing that Ali. We believe in the power of highlighting humans from all walks of life. We believe that helping others can happen in many different ways. That being said, what’s been your biggest challenge that you’ve had to go through since becoming a private investigator and how did you overcome it?

My challenge has also been my USP, which is being female. People think that I am either like Miss Marple or some kick-ass ninja!! My results and recommendations prove I am neither…I am just me, which is more than enough.

Can you tell us what’s the hardest thing about doing your job? What do people think when they find out that you are a private investigator?

The hardest thing about being a private investigator is being the bearer of news. It’s hard dealing with a client when they may have expected something but not necessarily wanted it to be confirmed.

People are always intrigued and expect my job to be how it is shown on t.v. That’s a myth and is a lot more boring than people realise.

Thank you, Ali, I’ve certainly learned something new today. I have to put my hands up and say that I too was someone that expected your job to be like the TV shows. What has been your biggest achievement and proudest moment so far since becoming a private investigator and why? And…Why would someone use or hire an investigator?

One of my best cases was from a fantastic lady who had contacted me, as she suspected her husband was having an affair. The reason why it was one of the best cases was that the husband had been mentally and been financially controlling and an all-round bully. So my evidence gave her the confidence to escape and start to live her life on her own terms…nothing can beat that. A private investigator can help in many varied cases, other than just cheating spouses. Some of the things are…

Background checks for employers etc.

Missing people.

Proof of information on fraudulent activity.

Insurance scams.

The list can be endless.

That definitely sounds like a great case! We’re nearly halfway through this very interesting interview. I think it will be the perfect time to start our BoxHuman Inspire questions before we say goodbye…

1) What makes you smile and inspires empowers you on a daily basis and why?

2) What is your favourite quote and why?

3) And…without naming any names what has been your best case you’ve worked on and why?

Thoughts of my dad and daughter always makes me smile and gives me the impetus to be the best version of me.

My favourite quote is…

It always seems impossible until it is done.

I have that on my business card. This means that to a client their own case is insurmountable but once I have broken it down, it can then be done.

One of my best cases is finding a missing author whose book was the basis for The Crown on Netflix.

Some great insight! Let’s keep the positive vibes flowing…If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire them what would it be and why? And… if someone wanted to follow in your footsteps what would they need to do to start?

One inspiring thing I would say to someone is…Circumstances don’t have to restrict your passion and zest for a new beginning.

I started my journey by doing psychology at the Open University, and went on from there. I have diplomas with distinction in…Forensic science and profiling, Criminology, Psychology, and two for Private Investigation.

What future life goals do you want to achieve and why? And in three words how would you describe yourself?

I want to be successful, and I would love my daughter to come into my business. Also to prove that you don’t have to behave like a bully or a tyrant to reach your own personal goals.

Three words would best describe me would be…Empathetic, a dark sense of humour and a good person to have in your corner.

You’re a very interesting and inspiring human Ali. Finally and to conclude this interview…A BoxHuman is an empowered individual. They will not be defined by society’s labels. They show the better qualities of humankind, such as strength, kindness, and inspiration. Can you please tell us what makes you a BoxHuman?

I’m a fifty-two-year-old woman who is not afraid to live life on her own terms. Always be the helping hand that pulls up and not pushes down!