How did you come to be doing the job you are doing today?
I led high-performing teams across three sectors for over 30 years. When I had the opportunity to lead for myself, I grabbed it. That may sound selfish, but I knew I could help more people lead better, more ethically and with more positive impact, if I were free to make the rules. And so I do. I co-create with clients, I mentor leaders for the Institute, I challenge norms. And I love it. Every. Single. Day.
If you weren’t doing this job, what would you like to do?
If I had my time over again, I would probably be working in horticulture or ecology. I read History when I should have read Botany, and life took too many lovely turns to revisit sciences in that depth. So I have a particular fondness for those bits of the sustainability sector looking to preserve the natural world.
What is one common misperception of your work?
People think of leadership consultancy as being “soft skills”. Actually, I don’t know many tougher gigs than leading, and it gets even tougher when you choose to lead well, ethically and responsibly. That is a massive challenge. The rewards are, however, quite literally global in their benefit and impact, so I think it’s worth my perseverance, to keep supporting leaders to be the most responsible they possibly can be. And it is always hugely rewarding … and a lot of fun!
What is your favourite time of year – and why?
Early spring, when the green buds burst and the first tree blossom appears. It is a wonderful time of renewal, optimism and opportunity, in business, in nature, in life generally.
What is one fact about yourself that most people would be surprised to know?
Oh there could be 100 of these – mine has been a pretty random journey, in the best sense. How about: I have sung several times, accompanied by the Band of the Royal Marines, and yet I have never served. A fun riddle.
How do you feel to be nominated for the Institute Advocate of the Year award?
I think I can sum my response up by sharing that I actually checked it wasn’t a typo, with Karen Usmani (heading the Institute’s Events team that will be putting on the Awards so brilliantly again)! I was amazed, delighted and, if I am honest, rather overcome by the generosity of someone to nominate me again, when I was nominated in the same category last year. I work hard behind the scenes rather than out front with the Institute, and I am so pleased that this has been appreciated by someone enough to nominate this year. The Awards are as daunting a prospect as ever this year, because again, there are stellar nominees in this category. I feel blessed as a winner just being nominated. Cheesy, but true!
