Curiosity has been the thread running through my life.
I never set out to have a career in charities.
I certainly never imagined becoming the Chief Executive of one of the UK’s largest charities, serving as High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, or travelling to more than 100 countries through Scouting and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Instead, one opportunity led to another. Teaching led to youth work. Youth work led to leadership. Leadership led to governance. Governance led to writing.
Through it all, one question has remained remarkably constant:
How do ordinary people achieve extraordinary things when someone believes in them?
That question has shaped almost everything I’ve done.
A life spent helping others flourish
I’ve spent much of my working life leading organisations that exist to help people reach their potential.
I’ve been a teacher, a headteacher and the founding chief executive of Career Academies UK (now Career Ready). I’ve led Young Enterprise, served as Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and today have the privilege of leading Cats Protection.
Alongside that, volunteering has always been central to my life.
For over forty years I’ve worked with the Scout Movement locally, nationally and internationally, including serving as Vice-Chair of the World Scout Committee. I’ve chaired and served on the boards of charities ranging from Oxfordshire Youth to the Marine Society & Sea Cadets, and I’m honoured to serve as a Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire.
Different organisations. Different missions. The same belief. That people thrive when trusted, encouraged and given opportunities to contribute.
What I write about
This website isn’t a corporate blog. It’s simply where I collect thoughts that might inform, challenge, encourage or occasionally amuse.
You’ll find writing about:
- leadership
- volunteering
- charities and civil society
- young people
- Oxfordshire
- travel
- books
- public life
- and the occasional glorious detour into something completely unexpected.
Some pieces begin with a meeting. Others with a walk. Quite a few begin with a cup of coffee.
How I try to lead
Over the years I’ve discovered a few principles that rarely let me down.
Lead with purpose. Listen before speaking. Trust people more than systems. Remember that strategy only matters if it improves lives. Take the work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.
And, whenever possible…
Lead, follow and then get out of the way.
Beyond work
Away from the office you’ll usually find me travelling with my husband Mark, walking in the countryside, browsing bookshops, watching musical theatre, or spending time with whichever cats have decided they own our house.
I’m endlessly curious about people, places and ideas.
That’s probably why I still enjoy writing after all these years.
If you’re new here…
A good place to start is with some of the essays that have come to define my thinking.
Whether you’ve arrived because of a speech, a charity, Oxfordshire, Lilywood Advisory Services or simply by accident, I hope you find something here that makes you pause, think or smile.
Welcome.