What has been your career path so far?

After studying sociology and English, I actually started work in catering which paid the bills when I ended travelling in my early 20s. Physically and mentally demanding (have you seen “The Bear”?), I learned a lot about sales and customer service in these early years. A chance encounter led to a rookie role at American Express promoting fee based financial planning, a tough cold-calling environment which was a solid foundation for a super career in financial services which spanned the next 25 years.

What drew you to the charity sector?

I remember doing work experience at school and I asked for placements in teaching, social work and the probation service. Looking back, I was always interested in adding value to people’s lives and making a difference. Fate had other ideas however and after a few years travelling to America and Australia, I ended up in Financial Services sales, where I was to spend the next 25 years or so. Financial Services provided me with a fantastic career and some significant development in the areas of not only sales but also strategy, leadership and large scale operations.

When a natural break occurred with the double opportunity of redundancy and a global pandemic, I took some time to re-evaluate what I wanted from a job and a firm. The social purpose sector was a huge draw for me and built on experience I had developed as a charity trustee.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I have always loved the variety of operations and consider myself a professional plate-spinner! In one day I can be planning how to make the most of our office space, forecasting budgets and working on a project to implement a new system.

What do you get up to outside of work?

I love an adventure holiday, combining hiking or cycling with seeing new places and cultures. Food is another passion of mine, both cooking and eating, and my friends use me as a local guide to the best places to eat.