1. Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey?
I have been a teacher for over 20 years in London and beyond and now work as the Chief Executive Officer of a multi academy trust of 13 schools in Surrey. I became a teacher because I was lucky enough to have great teachers who changed my life – I am always trying to do this for others and pass that on.
2. What drew you to the charity sector?
Charities have so much to offer schools and so much in common with shared values however, it can often be difficult to get into schools, find the right person or get someone to recognise what is on offer. Despite the common goals, schools are stretched and busy, charities are stretched and busy meaning great stuff may not have the greatest impact and I’m really keen to try to find some of the solutions to this intractable problem.
3. Do you have any personal stories to share relating to an experience with public speaking?
At primary school, I always got the part with the most lines in the school play; often the narrator or as Grandma in The Witches in Year 6. When I reached secondary school, I lost my confidence including running off the stage in a poetry reading competition. I now often speak to large groups, including regular assemblies as a headteacher and speaking to large groups of staff or parents but have remained a very nervous public speaker. My strategy is to take lots of time to plan my words carefully and thoughtfully and rely on a written script but I envy the skills of those who can appear much more natural and confident.
4. Why do you think young voices matter?
The confidence to stand in any circle is a skill every child deserves from their education. This is a key tool in a brilliant professional and personal circumstance. But more than this, people who can orate for themselves and their communities can advocate for themselves and their communities. Our young people are the leaders of tomorrow and all of them, regardless of background, having voices that are heard and matter is the only way to a brighter and more equal future for everyone. They will inherit some significant challenges including climate change and its social consequences, the declining influence of the nation state, the rise of online life and the potential for social dischord. Hearing voices and finding solutions will be pivotal to tackling these.
5. If you were to participate in the Speak Out Challenge, what topic would you choose to give a 3-min speech about?
Either the enduring appeal of Take That (my childhood passion) or Swimming (my adult passion)! I have just trained for a completed a 10km ‘marathon’ swim and have learn so much about growth mindset and the power of practice from it. I would love to pass this learning on.
6. What are you most looking forward to as a Trustee at Speakers Trust?
I am really looking forward to helping the team navigate the complex school system and making sure that their great work supports as many children as possible, particularly the ones who need them most. I also can’t wait to hear more young people inspired and empowered to use their voices at the many events planned.