How Becoming a Trustee has Improved my Skill Set as a CEO

In the bustling world of charity leadership, I’ve learnt that embracing new opportunities and experiences is crucial for my professional and personal growth. Today marked a significant milestone in my journey as a CEO as I briefly stepped away from my orange office at Penny Appeal and into my first board meeting as a trustee for Bradford City Football Club Community Foundation.  

Volunteering my time and being involved with the board of a renowned football club, and I must add this is not any football club, it’s a club I’vspent my entire life supporting, is something I’ve always aspired to do; I have spoken with my family on many occasionabout my dreams to be a trustee after retirement, though I never imagined I would be in a position to fit this into my busy life as a CEO. After exploring this role further, it became apparent to me that there are an incredible number oways in which this role can add a new dimension to my skill set, and so agreeing to this position was a win win situation. 

Here are just some of the ways in which my short time as a trustee has already enhanced my role as CEO of Penny Appeal; 

Being trustee has already given me great insight into the way things work from the inside out for such a huge organisation. It has so far allowed me to broaden my horizons in terms of critical thinking and development. Being a trustee has changed the way I navigate governance, making my approach to decision-making truly multidimensional. As any CEO knows, leading an entire organisation doesn’t come without its challenges and my involvement as a trustee has so far given me insight into how to be equipped for times when things don’t go to plan, instilling resilience, and adaptability. I’m learning new, fresh and innovative techniques to apply to any challenges that come my way, and it really has been refreshing adopting new skills! 

Another simple yet imperative element to becoming a trustee as a CEO is the opportunity to grow your network. I have met some incredible people from all walks of life and have had an abundance of meaningful and thought-provoking conversations. It’s always great to expand my ever-growing network of professionals, encouraging conversations about charity, faith, business and of course, football. Collaboration always wins! 

As this new chapter as a trustee begins, I am excited to contribute to taking Bradford City Football Club Community Foundation to new heights, and to see how my new position will play a role in me becoming the best CEO I can be.  

Here’s to this exciting venture of making a positive change both in the Penny Appeal board room and beyond!