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A few months back I took a call from someone I hadn’t spoken to in a while.

One of the key attributes that I seek in leaders is the ability to bring the outside in to the business – to be able to listen to and engage with a wide range of internal and external audiences that have a stake in the way they operate.

I feel like there has been an increase in the last five or so years of leaders coming into this sector from outside the charity world. Some take to it like ducks to water, but others sometimes just don’t have the authenticity needed to become the purposeful leader that charities inherently need.

Typically, if your boss asks to ‘have a quick word’, the question either elicits positive thoughts of intrigue, or, if you’re unlucky, some kind of dread! Luckily for me it was almost always positive when Gillian Murray, my boss of nine years, asked this question.

I’ve spent my career focused on how to build organisations that engage employees so they give their best. I’ve experienced economic booms and busts, a technological revolution in the way we live and work, and the increased globalisation of business. The consistent theme throughout my 35 year career, is that people give their best when they truly believe in their organisation’s mission.

July is an important month for me. Like so many others, July was the month I left academic studies and began making my way in the world.

"I can honestly say it was transformational. Not only did the various programmes help me focus the direction of the Trust and provide a supportive sounding board, they also gave me the confidence to innovate and take risks."

Key to my role at Pilotlight is learning about the latest and emerging trends in Talent Development, so I can be sure that our programmes continue

Here’s a vision of society that I think is worth working for: one where deaf people have equal access, rights and citizenship, there is an end to y