5 Minutes With…Life’s CEO
For me, Life is about giving people hope when they may feel they have nowhere else to turn.
From racing horses as a teenager to trail running with her three Border Terriers, our Chief Executive has always enjoyed a challenge. We caught up with her to talk about her journey to Life, what has shaped her approach to leadership and why the people we support remain at the heart of what she does.
Tell us a little about yourself and what you do at Life.
I’m the Chief Executive of Life, responsible for leading the charity, working with our Board and supporting our staff and volunteers to deliver the greatest possible impact for the people who need us.
I’d describe myself as young at heart, hardworking and practical. I love solving problems and turning ideas into action.
My greatest area of expertise is people management. I believe strongly in giving people the trust and autonomy to use their own expertise, creativity and ideas. For me, good leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about bringing together talented people, creating the right environment for them to succeed and helping them find the best way forward.
How did you first get involved with Life?
I joined Life in 2016 as Head of Retail. Before that, I’d spent much of my career in charity leadership roles with organisations including the British Heart Foundation, YMCA, The Salvation Army and The Air Ambulance Service.
My background was predominantly in charity retail and fundraising, and I could see an opportunity to develop Life’s retail operation into a stronger and more sustainable source of income for the charity.
From there, my role continued to grow, eventually leading to my appointment as Chief Executive.
What part of Life’s work matters most to you?
The work we do directly with our clients.
Life is there at moments when people may feel uncertain, unsupported or completely alone. We can provide safety, practical help and compassionate support to help someone regain confidence and begin to consider what comes next.
I’m also passionate about developing our people. Whether someone is a member of staff or a volunteer, I want them to feel valued, supported and able to fulfil their potential.
Bringing out the best in our people ultimately enables us to give the very best of Life to those who turn to us.
Is there a particular moment from your time at Life that has stayed with you?
There isn’t one single moment. It’s the stories of the people we support that stay with me.
I’m particularly moved by the journeys of our housing clients. Some arrive at Life with almost nothing, at an incredibly vulnerable point in their lives. With a safe home and the right practical and emotional support around them, we see them develop the confidence and life skills they need to move on and live independently with their children.
Seeing that journey — from uncertainty and vulnerability to a family ready to build its own future — is one of the most powerful expressions of Life’s work for me.
Behind every statistic is a real person whose life may have been changed simply because someone was there to listen, believe in them and stand alongside them.
You have a personal connection to Life’s housing work too. Can you tell us about that?
I experienced homelessness earlier in my life. I understand the reality of having nowhere to go and the fear and uncertainty that comes with it. That experience has never left me and gives me a deeply personal understanding of how important it is to have somewhere safe to call home — and someone who believes in you while you find your feet again.
What does it mean to you to lead Life today?
Being Chief Executive isn’t simply a job. It means carrying the mantle of a charity that has served people for more than 55 years.
Ensuring we remain true to our founders’ purpose while continuing to respond to the realities people face today is a huge responsibility, but one I feel enormously proud and privileged to carry.
Away from Life, what do you enjoy doing?
I’m a keen trail runner and enjoy Canicross with my three Border Terriers — Wally, Redgy and Ozzy. My favourite trails are in Scotland, and during my holidays you’ll often find me making my way up a Scottish mountain!
My husband Rob and I also have an incredible group of friends. We holiday together, socialise regularly and enjoy going to gigs and events. Spending time with them gives me the opportunity to relax, laugh and recharge.
I also love gardening and have created a garden that attracts an amazing variety of wildlife, including badgers, foxes, birds and even the occasional muntjac deer.
And when I’m not running or gardening, I enjoy kickboxing — I’m currently a purple belt.
Tell us something people might not expect about you.
In my teens, I used to race horses on the flat — perhaps an early indication that I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and moving at pace!
Finally, finish the sentence: “For me, Life is…”
For me, Life is about giving people hope when they may feel they have nowhere else to turn.
It’s about being there, listening without judgement and helping someone to believe in themselves and their future again.
And Life is its people — passionate, hardworking and deeply dedicated staff and volunteers who care about making a genuine difference.
I feel enormously proud to be part of it and privileged to lead a charity with so much heart.
Keep a look out for more from our new series, 5 Minutes With…, as we meet the staff, volunteers and fundraisers working behind the scenes at Life and get to know the people behind the roles.
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