What is your most memorable experience at LBFCI?
COVID unbelievably. A time where everyone was deeply affected, especially the charities, who could not provide for their beneficiaries as they normally would. What made it so memorable was seeing everyone’s passion for what we do at LBFCI shine through. Before the pandemic we would call on Teams twice a month, however, this quickly changed to several times a week to make sure we were doing everything possible to support and guide those who needed it most through those tough times. Seeing everyone react so collaboratively to the situation and come together so quickly to share their expertise and knowledge, showed the selflessness of those on the board and in turn allowed us to help the charities as much as we could.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of engaging in the non-profit sector?
It is incredibly rewarding; you get out exactly what you put in. Don’t think of joining because it’s time to give back or it will look good on the CV, have a genuine reason. You need to be passionate about what it is and why you are joining, whilst actively seeking to make improvements to help those who are trying to better your community. I say this because ultimately you are having a direct influence on the beneficiaries and need to make sure you have the time, expertise, and passion for what it is you are going to be involving yourself with.
How has your time with LBFCI influenced your personal and professional growth?
That’s a tough one. I feel that my time at LBFCI has definitely reinforced not only the significance, but the importance of people working together and in turn, the vital impact this can have for those less fortunate. Being able to witness the transformative outcomes of our collective efforts first-hand is something that has furthered my appreciation of philanthropy, but also strengthened my commitment to making a positive difference, traits that I believe are very interchangeable between one’s personal and professional life.
What accomplishments or achievements are you most proud of?
There is no one accomplishment or achievement I would be able to put above the other. Instead, I am immensely proud to have been part of the LBFCI team; witnessing the evolution of the foundation through the combined efforts of all those involved and the impact of its continued support to local charities which, in my eyes, amassed to numerous accomplishments and achievements for both the trustees and the foundation.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
It has to be COVID – not being able to visit charities or meet with the whole board in person presented us, like many others, with unprecedented challenges. Nonetheless under the direction of Executive Director Jo, LBFCI worked its way through these tough times superbly; reacting quickly to new ways of holding meetings and ensuring we were abreast of charities needs, whilst constantly trying to seek how we could provide urgently needed assistance to those who needed it most.
What do you see for the future of LBFCI (what are the next steps)?
I have the utmost confidence that the foundation will continue to go from strength to strength due to the current board members’ and superb chairwoman, Philippa’s drive and passion for what it is they do. Personally, I hope LBFCI receive more support from the Governments in both Bailiwicks, as this will only further elevate the quality and quantity of amazing work produced everyone involved.
What are some lessons you’ve learned that will stay with you throughout your professional journey?
Similarly to the accomplishments and achievements question, there are too many lessons to single one out! I must note, a recent personal lesson following the passing of my father would be that if one wants to help others, there are numerous ways they can do so. This might be engaging in a charity, volunteering, or as simple as a random act of kindness, my point is don’t delay. There is so much happening in everyone’s lives that a thought you have today can easily be forgotten tomorrow, so act on what you think to be right and the outcome will likely outlive you.
What will you miss most about the charity and how will you stay connected to its mission in the future?
I think it will be a combination of missing regularly seeing the people involved and also the charities the foundation supports. Also, because everyone is so likeminded and striving to achieve the same outcome, the bonds I have formed will stay with me and I will be sure to stay in contact with my fellow trustees / friends. Most importantly though, I will continue to follow (and in some cases visit) a number of the charities the Foundation supports as I am invested in their journeys and the causes they believe in.
