With over 30 years of managing operations for internationally renowned organisations, I have my own story to draw on. It’s one driven by enduring curiosity. I’ve lived and worked all over the world, I’ve sought out the elusive work-life balance and taken risks when I’ve felt stuck and wanted to learn more. I know what it takes to thrive in many different, and challenging, circumstances and to lead others through change (even in change-averse organisations). This could be why a coaching colleague observed that she had never seen me fazed by a client, nor the issues they face.

Earlier in my career, I was Chief Operating Officer at Oxford Saïd and held a series of senior roles in BBC News, where I managed award-winning teams of the best broadcasting talent across a network of world-wide offices. I was based in Russia, the Middle-East and Asia, covering global news events, military conflict and natural disasters. As Director of BBC Monitoring, I oversaw an extensive restructure of the corporation’s multi-lingual media agency which licences content to the UK government and commercial clients.

A Russian and French speaker who is happiest in an international setting, I have recently returned to the UK after being based in Bangkok for three years. I am also co-chair of the board of trustees at Global Canopy and live in Oxford with my partner and teenage daughters.