After a successful 30-year international executive career with Colgate-Palmolive, I have recently retired and am eager to channel my energy and expertise into supporting charities as a digital trustee.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to developing and implementing effective strategies, both individually and as part of collaborative cross-functional teams. I take pride in my ability to inspire and bring out the best in the teams I work alongside.

While my background predominantly lies in Customer Service and Logistics in the UK and the South Pacific, I have consistently sought opportunities to optimise business practices through the strategic use of digital and analytics.

During the last five years of my corporate journey, I played a pivotal role in digital transformation. I conceptualised a new organisational model aimed at revolutionising the global supply chain's digital and analytics capabilities. This initiative received approval from the global leadership team, leading to the establishment of Colgate-Palmolive’s global Supply Chain Analytics Team, which I had the privilege to create and lead.

My approach to digital transformation is grounded in a set of key philosophies:

Start with the Question: Always begin by clearly defining the problem you intend to solve. It is crucial to resist the temptation to follow trends or adopt technology without a deep understanding of the underlying issues. I am a strong advocate for fostering critical thinking skills across an organisation as a fundamental enabler.

Balance of Technology, People, and Processes: Acknowledging the importance of technology, I firmly believe that a truly exceptional transformation necessitates equal consideration of people and processes. A comprehensive plan that synergizes these components is essential for success, ensuring that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Data Literacy as a Foundation: I emphasise the significance of data literacy in achieving alignment and driving results across an organisation. It is imperative that every member possesses a rudimentary knowledge of digital concepts, actively demonstrating this understanding in their daily activities.

I am excited about the prospect of bringing my passion and expertise to the charity sector, with a specific interest in environmental, wildlife, and climate causes. I look forward to contributing my skills and insights as a digital trustee, leveraging my rich background to make a meaningful impact in these critical areas.