My journey into the world of finance didn’t begin with a grand plan, but with a simple, almost innocent, fascination that took root in a 1992 Business Studies class. At 14, I was captivated by the magic of financial statements as my teacher, Mrs. Belson, explained ratios. This wasn’t just numbers on a page; it was a story that spoke of a company’s health, its potential, and its challenges. This early love affair with accounting was cemented when my mum co-signed for my first stock purchase, a £100 investment that was, for me, a bold step into a world I was desperate to understand.

After my university studies, I landed a high-profile role at a major American bank. It was a prestigious position, a job many would envy. Yet, I found it too predictable, too removed from the real-time decisions that fuel a business. I craved the challenge and the rapid pace of smaller companies, and in 2001, I answered the call of London’s vibrant SME scene. From that point on, I immersed myself in a world of diverse businesses, from innovative start-ups to established family firms. It was here, in the trenches, that I truly mastered the art of bookkeeping and financial strategy. I learnt that a business’s numbers are a living, breathing reflection of its people and its vision. My passion for understanding the financial pulse of a business deepened as I worked directly with founders and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate growth, manage cash flow, and make strategic decisions. This invaluable, hands-on experience, gained over 25 years, became the bedrock of my career.

My professional trajectory took a pivotal turn in 2016 when I discovered the concept of a Fractional CFO. This role was a perfect synthesis of my skills and my passion for SMEs. It allowed me to bring the high-level financial expertise of a corporate director to multiple smaller businesses, acting as a trusted advisor who could help them scale and avoid pitfalls. What I didn’t realise then was that this role was the perfect stepping stone to the next phase of my career. The experience of working across multiple sectors and providing strategic guidance to a wide range of leaders sharpened my ability to see the bigger picture, to identify opportunities, and to solve complex problems with a holistic perspective.

This culmination of experience led me to a new and inspiring challenge: the role of a Non-Executive Director. The desire that began in that 1992 classroom, to understand the numbers and what they mean, morphed into a passion for using that insight to guide and inspire. In 2024, I secured a Non-Executive Director role at Veblen, an executive training and networking business. This role allows me to apply my commercial acumen to a business that, in turn, helps other leaders to grow. It is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the development of a strong leadership ecosystem, drawing on my decades of experience to shape strategic direction and governance.

The journey continued into 2025, when I secured two more Non-Executive Director positions, roles that truly speak to my desire to contribute to diverse and impactful organisations. At Theatre Deli, which provides event spaces to early-stage creative artists, I lend my financial discipline to a world driven by imagination. It is a privilege to help an organisation that champions emerging talent to build a sustainable financial model, ensuring that creativity has a strong commercial foundation. I’ve also joined the board of Settle Stories, a charity that reaches out to local and international communities and educational institutions through storytelling. In this role, I am able to apply my strategic skills to a purpose-driven organisation, helping them to expand their reach and impact while maintaining robust financial health.

These three roles are not just appointments; they are a powerful testament to the value of a career built on passion and continuous improvement. They demonstrate that my expertise transcends sector boundaries and that the principles of sound financial management and strategic foresight are universal. As a Non-Executive Director, I am not merely an auditor of past performance but an active participant in shaping the future, a voice of inspiration and a hand of guidance. I am a highly skilled and inspirational Non-Executive Director because I understand that the most compelling stories in business are told through people, purpose, and strong financial foundations.

My unique journey, from a curious 14-year-old to a trusted advisor across a spectrum of industries, has prepared me to guide and inspire businesses at the highest level. If you are looking for an experienced and passionate Non-Executive Director who can help your organisation navigate its challenges and seize its opportunities, I am ready to lend my expertise.

I am available for new Non-Executive Director appointments and would be delighted to discuss how I can help your board and your business thrive. 

Contact me today to start a conversation about your requirements!