Introducing Kate Everett to the IoD Suffolk ambassador team
IoD Suffolk Branch Ambassador Introduction.
Q: How long have you been involved with the IoD?
I joined in summer 2020
Q: Can you tell us a little about your career to date?
I started my career as a feature writer with a regional newspaper group, moving into a career as a freelance writer and marketing consultant in 1998 after 12 years. In 2008 I founded The Write Impression, based on the Essex/Suffolk border with one part-time member of staff. Twelve years on, we are a team of ten, plus partner agencies, working with high-growth businesses in the UK, EMEA and the US.
For the last fifteen years, I have also supported the work of the Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea), through sponsorship, new business mentoring and the delivery of workshops and training. In 2019 I joined the Colbea board as a non-executive director and also continue my work with Colbea on ‘In the Market for Success’, a funded training programme for new business women which has delivered more than 150 new female-led businesses in partnership with UK banks and more recently in collaboration with Fenwick.
Q: What do you hope to achieve as an IoD Branch Ambassador?
Primarily, I would like to raise awareness and engage with those business leaders (especially in rural areas) whom I know would benefit from IoD membership, and the huge range of benefits it brings.
Q: If you could give your 21 year old self some advice what would it be?
Believe in yourself and take every opportunity you can to learn and grow.
Q: What keeps you busy outside of work?
Until recently, I co-managed a junior football team and helped to run a football club with 300 children in the membership. With a team of volunteers, I spent five years raising more than £500,000 to build a new sports facility in Lawford, Essex. It was a huge undertaking and isn’t something I would want to do again but it taught me a lot about perseverance and project delivery. I miss the children but not the mud, cold, wind, FA politics and nail-biting losses.
Q: Are there any business related or policy issues that keep you awake at night?
As a company director, you have a huge responsibility to your staff, clients and suppliers. Delivering the best strategy, making the right decisions and delivering effective leadership are three things I take very seriously.
Q: Why do you think business leaders should join the IoD?
We all need an ally in business, and I have been amazed at the amount of support that IoD membership enables. From personal development tailored towards directors to money can’t buy events and dedicated business resources my question would by why hasn’t every business leader joined the IoD?
