Member spotlight Antony Kelsey CDir
At the Institute of Directors our focus is you and supporting you in your business journey. The local branch is dedicated to developing great leaders and ensuring that leaders can steer organisations effectively and successfully.
In this member spotlight, international member Antony Kelsey CDir, Director, Head of Investment Management Capital International Group, celebrates his recent Chartered Director status and gives an insight into the process and why he choose to complete his Chartered Director journey.
Briefly tell us about your role at Capital International Group
I have always worked in the business development side of the company and have previously been on the Boards of our Services company and our regulated entity in South Africa. For the last few years I have been a director on our Isle of Man regulated companies and I have recently been appointed into a new role as Head of Investment Management with Board responsibility for this division of our Group.
Why did you choose the IoD Chartered Director programme?
The Capital International Group have always encouraged and supported directors to consider the programme and I had received very positive feedback from several individuals who had done the programme in the past so I was keen to start with the Certificate which I found really useful so it was obvious to move quickly onto the Diploma, which I really enjoyed.
Chartered Director status, which I achieved recently, took a lot longer to build up to due to the time involved and the broad range of demonstrable experience you need to evidence. However, I attended a virtual session about the qualification at the back end of 2022 and it gave me the “kick” that I needed to focus on achieving it and it was a big relief to have been successful!
If you could highlight one aspect of the learning experience which ‘stood-out’, what would that be?
Learning on courses from highly experienced IOD directors who “walk the walk” in their everyday business lives and who point to personal real-life examples of challenges, successes, and experiences that bring the theory to life really helped me throughout the course. Comprehensive learning support material and a wealth of information and learning opportunities online was also invaluable.
Do you think being the qualifications helped you with your career progression?
Without a doubt. I helped with my contributions to the Board, with my line management, engagement with stakeholders, my career confidence as well as my wider Board knowledge. Over the time since I started the IOD programme my role has expanded greatly and more recently my responsibility.
What benefits has undertaking IoD qualifications given you in respect of your leadership qualities?
It has certainly helped increase my confidence, but I think it has also given me a much broader perspective about what the important qualities are in leadership. It has also helped me with a more patient approach.
Were there times you felt outside of your comfort zone?
Doing the Finance elements was certainly outside my personal comfort zone! But also hugely valuable learning for my Board role. To be honest, if I had not been outside of my comfort zone my learning from the programme would have so limited so whilst uncomfortable it was certainly rewarding!
How do you think IoD qualifications are regarded more broadly? Are they relevant in the ever evolving business environment?
I think they are well recognised for those that have experience of them and as a result very highly regarded by those peers. I think they are less well recognised for those who are less familiar with IOD, which is a shame as the programme is hugely relevant for directors and aspiring managers.
If you are interested in developing your career and leadership skills, find out more about IoD professional development options by clicking the highlighted link or email [email protected]
