In conversation with your Bucks and Milton Keynes IoD branch ambassadors Clare Winter
This week we meet Clare Winter, our ambassador for “Young Directors” who has been an IoD member since 2018.
Hi Clare, what is your role on the committee?
I’m the ambassador for Young Directors, so I’m responsible for supporting our members who are either founders of start-ups or who are “young” directors in established organisations (please don’t ask me to define “young”!).
What one thing do you hope to achieve in your role?
I am keen to build and strengthen the Young Director’s community because I’ve seen how the support, encouragement and creativity generated by our members can help them and their organisations to thrive.
What prompted you join the IoD?
Having founded my consulting business, I was looking around for good networking opportunities and business support. The IoD offers both.
What benefits have you seen from being a member of the IoD?
I have made some great connections through the IoD, with lots of people taking the time to support me and my business. I’ve also made use of the Business Advisory Services on multiple occasions – seeking tax advice, advice on forming a limited company and accessing templates for legal contracts.
What’s your favourite way to answer the question “What do you do?”
I use my experience of leading on international engineering projects and competing in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to develop strong, resilient and highly effective leaders and teams.
When you’re not working, what would we find you doing?
During lockdown, I’ve been walking and running a lot. My friends and I are completing “5k a day until the pubs re-open”. Initially we thought we’d cover the distance equivalent of walking to Dubai, but with no sign of the pubs re-opening we have carried on and recently we “arrived” in Lahore. In non-covid times, I can normally be found on a hockey pitch or sailing. In 2016 I took part in the Clipper Race and in 2018 I sailed across the Atlantic – there’s nothing quite like being in the middle of the open ocean with nothing but blue all around you.
What is your dream holiday?
Sailing somewhere hot with my friends. Not ocean sailing though, day sailing, with stops for swimming and sundowners at the end of the day.
What’s your hidden talent?
I’m pretty good at making puddings and baking cakes. I’m excellent at eating them too!.
If you could give your 18 year old self some advice, what would it be?
Take the time to travel as often as you can. You will love it and work can wait.
Thank you Clare!
Next time, we’ll be meeting Shankar Meembat our ambassador for the Digital Economy. See you then.
