Three Years as Chair A Journey of Growth, Connection, and Discovery
Three years ago, I stepped into the role of Chair for IoD Fife & Tayside, unsure if I was the right fit. When asked to apply, I hesitated—not because I didn’t want the opportunity, but because I questioned whether I had the right experience to lead. It was a big decision, one that I didn’t take lightly.
I still remember sitting in Sweden with my family, nervously preparing for my interview. I hoped to at least make an impression—if not for this time, then perhaps for the next. As it turns out, that call was the beginning of something truly transformative.
A Role That Changed Everything
These past three years have been nothing short of enlightening. The role has given me connections across Scotland and the UK, introducing me to industries, businesses, and people I might never have encountered otherwise. I’ve had the privilege of seeing behind the scenes of businesses, events, and opportunities that have shaped my understanding of leadership, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.
But beyond the professional opportunities, this role has been about people. The best part? The committee—a group of incredibly talented, adventurous, and driven individuals who have made every challenge worth it. They’ve guided me when I’ve needed support, pushed me to try new things, and made sure that even in moments of uncertainty, I never felt alone.
Leadership can often feel like a solitary path, but with the right people around you, it becomes something entirely different—an experience of shared growth, mutual learning, and collective ambition.
Lessons in Leadership & Looking Ahead
Being Chair has been invaluable, not just for my own personal development, but for my business and the charities I serve as a trustee. It has broadened my perspective on what it means to be a successful and compassionate director. I’ve learned where I need to grow, ask for help, and step up in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
There will come a day, soon, when I step down from this role, and that will be bittersweet. But the connections, the friendships, and the lessons I’ve gained will stay with me. This experience has reinforced what I’ve always believed—leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you to find them.
For anyone considering stepping into a leadership role, my advice is simple: say yes before you think you’re ready. The growth happens in the doing, and the rewards are beyond what you could imagine.
Here’s to the next chapter—whatever it may bring.
Marlene Lowe, Chair Fife & Tayside Committee, IoD Scotland
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