“What’s the worst that could happen?” Alys Smith, Partner and HR Director, HHRUK

I work at a million miles an hour and I have a high appetite for risk. I work hard and I’m not afraid to make quick decisions when things feel right. I am fortunate to get paid to do the things which light me up in life. My passion to solve problems motivates me in the morning.

I grew up in Mid-Wales and went to a tiny school. I lived in Panama for 6 months before I undertook a Business Studies and Human Resource Management degree at the University of the West of England and then moved onto an HR graduate placement programme. This led to a series of HR roles across the UK and by the time I was 26 I was working in a pressurised role as a Regional HR Manager, based out of London. The travel became a bit too much, so I left and returned to my hometown of Llandinam in mid Wales to reset.

I interviewed as a receptionist with a company in Newtown, Powys, but ended up taking on the responsibility for their HR function. That role evolved further when I strayed out of my HR lane to set up a successful European sales operation. Around that time, I met my boyfriend, and staying in Wales became a priority to me. When life became too predictable, I went in search of a new challenge and joined an HR Consultancy.

During my career I had experienced significant exposure to the impact of major organisational change as a consequence of Brexit and Covid. I had learned a lot about the right and wrong ways to transform businesses and felt I could bring this expertise to a consultancy role.

Six months into the job, the Director asked me if I wanted to buy the business. I was in my early 30s and it was a big choice. Decision making is such an important part of business, and it is where I notice lot of business people getting stuck. I decided to go ahead as I knew in my gut that I was doing the right thing. My philosophy to risk taking is ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’. Touch wood this approach has worked so far – possibly a mixture of sheer ignorance, good luck and my willingness to ask for help.

Perhaps my enthusiasm for feedback is why I like the IoD so much. I see it as an anchor of integrity and I appreciate how the organisation is flying the flag for what good leadership looks like. I joined when I became a company director and immediately took the Certificate in Company Direction, then the Diploma, and I intend to be Chartered Director by 2027. These courses deliver tangible results which I can use in my day-to-day business life.

I make good use of all the legal and policy advice available but my favourite part of the IoD is the network. To have exposure to such an incredible range of business leaders, who are all members for the same reason which is to share and benefit from one another’s experience, is invaluable.

I have built my career – and three businesses – around the things I am passionate about, all driven by a strong sense of purpose. I am commercially minded, but people and the benefit of the wider world take priority. My deep-rooted values give me the space to be confident to make certain choices.