A highly adaptable Executive Director with exceptional leadership skills, creative vision, thinking agility and commercial success applying strategies and behaviours firmly rooted in strong customer focused and ethical values. Able to apply the ‘now and next’ thinking needed to lead strategic direction, develop / launch new ideas and identify the light which can differentiate a proposition to gain a competitive edge. Proven ability to support complex matters and appreciate the ‘bigger picture’ yet comfortable adapting a hands-on style to delivery with consideration for risk, cost and profitability. Able to recognise the value of an alternative view and a firm believer that the ability to compete can depend on great people, trying new ideas and not being afraid to ‘test and learn’ to drive commercial success whilst delivering great customer outcomes. Build trust and consensus across multiple levels by being a good listener, inclusively soliciting input from key stakeholders and willing to adjust the course if needed when new ideas or objections are raised. New product / proposition development and transformation is at the heart of what I do......but not being 'innovative for the sake of being innovative'. So my key personal achievement to date is the work I did for British Friendly where I was pivotal in turning the business around for the struggling Society. Launching a rejuvenated income protection proposition to a new distribution channel for the Society, I worked with my own network of contacts to achieve this and the Society gathered pace from there. But it was the conception, development and launch of a new simplified income protection product called 'Breathing Space' which defined me. Designed with simplicity in mind Breathing Space diluted some of the complexity often associated with income protection and as the name suggests, afford people the time to pause, relax and decide what to do next during a time when they need it the most.A firm believer that true leadership is creating an environment which encourages your talent to shine, be accountable, be recognised, accepting failure will shape and define your thinking......so they can fail fast without fear or blame.........it always comes down to people.