AIM Board Member
General Counsel, Blue Raincoat Music
What drew you to a board role?
I was encouraged to apply by colleagues, and I don’t think that I would have had the nerve to put myself forward (particularly in the context of the member elections for AIM’s board) without their support. The opportunity came at a time when the industry was facing multiple challenges that crossed my path regularly in a professional context which felt to me critical for the ongoing health of my organisation, the independent sector and the wider industry.
What did you bring to the table?
As a lawyer, I’ve had the classroom theory on board structure and responsibilities, and been involved in preparation and presentation of board papers and management of the results of board decisions. I was therefore very much aware of the burden and accountability of taking a board role. The nature of a number of the issues being discussed by the AIM board have had a legal or compliance aspect to them, so I knew that there was something useful that I could bring to those conversations. The reality is that the organisation is very supportive of and clear on the required formalities and provides a full onboarding programme, so that is definitely not something which should be an obstacle to anyone considering putting themselves forward for a board position.
What do you wish you had understood earlier?
While the formal structures necessarily apply to the running of the Board, the informal activities by board members outside board meetings have equal impact. There is such a fantastic variety of experience and knowledge within the AIM Board, combined with an enthusiasm for action, that the ways to get stuck in and make a difference using specific personal skills are broad and welcomed. There is really no correlation between the amount of talking in a formal setting and the impact that people are making.
What advice would you give to women considering a board role?
The people who have taken these roles are going to be the same people who are happy to share their knowledge and ideas, so pick up the phone, and never be afraid to ask what seems the obvious question.
WOMEN IN THE ROOM
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