XXXXXXXXXXXXX PETER NUTKINS
Winner Dr Neville Bain Memorial Award
DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2019 LIND A P OLLARD CBE
Chair, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
‘Hold your nerve and be ready to take some risks’
As chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust since 2013, Pollard has helped to deliver the biggest surplus in its 20-year history. She is now spearheading a £500 million-plus investment in the construction of a children’s hospital. What’s the secret to building an effective team? “Seek out a breadth of skills and experiences; always listen and respect people’s opinions; and encourage everyone to share their challenges.” Which person in the business world do you most admire? “The late Baroness Betty Lockwood, who in 1975 became the first chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission. She was my mentor for many years – a woman before her time.” What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “My grandfather told me: ‘Keep looking forward. Don’t look back.’” Whom do you turn to for guidance today? “It depends on the particular area
you’re looking at. You need a range of information sources, so networks are vital.” How would you describe your leadership style? “Supportive – my door is always open and I will always listen. Leadership is about taking people with you on the journey, inspiring them and giving them belief in their abilities.” What advice would you offer leaders with less experience than you about navigating turbulent times? “Hold your nerve and be ready to take some risks, but always look after your people.” How do you ensure good corporate governance in a fast-growing enterprise? “Find a good company secretary to watch your back. Listen to them and take their advice.” What is the key to great leadership? “Surrounding yourself with people who have a wide range of skills and are cleverer than you.”
for Excellence in Director and Board Practice
Winner Chartered Director MAR GO T CR ONIN CD IR
Non-executive director, HSBC Life (UK), Nazareth Care Charitable Trust, Prudential International Assurance, Tesco Underwriting
‘How you treat people along the way really matters’
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director.co.uk
Cronin’s award is for scoring the best exam total of all this year’s qualifying Chartered Directors. She spent much of her career with Aviva, working in Asia and North America before moving to its group CEO office in London. After serving as CEO of Aviva Hong Kong, she moved on in 2014 to build a portfolio of non-executive roles. What has been the most pivotal moment of your career? “Working in Aviva’s international division back in 2000 under the leadership of Cees Schrauwers – a great mentor and also a champion of integrity. It taught me the importance of focusing not only on what needs to be done but also on the way you do it. How you treat people along the way really matters.” What has been your toughest career challenge and how did you overcome it? “That was probably my move to the US with Aviva to take up my first C-suite position. I had to adapt to a new environment very quickly. My father died
during that time, so it was also a period of bereavement. My response was to throw myself wholeheartedly into my work and the task of integrating myself locally.” What’s the key to great leadership? “Great listening skills, humility and a willingness to get out of the way and let your team get on with it.” What advice would you give less experienced business leaders about navigating turbulent times? “Focus on the things you can do something about.” Whom do you turn to for guidance? “I’m lucky to have a large network of former colleagues who have become friends, so I have access to great sounding boards if I should need them.”
The IoD is already accepting nominations and entries for next year’s awards. Visit
iodawards.com for further information
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