CHAMBER PROFILE LASTWORD
Chamber Marketing Executive Claire Millar interviews Chamber Board Director, CLARE BAKER
Name: Clare Baker
Role: Chamber Board Director and Business Development Manager at Barclays
What do you like most about your job and being a Chamber Director? As Premier Business Development Director for Barclays and in my role at the Chamber what I like best is the same - collaboration and the huge successes that can be achieved by working together with both like-minded people and individuals with different views of the world to make things happen that you alone couldn’t even envisage.
What inspires you? People inspire me. I see examples every day of people going about their lives, not in the spotlight or for personal gain who go out of their way to make a difference to others. Sometimes it is the smallest of gestures and they don’t even notice it as anything extraordinary, but to someone else it meant the world.
What drives you? The need to feel I have made a difference and getting home to spend time with my family.
Where do you see the future of the Chamber? It’s an exciting time for the chamber and there is a real sense of energy and dynamism. As the political and economic landscape continues to look unsettled and in a period of change I see the chamber having an increasing role. This will be both in understanding the voices in the SW and working together with other chambers and organisations to effectively lobby and work together to improve the future of the local economy but also to be the first place businesses and individuals will look to for support, sign posting and practical advice to help grow.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Being “busy” doesn’t mean you get where you are going faster. Slowing the pace to allow time for clear thinking can be much more effective! I need to remind myself of this often.
If you could sum up your CV in one sentence, what would it say? Eclectic!
When it comes to business instinct, do you follow your head or your heart? Probably heart wins most times.
54 Chamber Profile Winter 2019
Can you describe yourself in five words? Enthusiastic, driven, passionate, grateful and independent.
How do you balance life and work? How do you spend your time when you’re not working? Work life balance is a constant battle and I have a number of “hats” but outside of that I love being outdoors, walking, running, being by the sea, spending time with my family (plus the two cats and one whippet) and eating. I love food, reading recipe books, cooking and of course enjoying the results.
‘It’s an
exciting time for the chamber and there is a real sense of energy and dynamism’
Why did you decide to be a Chamber Director? I have been involved with the Chamber through Barclays for a number of years, but I believe there has never been a greater need for speaking with one voice and bringing businesses closer together if we are to succeed. The board members I have joined are a fantastic team; dynamic, friendly and with a huge range of experience and knowledge. I believe I can both learn a great deal and contribute in these exciting times.
What is your
favourite quote? “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” - an African proverb.
Who is your inspiration, your
hero and who are your influencers? I would have to say that for the past 10 years it has been Michelle and Barack Obama. They have and continue to display such warmth, compassion, integrity and true statesmanship.
What are you most proud of?
In my personal life, my children and step-children, who amaze, inspire and frustrate me daily. But boy, do they ground you! More widely, co-founding SW Women in Business with Alexis Bowater, and seeing the magic that has happened, not least being part of The Lady Astor
Statue project and helping project the achievements of Plymouth beyond the city.
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