CHAMBER PROFILE CHAMBER PEOPLE Introducing you to the key people behind the Chamber. Name: Suzi Cumberland
Role: Chamber Board Director and Chief Operating Officer at Citizens Advice Plymouth
What do you like most about your job and being a Chamber Director? People! I believe they are any organisations greatest asset and therefore need to be treated as such. In my role as Chief Operating Officer for Citizens Advice Plymouth, I am forever in awe of the 100 staff and 50 volunteers who are so passionate and committed to the work they do for our clients by empowering them to make decisions on the problems they face. In my role as a Chamber Director I enjoy connecting people, being part
of a platform that helps businesses thrive as well as seeing organisations work together for the greater good.
What inspires you? I am inspired by people who aren’t afraid to go against the grain! Whether this is standing up for a subject they believe in, challenging the status quo or perhaps championing a campaign. These people are change makers and generally want to make the world a better place.
What drives you? Adding true value in everything I do, otherwise why do it?
Where do you see the future of the Chamber? The Chamber has a significantly bright future and will continue to be the voice for businesses through changing landscapes both politically and economically. Devon & Plymouth Chamber has a rich history serving the business community for 205 years and I have no doubt that it will continue to do so for the next 205. However, it is only as strong as the membership it
represents, and I would greatly advise if you are reading this and you are not currently a member, you make the business investment to join. If you are a member, your challenge is to refer another business into the Chamber to enhance its reach.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? If someone presents you with an opportunity, take it and work out how to do it afterwards!
If you could sum up your CV in one sentence, what would it say? My CV is a testament I hope to the fact that I am never afraid of challenge and evolving.
When it comes to business instinct, do you follow your head or your heart? Neither, it’s all in the gut! If something generally doesn’t feel right, then it usually isn’t and equally the same when something feels right. I would generally hope to follow this up with facts and logic but if I can’t, I am okay with that – the gut will still win!
Can you describe yourself in five words? Strong, independent, energetic, driven and passionate.
How do you balance life and work? How do you spend your time when you’re not working? I think my friends and family will argue that I don’t have even a hint of a healthy work life balance however when I do move away from the laptop and put down my phone, I enjoy spending quality time with them in particular my three children aged 9, 11 and 13. I also attempt to keep fit through military style boot camp classes and
enjoy the occasional run having previously completed and (kind of) enjoyed local races such as Plymouth 10K, Plymouth Half Marathon and Torbay Half Marathon.
Why did you decide to be a Chamber Director? I am a huge advocate for the Chamber, and I have been fortunate enough to have been involved for the past eight years, five of which was as an employee and the latter three as a member. I understand first-hand the amount of work that is delivered by a small
team projecting a big voice to provide a platform of support for local and regional businesses and I have spent a long time building those relationships directly with many of those members. Therefore, when the opportunity came along for the director elections in 2019, it was an easy decision to put myself forward on behalf of those businesses, who are equally passionate about its Chamber, with a view to serve and represent them.
What is your favourite quote? It is impossible to live without failing at something… unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case you fail by default. - JK Rowling.
What are you most proud of? Without a shadow of doubt, my children! They make me laugh (and sigh) every day and watching them grow into people with their own minds and characters makes me incredibly proud.
‘I would greatly advise if
you are reading this and you are not
currently a member, you make the
business investment to join’
54 Chamber Profile Spring 2020
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