Chairs in Conversation: Stephen Ladyman
Dr Stephen Ladyman, Chair of the National Autistic Society joins Philippa Fabry for this edition of Chairs in Conversation.
How you do you support your board to improve their collective contribution and governing skills?
You have to be an active listener at all times, through all discussions, listening to all contributions from all members of the board. By taking everyone’s comments and concerns seriously and providing encouraging yet constructive feedback, you create an open and trusting board.
Of course, one of the reasons you’re a chair in the first place is because you have the experience and knowledge. However, you must remember that you’re only one individual – and that you can be wrong. Trustees might have the best ideas about the way forward, so you need to encourage them to share their opinions.
It’s also important to be constructive. You have to learn to communicate misunderstandings in a way that doesn’t come across as judgemental or that shuts them down.
Naturally, certain members of the board will be familiar with some areas over others, and often stick to speaking out on these points that they are comfortable with. As chair, your role is to encourage these trustees to speak out on other responsibilities and contribute to the wider debate.
Category:Board Recruitment & Development
Written by
Philippa Fabry
Partner
Philippa Fabry is a partner and shareholder at Peridot Partners, leading the Not for Profit Practice with expertise, creativity and empathy. With over 20 years of executive search experience across private, public, and not for profit sectors, she excels in recruiting leadership roles for charities. Her leadership expertise extends beyond Peridot as a mentor for a youth charity and leadership coach.
Philippa began her career as a curator in visual arts after graduating from Manchester University. She worked for a prestigious London art gallery before becoming Principal Curator of Contemporary Art at Harewood House Trust. She transitioned to recruitment in 2001 at an international headhunting firm, then served as Assistant Director at Veredus before joining Peridot Partners in 2011, becoming Director in 2015.
Her experience includes supporting organisations through Founder/CEO transitions, establishing new or renewed boards, and helping commercial candidates transition to the not for profit sector. She has partnered with UK charities to appoint skilled executives and diverse trustees.
Outside work, Philippa is an avid runner who has completed several half marathons and is training for her first Sprint Triathlon. She balances career with family and social life, passionate about the arts and helping young people reach their potential.
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