This year we are delighted to announce that our Board Director Amy Malik will take up the new role of Chief Growth Officer. We talk to her about her background and why she joined ella Forums.
Amy, welcome to ella Forums! You’ve had such a positive impact already in only a few months, tell us about yourself:
I was appointed Board Director in October 2020 and have considerable experience in the charity sector. Since 2012, I have been a member of Pilotlight, a non-profit organisation that enables skilled business leaders to provide expertise and advice to charities and social enterprises across the UK. Also, I have acted as a mentor to a number of CEOs of charitable organisations. In addition to being a trustee of Tender, I am the Chair of its Development Board, with the aim to ensure sustainability and growth through fundraising, income generation and profile-raising. Furthermore, I volunteer as a peer supporter to expectant and new parents in my local community.
What has been your most memorable moment at ella Forums to date?
Launching our Trustees Forum last January. The reaction to the initial taster session was brilliant and in fact, it was so oversubscribed that we had to run two sessions. It shows that there is a need for our action-learning forum for trustees.
If someone was to ask the question ‘why become a member of ella Forums?’, what would you say?
Becoming a leader can be daunting and being a senior leader can be lonely! I believe ella Forums provides a safe environment for our members to share their problems and challenges and help each other with trust, respect, and encouragement. Members can also look to their Chair, who hosts and facilitates their forum, for individual mentoring and support. Our Chairs are all amazing volunteers with lots of experience and can really help our members to overcome whatever issues they face. Our members frequently tell us that being a member gives them a very enjoyable way to learn and develop. Having support regularly really strengthens them, which then enables their organisations to thrive.
Lastly, what made you join the Board at ella Forums and what is your mission?
When Danny our CEO first approached me about ella Forums, I immediately saw a great deal of potential in terms of helping many charities and non-profit organisations through supporting executive leaders and developing those who have aspiration to become leaders in the Third Sector. My gut instinct was reinforced when I attended one of the forum meetings and had a taste of the ‘ella experience’ – I could see the benefits for our members first-hand. Furthermore, I totally believe in giving up time to do pro-bono work, and I love the way almost all of us at ella Forums are volunteers who share the same passion in supporting charities and ultimately their beneficiaries.
My mission is to take ella Forums to the next stage of transformation and growth, so that more charitable organisations can flourish with us.
