“While women make up 68% of the charity sector’s employees, they only make up between 56% and 63% of the sector’s CEOs. That falls to 35% of the CEOs of the largest charities and 46% of the CEOs of the oldest charities. While women are fractionally more likely to volunteer than men, last time it was measured, male trustees outnumbered female trustees by two to one.”
Pro Bono Economics – Women and the charity sector – November 2023
Here at Ella Forums, we are surrounded by incredible women that are contributing to the sector every day, as CEOs, volunteers, and trustees. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are shining a light on their leadership journeys’, to inspire, give hope and offer some guidance for all those women looking to lead in the sector.
Julie Pelych, Ella Forums CEO, and Anne Fry, CEO at Eating Distress North East have shared their journey’s with us. Let’s dive in.
Julie Pelych
Volunteer CEO for Ella Forums and CEO of GAP Performance
Tell us how you became involved in the charitable sector
My journey into the charitable sector began when I volunteered as a facilitator to establish a new Ella forum in the South. Despite lacking prior experience in the charity sector, the opportunity proved to be a transformative adventure. I cherished the role, relishing the chance to not only impart my insights in leadership development and coaching but also to learn from the group members.
What has been the most impactful advice or support you have received on your leadership journey?
The most profound support I received on my leadership journey dates back to the inception of my business in 1995. I was fortunate to find a seasoned mentor who dedicated herself to nurturing young women in business. Her encouragement and her support were instrumental, propelling me to transition from corporate life to setting up my own company.
What do you know now that you wish you had been aware of when you started out on your leadership journey?
Reflecting on my leadership journey, I now recognise the fallacy of believing that as a leader, you must know everything and shoulder every responsibility. Understanding the power of collaboration and the importance of cultivating a high performing team has been a pivotal realisation. Success thrives on collective efforts, and surrounding yourself with a strong team is the route to success.
What advice would you give any women looking to take on a leadership role in the charity sector?
To any woman aspiring to assume a leadership role in the sector, I would impart two crucial pieces of advice: first, cultivate unwavering self-belief, recognising your worth and potential; second, seek out a mentor, coach, or supportive community. Leadership, especially in these challenging times, can be isolating, and it’s therefore important to reach out for assistance when needed and to set boundaries by confidently saying no on occasions.
Anne Fry
CEO at Eating Distress North East. Eating Distress North East (EDNE)offers independent confidential services to people affected by eating distress across the North East.
Tell us how you became involved in the charitable sector and your journey into leadership.
By accident! I worked in the higher education /cultural sector before moving into the charitable sector.
I would never have considered a leadership role if it hadn’t been for the support and encouragement of other women in the sector. That’s something I’ve valued a great deal and tried to pass on to others.
What has been the most impactful advice or support you have received on your leadership journey?
Ask for help. It can be a tough and lonely place to be and without people to talk /rant /cry to and laugh with, it’s even more so.
And obviously Ella Forums is a valuable forum for all of the above!
What do you know now that you wish you had been aware of when you started out on your leadership journey?
That no one has all the answers, or even knows what they’re doing all the time, and that being a ‘leader’ isn’t being the finished article. I always felt that I had to pretend to be something or somebody I’m not to feel like a ‘leader’ and when I realised that I could just be me, it felt more natural, and I had more fun doing it.
What advice would you give any women looking to take on a leadership role in the charity sector?
Don’t doubt that you have something you can bring to the role. You don’t have to do it like everyone else! Develop a network of people who you trust. And being a trustee is a great way to understand more about strategic leadership and getting involved in other organisations. Tell your story and share your journey.
Across the charity sector there are countless women leading. Let’s share those stories, celebrate and support those journeys not just today but all days. Because Women Lead.