I'm responsible for the overall direction, strategy and performance of the organisation. Day-to-day I lead the WSFF team in connecting with the voices of real girls and women to make physical activity an important part of life for women and girls in the UK. We are also about to embark on a consumer campaign which I’m personally excited about.
What has your career involved before WSFF?
I have worked as a campaigner since 1992. My career began at the Women's Environmental Network where I founded the Women's Communication Centre think tank, before joining The Body Shop as Campaigns Manager. When my two children were young, I freelanced for clients including the Co-op bank, BT, Transport for London and UK Nirex plc. I have also worked as Projects Director at the Future Foundation and served as a Trustee and then Chair of Fawcett.
If you could change 1 thing to have a positive impact on women and girls' activity levels, what would it be?
A magic wand that could stop girls becoming insecure about their bodies. My daughter is 9 and is already self-conscious about her body. Running around and getting hot and sweaty is a great antidote to a society obsessed with physical perfection.
How does being active make you feel?
Better. Being active has made me realise that if I don’t use my muscles and move my body regularly that I feel stiff, achy and less energetic. Exercise also makes me feel good about myself and I love the fact that I can eat more. I find it difficult to juggle between working full time and looking after two young children – but it definitely does not stop me from keeping fit.
Favourite sport or physical activity
My greatest love is not sport but dance. My school was not committed to PE, so I took up dance outside of school instead. I like watching athletics and tennis and playing football in the park. I’ve recently discovered rugby and would like to learn how to sail and tango. Nothing beats a long walk in the countryside but I stay fit by cycling to work and taking the stairs.
Most memorable sporting moment
So many things knock me sideways most weeks in my role. From women rowing across the Atlantic, to Paula Radcliffe winning the New York marathon and then rushing to get baby Isla from the crowd. Also when I was at university I remember watching a Japanese dance troupe – the dancers were both visually and physically amazing.
Who do you admire and why?
Anita Roddick because she took Corporate Social Responsibility to a new level and was a key role model in providing a healthy attitude in the women’s beauty industry.
