Why I’m Joining Map Room as Non-Executive Director
… and why that’s good for my Coaching & Advisory practice too!
A Partnership Years In The Making
Map Room has been in my professional life for the last 2-3 years. I’ve coached, mentored and supported several members of the team as they’ve navigated a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
But the roots go further back. Two of the Executive team and I started working together in 2010 for a couple of years – team-working at its best. We’ve stayed in touch ever since, and so the insight and trust between us is already well established.
A New Opportunity Ahead
Earlier this year we explored how else I could support their ambitious journey. As a Sunday Times Fastest Growing Company, they’re moving quickly with ambitious plans, and with that opportunity comes the expected challenges, twists and turns.
And that has led to a new role for me: I’m very happily joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisor.
Why Map Room, Why Now?
It’s a natural evolution of the work we’ve already been doing together. The pace is exciting, and the stakes are real. This is about making good decisions, keeping people at their best, and sustaining growth in a thoughtful way. It’s a space I know well and I’m excited to be part of.
Marc Cotterill, Chief Brand Officer at Map Room, and I had a good natter about this new development – watch here:
What I Bring To The Table
When an opportunity like this presents it’s always important for me to know I can bring value to the table, contribute to the objectives at hand, and support the team in a positive way.
I have two decades of senior leadership experience in the banking sector, specialising in large-scale operations and transformation programmes. For the last decade I’ve worked with hundreds of senior leaders in a coaching and advisory capacity.
It’s a combination of experience, insight, and knowledge that should prove valuable to the Map Room journey. Deep knowledge and experience of the challenges faced by leaders in big business, and the passion to see the Map Room team succeed in a way that enables them to thrive individually and collectively.
What Does The Role Mean In Practice?
At its core, this role is about clear thinking and steady challenge. I’ll contribute to Board discussions, sense-check priorities, and support the Exec through pinch points, without stepping into day-to-day operations.
My focus: decision quality, healthy pace, and keeping people at their best as the business scales. It’s independent oversight with sleeves rolled up when needed, and a respectful distance when it’s time for the team to lead.
Strengthening my Coaching Work & Vice Versa
I firmly believe the NED role complements my Coaching & Advisory business brilliantly.
Being back around the Board table keeps my perspective current and grounded in day-to-day realities. It adds useful context to the conversations I have with senior leaders and strengthens the business insight I can bring.
In turn, my coaching expertise brings a clear, human lens to the decisions we’ll make together at Map Room.
Independence & Balance Between My Various Roles
My work requires me to be a master of boundaries, independence and confidentiality, and that’s no different here. It’s something I take seriously and pride myself on.
My coaching and advisory work remains confidential and client-led; Board responsibilities are focused on Map Room’s governance and growth.
Boundaries are clear, and the balance works – for them, for me, and for my clients.
The Personal Gains
I love the Coaching & Advisory Business I’ve built; I wouldn’t swap it for the world. But there is a reality in this kind of work in that I’m mostly working solo. It can feel lonely at times.
This role puts me back with a team and restores a sense of workplace connection I’ve missed, alongside the energy I get from being round the Board table, helping key decisions to be made and a shared vision to be achieved.
So, of course, there’s plenty in it for me personally too.
Looking Ahead
I’m delighted to accept this role and look forward to what’s ahead – undoubtedly exciting times.
If you’d like to understand more about my Coaching & Advisory partnerships, or my role with the Map Room team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Coaching Partnerships
If it’s time for us to talk about the support you need for your next chapter, have a nosey around the website, check me out on LinkedIn, and book a call when you’re ready to talk.