Every month TFN gets two chief executives together to find out what they can learn from each other. This month, Pat Armstrong of column sponsor the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations visited the brand new chief executive of Disability Snowsport UK, Mark Kelvin.
Mark about Pat
What were you expecting?
I’ve followed Pat on Twitter for some time and so I had a good feel for who she is – a fun, knowledgeable, and approachable third sector leader.
What was your first impression?
Super efficient! Pat arrived about 30 minutes earlier than we originally planned, just to make sure she wasn’t late. I know a few people that could learn from Pat.
What did you talk about?
Anything and everything. I learned about Pat’s family, her latest volunteering adventure, cycling, trekking, leadership challenges, what the private sector can gain from the third sector, rebellion. Oh, and Brexit of course.
What did you have in common?
The fact that what we do doesn’t feel like work, and therefore isn’t contained between nine and five. We spoke about the need to manage that in order to set a better example for colleagues who we don’t want feeling pressured to work long days and weekends. We’re also both inked, though Pat didn’t get to see mine yet, not on our first date!
What was radically different about them?
I’m not sure that it’s radical but Pat’s a genuine soul, and I still find that can be unusual in the professional world. Many of us still feel the need to hide behind a professionalism or present the best version of ourselves all of the time. I connected with Pat instantly and this was down to her being 100% herself. I also enjoyed hearing about her rebellious side, although I’m not sure that I’m allowed to share that.
What useful thing did you learn?
I learned a lot in our short time together. There were some tangible offers from Acosvo that I didn’t know about, and Pat shared with me some examples of how Cornerstone is transforming their contracting model to be better able to support their staff team.
Who bought the coffee?
We took it in turns!
Could your organisations ever work in partnership?
Absolutely, though maybe indirectly. I’ll be joining Acosvo and that will open up new opportunities for myself and the staff team.
Did she help spark a new idea?
Yes, a new idea for how we can encourage other skiers to donate to DSUK so that we can help even more disabled people leave their disability behind and join us on the snow.
Was it worth your while?
Definitely, a lovely way to start the day.
Marks out of 10?
10 – if I said less than that it could get awkward!
Will you meet again?
I don’t doubt it.
Pat about Mark
What were you expecting?
Not sure, I’d read Mark’s biog but it’s always interesting how little they actually tell you about a person.
What was your first impression?
How enthused he is about his new role, how full of plans and ideas, how kind he was to offer to come and meet me and take me to experience a DSUK lesson.
What did you talk about?
Lots...the different parts of the sector we had both worked in, mutual connections, interests, background, weddings, cars, plans for both our organisations…and much more.
What did you have in common?
Lack of skiing ability, love of sport, enjoyment of the third sector – and probably a positive outlook.
What was radically different about them?
It was my first time in an electric car (I’m ashamed to say). Mark really walks the talk in his values – not sure if that is radical, but it was very obvious. It’s also quite unusual to be leading a UK wide organisation from Aviemore – and good to see how Mark easily connected across the UK, and how much he wanted to develop a team approach across all the areas they work.
What useful thing did you learn?
It was great to get the fresh perspective of someone coming into a new role. I’ve been chief exec at Acosvo for 15 years now, and although I love it and am still enthused by new ideas, I was inspired by Mark’s approach. He wants to balance the history of the organisation with taking it forward with a new approach. It made me rethink how I can do that while in my role.
Who bought the coffee?
Mark bought coffees first, I bought peppermint teas later.
Could your organisations ever work in partnership?
I’m sure there are lots of ways we could work together. As an Acosvo member, there will be lots of opportunities to connect, but I’m also hoping this will help Mark raise the profile of DSUK and make useful connections across our 500 plus members.
Did he help spark a new idea?
I wondered if we could arrange for a group of Acosvo members to try out snowsports through our active leaders programme. We also talked about whether DSUK could emulate the coffee model of paying it forward by offering people the chance to buy an extra session with each group booking made at centres. Maybe this is something Acosvo could consider too, with a supported place on some of our courses for those starting off on their leadership journey.
Was it worth your while?
Definitely, it is great to have a new addition to the Acosvo family. And also so useful to go to one of the snowsport centres for our meeting and see a lesson happening. We spoke to the mum of a young lad getting support and you could see how much of a difference it was making both for her and her son. She mentioned that she was on her own and that she couldn’t risk skiing with her son in case she got injured as she had to be there to care for him (and also because he needed much more specialist support than she could give on the slopes). It really made me see how important DSUK’s work is.
Marks out of 10?
It can only be a 10. Mark’s energy and enthusiasm really shone through and I’ll look forward to seeing where the journey takes him.
Will you meet again?
I’m sure we will.
