The life of a CEO is often perceived as one of glamour and effortless decision-making. However, the reality is far more dynamic, involving a constant juggling act of strategic planning, team management, and unexpected challenges. This week was no exception. From prepping for a major conference to dealing with last-minute plumbing emergencies, it was a whirlwind of activity that showcased the diverse demands of leading an organisation.

Monday

The week kicked off with our usual team meeting, where we discussed ongoing projects, including our new venue ‘Thrive at 250’ which will be our dedicated conference and events space. This was followed by a briefing for our highly anticipated conference on sibling sexual abuse, the first of its kind worldwide. We reviewed the agenda, which included a discussion on the staff satisfaction survey and the overwhelmingly positive response. The afternoon was dedicated to a less glamorous, but essential task: cleaning the office. With a major event looming, we wanted to ensure our space was presentable for guests who were due to arrive for the VIP networking event on Wednesday. I then joined a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Chief Officers Group Conference, another key event in my calendar. The day concluded with addressing queries from an independent examiner about our end of year accounts, a crucial part of maintaining transparency and accountability.

Tuesday
Our team convened at our new conference and events space, to continue preparations. The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial as we enjoyed coffee, conversation, and laughter while assembling 120 goodie bags for our guests. That was until we realised the gent's toilets had flooded. Later, I shifted focus to rehearse my opening keynote address, ensuring I could deliver a powerful and impactful message about the urgent need to break the silence surrounding sibling sexual abuse. A discussion with our accountant regarding the independent examination followed, highlighting the complexities of managing finances for a rapidly growing charity.

The afternoon brought a welcome change of pace as we officially welcomed one of our key event speakers Jane Epstein, to Glasgow from the USA, with a team introduction. A highlight of the day was an afternoon out with my mum, enjoying coffee and indulging in a delicious cannoli – a much-needed break from the intensity of conference planning. Finally, I caught up on emails and finalised the last few details for the event, including confirming transport for our staff and keynote speakers.

Wednesday

Just when I thought we had everything under control, a crisis emerged! The urn we had purchased for providing hot water at the conference was not suitable. A frantic dash ensued, involving several phone calls and a hurried trip across town to secure a replacement that met our needs. Despite this unexpected hurdle, I managed to finalise my presentation and speech for the conference, going over every detail. With my suitcase packed and ready, I headed to the office for a team lunch, a chance to connect and build momentum before the busy day ahead.

At 3pm we opened our doors and welcomed 12 VIPs who had flown in from countries across the world to attend our conference. We provided a warm Glaswegian welcome with tea, coffee, and Tunnocks teacakes. It was fascinating to hear about their work in different cultural contexts and discuss potential collaborations. I was gifted a t-shirt from a wonderful survivor and got to share an afternoon with some very amazing people.

Thursday

Conference day arrived! The day began early with a team breakfast at the hotel, fuelling us for the exciting day ahead. We then moved to the venue to oversee the final setup and ensure everything was in place for our 120 guests. The conference itself was a resounding success, with engaging presentations, thought-provoking discussions, and a palpable sense of shared purpose amongst the attendees. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants praising the bravery of the survivors who shared their stories and the valuable insights provided by the expert speakers. To celebrate our collective achievement, we concluded the day with a lively staff after-party, a well-deserved reward for all the hard work.

Friday

After the excitement of the conference, it was time to refocus on our core business. I dedicated the day to developing the delivery plan for our SQA Customised Award – Thriving Survivors Pathway Practitioner, a crucial step in equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge to support survivors of abuse. This involved outlining learning outcomes, assessment methods, and quality assurance processes.

This week provided a snapshot of the multifaceted nature of a CEO's role. It encompassed strategic planning, team building, financial management, public speaking, and even crisis management. While the specific tasks may vary, the underlying theme remains constant: a commitment to leading with purpose, navigating challenges with resilience, and striving for excellence in all endeavours. Ultimately, it's about making a positive impact on the world, one step at a time.

For more information on Thriving Survivors, visit - https://www.thrivingsurvivors.co.uk/

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