tools to empower others and foster positive change has brought me immense satisfaction. However, navigating the realm of business itself has been an integral part of this journey. The establishment of my own community business and then TBS, before the pandemic hit, equipped me with transferable skills that have proven invaluable for supporting LCK’s growth. What are the key differences between running a startup in the private sector and founding a charitable foundation? Establishing a charitable foundation from our humble beginnings as a grassroots start-up presented us with distinctive obstacles. We recognised the significance of nurturing a community founded on our shared lived experiences right from the outset. Creating a structure that prioritises inclusivity, professionalism, and adaptability to volunteer availability demands a significant amount of goodwill, a quality not always prevalent in the private sector. We acknowledge that we are still finding our way. The charity has grown exponentially across the world in such a short space of time. How difficult has that been, as CEO, to scale, whilst also not feeling 100% in health? It’s been tough. Maintaining a positive and resilient mindset has proven crucial, as it enables the team to remain focused on the profound impact our charity is making in the world for families, children and young people. My daughter is still unwell and continues to be my personal motivation. Scaling a charity is an intricate and demanding undertaking that requires ample time and effort, we wouldn’t have made it this far without a dedicated and driven team. The key to our accomplishments lies in our ability to connect with the community we serve and adapt swiftly to new challenges and circumstances, especially in the ongoing backdrop of the pandemic. If something isn’t working we cut it, if it is missing we try to find a way to develop it. This adaptive approach has been fundamental to our continued success. What legacy would you like to leave behind? The ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable charity, capable of empowering and supporting children and families for years to come. This will be achieved through forging cohesive partnerships, building a strong volunteer base, and securing the necessary resources for our continued growth. Being selected this year as a Coronation Champion came as a delightful surprise, and I felt a deep sense of humility. It was particularly remarkable given our charity’s youthfulness and that I am still mostly in bed. Attending the King’s Coronation Concert in May as an invited guest was truly awe-inspiring and marked a significant milestone as a volunteer. I take immense pride in the fact that despite facing adversity LCK has taken a stand on the right side of history, becoming the pioneering voice for children living with Long Covid. Our unwavering dedication to drive research aims to leave a lasting legacy, leading to improved treatment options and better health and learning outcomes for children and families impacted by this complex health condition in the future. www.ceotodaymagazine.com 36
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