CEO BLOG – JUNE 2026
A year ago, the letter arrived telling me my name was on the King’s Birthday Honours list. I didn’t actually receive the MBE until later, at the investiture in December – and even now, writing those words feels a little surreal. Titles and honours are things you associate with “other” people – people
who have it all figured out, who seem more accomplished, more confident, more deserving. And yet, there I was.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
Meeting Prince William and being presented with the award is a moment etched in my memory forever. There’s a quiet weight to those occasions – the history, the tradition, the sense that you are
part of something far bigger than yourself. But beyond all of that, what I remember most is the humanity of it. He was warm, engaged, genuinely interested. That mattered more than I expected it to. In that moment, I felt proud – not just for myself, but for everyone who has been part of the journey. Because while the medal may carry one name, it represents the collective effort of many.
Windsor: The Gift of Time Together
What made the experience even more special was sharing it with my three sons. We turned the ceremony into something more – a few precious days in Windsor, away from the busyness of everyday life.
We laughed, explored, wandered, and simply were together.
Those days reminded me why I do what I do. Behind every piece of work, every long day, every challenge – my family is the anchor. Seeing the experience through their eyes brought a different kind of pride. Not the kind tied to achievement, but the kind rooted in connection and shared
memories.
The Reality Behind the Recognition
If I’m honest, the MBE didn’t suddenly quiet the voice of doubt. In many ways, it amplified it.
Imposter syndrome has a strange way of showing up at the exact moments you think it shouldn’t. You’d imagine that an honour like that would silence the questions – Am I good enough? Do I deserve this? Have they made a mistake?
But it doesn’t.
Instead, it sometimes makes them louder.
Over the past year, I’ve learned that those feelings don’t disqualify you – they humanise you. They sit alongside growth, not in opposition to it. And perhaps acknowledging them openly is part of what allows us to keep moving forward.
A Year of Growth at Footprints in the Community
Looking back over the past 12 months, I feel an enormous sense of pride in how Footprints in the Community has developed.
The organisation has continued to grow – not just in reach, but in depth. We’ve strengthened the support we offer, adapted to changing needs, and deepened relationships within the community.
Whether it’s through mental health support, family-focused initiatives, or responding to emerging challenges, the work has become more responsive and more impactful.
But growth isn’t always neat or easy.
It requires tough decisions, resilience, and a willingness to step into the unknown. It asks you to lead even when you don’t feel entirely certain yourself. And it constantly reminds you that meaningful impact is built slowly, through consistent effort and shared commitment.
The Power of a Strong Support System
If there’s one thing this year has reinforced, it’s the absolute necessity of a good support team.
No one builds anything meaningful alone.
Behind every success at Footprints is a group of people who bring dedication, compassion, and expertise to the table. People who challenge, support, and uplift one another. People who step in when things feel overwhelming and who celebrate the wins, big and small.
Leadership can feel isolating at times, but it doesn’t have to be. Surrounding yourself with the right people – those who believe in the vision and aren’t afraid to be honest – makes all the difference.
Holding Both Gratitude and Uncertainty
A year on, I find myself holding two truths at once.
Deep gratitude – for the honour, for the journey, for the people who have walked it with me.
And ongoing uncertainty – the questions, the self-doubt, the constant sense that there is still so much to learn.
Perhaps that’s the balance we live in. Not arriving fully formed, but continuing to grow into the roles we’re given.
Looking Ahead
The MBE marked a moment, but it wasn’t an endpoint. If anything, it has been a reminder of responsibility – to keep showing up, to keep listening, and to keep building something that truly makes a difference.
One year on, I’m still learning to own the recognition while staying grounded in the reality of the work.
Still navigating the insecurities.
Still relying on an incredible team. Still finding joy in the small, meaningful moments – whether that’s in a community project or walking through Windsor with my sons.
And perhaps that’s enough.
Because in the end, it’s not just about the medal. It’s about what you do before it, after it – and who you bring along the way.
