The MemberWise Network is unique as being the only Network led by association and membership professionals. A core part of our team are the MemberWise Ambassadors; a group of practising membership professionals specialising in a specific area that we consider core and crucial to the world of membership such as engagement, recruitment and value.
In recent years, we have branched out into complementary areas such as governance, leadership, communications and PR, and people/volunteer management in order to show how the membership role requires broader business insight and experience.
We are now pleased to announce that we have appointed a second Ambassador to work alongside Richard Lambert at the NHBF: Lizzie Lockett, CEO of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Let’s get to know Lizzie, who’ll be championing this crucial area of activity…
How long have you worked in Membership?
I have worked at the College for nearly 18 years, initially heading up the Communications Team and the last five years as CEO.
What does your role involve at the RCVS?
As the CEO I head up the organisation, working closely with our Registrar and Director of Legal Services. We have around 170 members of staff and I have 13 direct reports (I know, too many!). I was brought up on a farm and thought I was moving far away from my agricultural roots, heading up a London-based regulator, but in fact my role is a bit like that of a farmer – I need to supply the fertile ground and good growing conditions that my team need to thrive and produce a harvest of great results. A strong harvest is their achievement; any lack of yield is mine.
How will you champion your ambassador subject area (leadership)?
As Member wise Ambassador for leadership, I would like to champion the cause of ‘everyday leadership’ and help people who are relatively early in their careers understand what this means to them and how to set them on a positive leadership path that will help them to direct their careers and find their purpose. For those who have been at it a while, I can’t stress enough how important it is to build networks and ask for help. It’s a cliché but it’s true, it can be lonely at the top, but to make good decisions you need to surround yourself with new ideas, proffered in a supportive environment.
What advice would you give to others also working in membership?
Understand what you are offering your members that they can’t get anywhere else, and once you have found it, be relentless in ensuring all of your staff team understand it, and their part in delivering it.
Tell us something we don’t know about you!
I can find four-leaved clovers pretty much anywhere I go!
The MemberWise Team welcomes Lizzie on board as MemberWise Ambassador for Leadership.
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