BE INSPIRED
The future is female We celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March. To mark the occasion, we’ve been speaking to the luxe ladies that continue to educate and inspire in the North East… Name: Lesley Spuhler OBE DL Title: Chief Executive, Foundation of Light
What can you tell us about your role? I am Chief Executive of Foundation of Light, the official charity of Sunderland AFC. We work with thousands of people each year across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham; helping them to live happier and healthier lives by tackling some of the region’s biggest challenges such as obesity, poor mental health, unemployment and social isolation.
Any exciting projects you can share with us for 2021? This year the foundation turns 20 and I am so proud of what we have achieved. Working with Sir Bob Murray and our amazing staff, we have grown from a handful of people working in temporary offices to now employing over 100 staff, supported by over 170 volunteers and with a beautiful state-of-the-art sports and education facility, the Beacon of Light on Stadium Park. Our special FOL 20 campaign is about celebrating that success and the life changing difference our team makes to thousands of lives each year. We have lots of exciting things planned including a star-studded Gala Dinner in October.
How important is it to be able to do what you do in the North East? I was born in Durham and have lived in the North East all my life. I started my career as a youth worker, so I am passionate about giving young people the chance to improve their lives and be the best they can be. Having the platform of working in a high-profile charity, linked to the football club, gives a greater voice and therefore more opportunities to inspire local people, whilst also flying the flag for Sunderland and the North East. Last year I was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear – a huge honour for me. I am so privileged to be able to shine a light (pardon the pun) on the many amazing achievements of other local organisations and people.
Do you think the female business network in the North East is growing? If so, why do you think this is? Yes and it is great to see so many talented females taking their place at all levels of business across the region, as well as
nationally. Over the last year, there has been a real opportunity to network and support each other in a different way. The new online community makes sharing, learning and supporting each other so much easier. When I became CEO of the Foundation, there were few women in the business in a similar role. But now in 2021 it is a different story. In my own industry there is fantastic support for women working in sport, and in particular, football. We’ve had regular Women in Sport master classes and support networking events/groups. And after a hard week, the informal women’s online sessions with a glass of wine also have their place and offer fantastic support.
What was your ‘lightbulb moment’? There’s always a lightbulb moment! Every day is a learning day and there are always opportunities and ideas to explore. That is how we continue to grow by thinking about the next steps, the innovations we can make and how we continually improve what we do.
Your biggest inspiration? I think my biggest inspiration is the people we are here to support. The region has some of the highest levels of unemployment, child poverty and poor physical health in the country. The everyday stories of the help our team has given to individuals and communities, is the reason we do what we do. I want to play our part in helping to solve the problems, so people across our communities can live happier and healthier lives. COVID really brought this challenge to a stark reality and has spurred us on even more.
What would you say to young females dreaming about their future? Anything is possible. Keep true to yourself.
And finally, a shoutout to three inspiring women in business? There are so many amazing women across the world who are doing amazing things. But for me, I would choose our female Trustees - Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Kate Adie OBE DL and The Rt Hon The Baroness Estellel Morris of Yardley PC. It is a real honour to work with them and I have learnt so much from them. And if I can cheekily choose a fourth, our Royal Patron HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO who has been so supportive of our work. Photo credit: Chris Owens
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MAR/APR21
