What does it take to be a NED in the education sector and why is it a sector to consider?
We are delighted to have Francesca Lee and Abi Olapade join us for this Board Check-In. Francesca will be sharing her insights on serving on a university board in comparison to her other board roles and will discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a NED within the Higher Education sector.
Abi will be discussing her experience of being a Trustee for a Multi-Academy Trust and what she has learned from her time on the board.
There will also be ample opportunity to ask questions and share your dilemmas, in a warm, supportive space under Chatham House rule. This session will be chaired by Rachel Tranter, Co-Founder of WB Directors and Bespoke Search Lead.
Speakers
Francesca Lee
Francesca is an experienced senior legal counsel of FTSE 100 companies and global conglomerates. She is a portfolio NED with deep legal and governance expertise in the charity and not-for-profit sectors. Broad experience in multiple sectors including education, pension funds, FMCG, healthcare, energy, manufacturing and real estate.
Lived experience of working in Singapore, HK, China and other APAC countries. Speaks Cantonese and Malay. As the CEO of SocialValueArchitect, she helps businesses transition to a low carbon economy through training and consultancy. Francesca is a Member of Ordinances and Regulatory Committee at Heriot-Watt University.
Abi Olapade
Abi has been a Trustee on the Board of Aldridge Education Multi-Academy Trust which focuses on providing enterprise and entrepreneurial skills to children in deprived areas (it has 8 schools across the country). Abi’s current Board appointments include Board Chair of Citizens Advice Redbridge and Non-Executive Director with Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Abi is an Independent Panel Member for Public Appointments and for Board Appointments with the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Abi is a knowledgeable Business Consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the successful delivery of strategic programmes for Investment Banks and Investment Management firms (including Fidelity Investments, Nomura International, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, HSBC, NYSE and the Tokyo Financial Exchange). Abi is a member of Chapter Zero UK and a member of the Seacole Group of BAME NHS NEDs, co-chairing its Digital, Data and Technology Working Group. In 2023, Abi was added to the GEMS 75 @75 Leader’s list. In 2024, Abi was recommended for a NED Award (NED to Watch category).
This virtual event is free to Full and Directors’ Circle members. It will also include an opportunity for Q&A and sharing experience with other members of our network, under Chatham House rule.