We were thrilled to have recently announced the appointment of three new non-executive directors to our Board of Directors. We are also delighted to announce that Terry Babbs has been appointed as the new Chair of the Impactt Board.
We sat down with Terry, to learn a bit more about his career journey, his passion for Impactt and what he’s most looking forward to in his new role on Impactt’s Board.
Hi Terry. Welcome to the Impactt Board of Directors! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m an experienced executive who has spent the last ten years working in a non-executive director capacity at several public and private organisations. My focus has been on improving standards, protecting people and driving change. I have experience in consumer protection, trading standards, legal regulation, supply chain management, corporate responsibility and healthcare regulation.
What inspired you to join the Impactt Board?
I was first introduced to Impactt in 2000 when they helped me design and deliver my company’s ethical trade program. We worked together to fix complex supply chain issues worldwide and address systemic issues through industry-wide initiatives. Over the last 20 years, I’ve watched Impactt grow in reach and stature, and I’m proud to join the board and help them continue on their journey.
What about our mission and vision excites you?
Impactt has always set itself apart from the ‘compliance and audit’ industry and its formulaic, minimal-impact tick-box approach. I applaud and endorse that. At its heart, Impactt makes a real impact on people’s lives – by creating safe and rewarding work environments for them to thrive in and helping businesses achieve their goals with sustainable solutions that work for everyone. Impactt is a business going places, making real, positive impacts.
How do you stay motivated in your work?
I stay motivated in my work by seeking opportunities where I can satisfy my natural curiosity about people, cultures, and society. I’m involved with people and organisations which share my values, and I also pursue opportunities where I can put my experience and skills to good use. Being involved with organisations that embrace change and growth helps me stay motivated. Ultimately, it’s satisfying to know that I’m making a positive impact in the world.
“I believe that being honest and open with others – while also being willing to challenge and be challenged constructively – is key to productive collaboration.”
What is your overall philosophy for creating and leading change for good?
I try to live by a few simple principles when it comes to creating and leading change for good. First, I always try my best to be hard-working and business-like in my approach. I believe that being honest and open with others – while also being willing to challenge and be challenged constructively – is key to productive collaboration. And finally, I never forget that we can all learn from experience – both good and bad. In short, these values help me strive to create positive change in the world, personally and professionally.
What value do you hope to bring to the performance of Impactt?
I believe in Impactt’s mission and vision for positive change, so I hope to share my learnings and insights relating to regulation, ethical trade, corporate responsibility, corporate governance, and international trade to help Impactt be a well-led, sustainable, growing business.
What do you consider will be the key challenges facing our industry in the next 5 to 10 years?
I believe that geopolitics, financial instability, pandemics and climate change will continue to reshape and disrupt international supply chains. Furthermore, I believe there will be an increased prevalence of modern slavery and labour exploitation. Finally, I think that there will be a greater emphasis on ESG by both consumers and investors. This increased focus on environmental, social and governance factors will likely lead to more regulatory intervention in this space.
What are you most passionate about?
There are many things I’m passionate about, but if I had to choose one, it would be fairness. I think everyone deserves a fair chance in life, and I’m always working to ensure everyone has an opportunity.
