Last week we sat down with Terry Babbs, one of our recently appointed three new Non-Executive Directors and Chair of the Impactt Board of Directors, to learn more about his passion for Impactt and how he stays motivated in his work. This week we grabbed a coffee with Vanessa Di Cuffa to learn more about what makes her tick and her philosophy for creating and leading change for good.
Hi Vanessa. Welcome to the Impactt Board of Directors! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Professionally, I have spent 25 years building my career in law and HR and worked with some of the very best people and some of the worst. However, the learnings from both have been immense. My passion and area of expertise are people. My mantra is never to forget the most important thing in any organisation—the people. I was employed for 23 years in law firms and large privately owned businesses. I have spent the last couple of years creating a portfolio career. I work across different industries, but my focus is always the same: how to get the best out of people and help develop the best culture. The recipe always seems so straightforward, but often the ingredients let businesses down. I enjoy my current role because I get to work with the businesses I want to work with, and I only work with businesses that are committed to ensuring that people are genuinely valued, empowered to be authentic and allowed to be human.
I am married with six furry babies and love nature and the outdoors. My wife and I are keen campers and hikers. We live right on the edge of the Cotswolds in the UK, and my neighbours are sheep. We have family worldwide and travel extensively. Travelling and experiencing different cultures has been the greatest teacher of acceptance and tolerance of difference. I learnt the hard way that the most precious thing in life is time, and it is the thing that we are all guilty of wasting.
What inspired you to join the Impactt Board?
When I first met Impactt as a Human Resources Director many years ago, I was intrigued by the nature of their business. It resonated with me. I always wanted to work with the business in some capacity, so when this opportunity arose, I grabbed it! What Impactt does, how they do it and what they want to achieve is inspiring and aligned with how I have always worked. I only want to work with like-minded people committed to doing the right thing in the right way.
What about our mission and vision excites you?
Bringing a people-centred approach to a corporate setting is exciting. My experience is most businesses do not believe you can be successful and be truly people-centred. Even if they say, they do. This is changing, and an organisation like Impactt provides a blueprint for how it can be a win-win situation.
How do you stay motivated in your work?
I’ve found that the best way to stay motivated in my work is by only doing things I love with people I like. Working with various businesses and individuals keeps me excited and motivated to keep pushing forward. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
” All change is for the best, even if it does not feel that way at times. No change means no growth. “
What is your overall philosophy for creating and leading change for good?
One of the only certainties in life is, change. All change is for the best, even if it does not feel that way at times. No change means no growth. Who doesn’t want to grow? So, I embrace change even when it is scary and hope to inspire others to do the same.
What value do you hope to bring to the performance of Impactt?
In my career, I have worked in several large, complex, owner-led businesses. I have been involved in large-scale change impacting thousands of people. I hope my experience of risk and change will add value to the next stage of the Impactt journey. Working alongside some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs, I hope I can bring some of that passion and flair to the business. I guess my legal background might help a bit too, but I prefer more human focussed initiatives.
What do you consider will be the key challenges facing our industry in the next 5 to 10 years?
The rapid rise in technology and the change in how we work will be a massive challenge in the next 5-10 years. People and skills will also be a more significant challenge than ever to meet changing needs and enhance focus on social issues in supply chains.
What are you most passionate about?
There are many things I am passionate about; however, if I had to narrow it down, I would say that helping people who are less able to help themselves is something that really matters to me. Whatever form it takes, I am happiest when I can help others in some way.
