Pauline Broomhead, chief executive of the FSI, talks to us about planning for success, living in Africa, and why she thinks people are the best.
How did you get into the fundraising sector?
I’d been working in the marketing team at a small building society. Each year we supported great charities, and in 2009 we supported the NSPCC. I was so inspired by their work, I decided to apply for a job there. I remember going for my interview and commenting to my husband afterwards: “I’m not sure if I’ve just been interviewed for a job, or a role in a play” – charities do love their role plays!
What do you love most about your job?
Getting up in the morning and knowing that today I will speak to or meet with small charities that will inspire me. Also knowing that today will be different from yesterday, and tomorrow will be different still.
Give us an unusual fact that people might not know about you?
I lived in Africa for 11 years – it was my first time out of Halifax! I remember landing on the tarmac at Nairobi airport and wondering just what I was going to do with my life over the next few years – well I filled my time: I did lots of volunteering, lots of setting up projects – one day, as I looked up and saw 12 women making ‘stuff’ to sell in the market, I knew that I was where I was meant to be.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Outside of my boys, it would definitely have to be founding the FSI.
What would be your superpower?
I try to get to as many of our training sessions across the UK as possible, so I think my superpower would be to make the trains run on time! Or possibly the ability to cook 400 burgers for the campers at our Derbyshire £10k Challenge Event without turning red.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
It was from Dad and delivered in a broad Yorkshire accent: “Everything that goes around comes around”. It has really made me think about the way I interact with others.
What's your best piece of advice for other fundraisers?
Plan for success, but don’t get so caught up in the planning that you don’t act – make the call, get the meeting, persuade the donor, enthuse the committee.
What three things would you take with you to a desert island?
A compilation of my favourite music, enough writing equipment to keep me going for ever, and my husband, Stephen – we’ve been together now for a very long time, so I’m not letting him off for good behaviour, he will have to come along too.
What makes you happy?
People: those I love, those I work with, those I meet, those who inspire me, those who make me laugh and even those who make me cry. People are just the best.
Pauline Broomhead is chief executive of the FSI