by Emma Liddiard, chairman of the Institute of Directors Kent branch, managing director and mum

Another piece of advice I was given when taking on the role of the Kent chairman of the IoD was, if you don’t have time, say “no.”

All makes sense and easy to advise, but not so easy to say in reality. I struggle with this word, whether it be food, drink or work – but in a way I am glad.

If I could say no, I might not be the chairman now and would have missed out on becoming part of a great organisation and a growing circle of good friends.

Event speaking is new to me and something that has come hand in hand with the role.

When asked to speak at the Kent 2020, of course I couldn’t say no but I believe I pitched it right – good enough to get through it, but not good enough to be asked again.

It is a great compliment here to say I was wrong and I have been invited to speak again – the brief being to be inspirational and uplifting.

Panic!

So, having failed to say no again, I have written my speech today but it brought out a clarity of thought I hadn’t spent time to muse over before.

What makes the difference today? How to inspire students with some big challenges (always say challenges, never obstacles) ahead? What do I look for as an employer?

Passion!

When I receive the reams of CVs, either speculative or in response to an advert, they are all pretty similar and, once I have sifted out the basics – spelling mistakes, bad grammar, too long or not applicable – what differentiates one candidate who has used a CV template, from another? Enthusiasm for the role or the topic.

I am astounded that I still interview applicants who have no knowledge of the company let alone the role, especially when information is so accessible these days.

In a team of 13 full time staff, four of them are now in paid employment with us because they demonstrated an enthusiasm for the role and offered their services free of charge. That’s almost 35%!

And another thing – you don’t necessarily have to be good at maths to hold a decent job.

I know I am lucky to have a good job and also a job I love, but it is much easier to be good at something if you love it.

The best thing about passion is that you can have as much of it as you want, anyone can have it and it’s totally free!

And in other news: School sports day – William’s first. Apparently it’s not the done thing to shout ‘Yeeeess!!’ when your son wins his race. And why do they need so many costumes now?

I’m sure it was only once a year in my day and even then it was only a tea towel or a piece of tinsel for the Nativity.

He is doing something to do with bugs next – is it acceptable just to buy them on the internet or am I expected to make them?

I have also learnt it is assumed that women can make costumes and men can’t.