The Institute of Directors (IoD) has started recruiting for a new Scotland chair.
Former senior partner at EY, Aidan O'Carroll has served his four year term and the membership organisation for company leaders is now looking for a replacement.
Catherine McWilliam, who was herself only appointed as the IoD's national director for Scotland in September, told Insider that after having "ably captaining the ship", she's now keen to hear from any members that want to step up.
Since she joined last year, there has been a period of transition with the IoD's advisory forums, with many ambassadors also reaching the end of their terms. Over the last few months many replacements have been recruited, and are now in the process of being onboarded into their new roles.
Much of her time recently has also been taken up with organising the launch of the Director of the Year awards, which are set to return, in-person, on 8 June at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Both IoD members and non-members are eligible to enter the awards, with McWilliam stating that they represent a good opportunity to get more members on board.
As for what else the role involves, she stressed the importance of getting out around the country to meet directors.
"My priority is to talk to members - it's an uncertain time for most businesses, so I want to listen to them and then amplify their voices at local and national government level."
Unsurprisingly, top of the list of concerns are the increased cost of doing business, as well as issues around supply chains and skills.
"Specifically from a supply chain and energy cost point of view though, it’s heartening to hear about the innovations that our members are coming up with in the face of these pressures.
"And in terms of supporting staff through hard times, at a recent event in the south of Scotland, there was a member who - as they were already offering a Real Living Wage - started up a breakfast club, which has been very well-attended, is a good opportunity to socialise, as well as letting leaders identify who might be struggling," explained McWilliam.
It is these kind of initiatives that the IoD is trying to share between members as examples of best practice, while also offering a safe space for directors to talk about mistakes they've made, so that others can learn from them.
"Being a director can be a lonely place right now, so we're trying to offer practical support," McWilliam added.
Dual pushes for increased diversity and sustainability are also important issues raised during her conversations, with different demographics of the membership often having very different attitudes.
"There have been shifts with Generation Z coming into the workforce and often asking 'what company can do for me?', so it’s more about the purpose of the organisation, their approach to flexible working and wellbeing.
"So we've been supporting older members with these changes in culture, again, sharing good examples," McWilliam continued, adding: "Both sustainability and diversity principles must be embedded into the DNA of organisations, they shouldn’t just be ticking a box, they must really be part of what the business is."
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