One year into her role as AF CEO, Helen Whittle reflects on what she’s learned from leading through challenge, change and uncertainty.
"As AF CEO, the first thing I want you to know is how energising it is to lead a team that’s open to ideas and genuinely focused on making the business better."
"There have been challenging moments: balancing competing priorities and trying to do everything to a high standard is tough. I’m more aware than ever of the importance of being clear on what really matters, asking for input and support of colleagues and being happy with progress over perfection."
"One of the most satisfying things I’ve done in the last year has been helping to improve AF processes and seeing that those changes make it easier for Members to interact with us day to day."
"As a leader the values and behaviours I most value are trust, integrity and care. Accountability is also crucial. I support colleagues to do their best work while holding them and myself to account when it comes to reaching high standards.
"With both your AF team and all our Members, I make a point of staying curious. I ask questions and listen carefully to feedback. These strong connections help me to understand what’s working well and where we can improve."
Asking questions and listening to feedback are vital for Helen
"There’s a lot of uncertainty in agriculture and society as a whole. At AF uncertainty is what we’ve learnt to work with rather than avoid, balancing long term direction with short term adaptability.
"I try to invest my energy on what really matters. That means I must set boundaries, prioritise well and remind myself not everything needs to be solved immediately! Resilience in business is very much a team effort.
"Am I confident about the future? Yes. I see great resilience in our Members. Farmers and other rural business owners are used to adapting - whether that’s to seasons, markets, the economy or the recent effects of the climate crisis. That mindset runs right through AF as through our membership."
"I say thank you to you and other Members and our suppliers. Everything we achieve - every advice given, cost cut or urgent delivery sorted - is the result of working together and buying better, together. I’m excited for what we can continue to achieve together with a shared sense of purpose."
