Andy Curtis FIoL.
Town Clerk & Chief Executive, Newquay Town Council
What do you do now?
Now working as Town Clerk and Chief Executive for Newquay Town Council in Cornwall. My career started as a Customer Service Representative for an Argos store in Birmingham, before relocating to Cornwall.
Has there been a stage in your life where you first appreciated what great leadership looked like?
My first experience of great leadership was during study for my degree in Business. As part of the course, we had to undertake formal business research projects and assist a small local business with a problem. I recall working with a small micro-brewery at the time, we had a good look around the business and were able to talk to staff and the owner. It was quite apparent the staff on the ground respected the owner, felt fairly treated and listened too and were all really happy within their workplace, which led to greater engagement and more output. That micro-brewery is now a major player and exports its many products internationally.
Do you have any examples of what you have done to develop yourself as a leader?
The leadership journey I have embarked on has been driven by professional development courses on change management, the BA degree in business, various courses in self-awareness, coaching and leading teams. These courses, as well as working within a fast-paced environment, has led to developing techniques to engage with staff and leading by example whilst giving colleagues the tools and authority to deliver services and projects themselves. I believe this has provided the foundations of the culture necessary for a Local Council to perform well.
How do you think Leadership has benefitted you?
Leadership has not only allowed me to be successful in my career journey so far, but it has also given me the tools and drive to tackle challenges and work within changing landscapes. My personal resilience and ability to cope well under extreme circumstances derives from the leadership skills I have developed and the mutual respect and support from the strong team we have collectively built at the Town Council.