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Don't be afraid to be ambitious, whatever that looks like for you

Don't be afraid to be ambitious, whatever that looks like for you

Times03-07-2025
As one of the UK's youngest CEOs, Sophie Tebbetts took charge of charity FoodCycle aged just 34. The organisation helps transform surplus food into healthy meals in a community setting helps guests save on food and electricity bills. Here are Sophie's tips to gain your own place at the table.
1. People often undervalue what they are capable of. Don't be afraid to be ambitious, whatever that looks like for you. If the worst outcome is that you tried and learnt a lot, then that ambition has paid off.
2. Don't let perfection stop progress. Plans are important but don't be too rigid. Trying to devise a 'perfect plan' can sometimes stop you getting started. Moving forward allows you to learn, which will lead to better outcomes.
3. Community is essential. Strong support networks are so important for wellbeing. Creating a culture where staff feel supported and part of a community with shared values creates environments where people can learn from each other and develop ideas.
4. Everybody eats — find a connection. Discovering those points of commonality with people allows you to build open relationships, sparking ideas and challenging your own assumptions.
5. Have a laugh, it's not all about work. Try to inject humour where you can and remember smiles are infectious. Allow employees to balance their own personal and professional responsibilities. It shows that you recognise life outside of work is important, which builds trust and loyalty.
6. Listening is underrated. You'll get the best insight into your operations by listening to people you interact with, whether that's colleagues, beneficiaries or stakeholders.
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