Alexandra Walters

Director, Academi Wales
Alex is the Director of Academi Wales; the centre for excellence in leadership and management for public services in Wales. Established in September 2012, Academi Wales is part of the portfolio of the Welsh Government Minister for Finance and Local Government.

Alex has occupied a number of leadership positions during her civil service career, at the UK Border Agency, Information Commissioner’s Office and most recently at Companies House, where she had responsibility for leading a fundamental series of legislative reforms to support the organisation’s transformation.

She is a qualified executive coach and mentor, and is passionate about engagement, development, collaboration and inclusivity. Her focus at Academi Wales will be on ensuring it continues to provide a world class suite of programmes and events, whilst collaborating across Wales to ensure the learning offer remains fit for purpose, relevant and current as we look to an uncertain future.

Paul Matthews

Chief Executive, Monmouthshire County Council

Paul became CEO of Monmouthshire County Council in 2009 and has 35 years experience of Welsh public service. He is a visiting professor at Cardiff University, a Governor / Trustee of Cardiff Metropolitan University, SOLACE lead for the economy and digital portfolio and clerk to the Lord Lieutenancy of Gwent.  Paul has been a returning officer for more than a decade and has played a significant role in building the Cardiff Capital Region and its City Deal.

Paul has previously held positions as Chief Education Officer and Chief Officer for Social Care as well as being a qualified accountant.

Paul joined local government straight from school, started on the mail trolley, and has been working it out from there.  Paul has held a number of advisory and Board positions within government and commercial organisations.

Paul is a mentor, a coach and is very proud to be a vocational public servant. He is a leader who always remembers to say ‘thank you’.

Fi Macmillan

Founder, Wild Leadership

Fi partners with leaders to develop their impact and sense of purpose through time outdoors. This brings renewed focus, contribution and authority.

She brings this ‘outdoor intelligence’ into the heart of organisations through her work as a speaker, facilitator and coach. She’s here to change organisational culture through connection with the Nature that is us, and the world around us.

Fi has developed this approach from her own time outdoors and work with leaders over the past decade. She has taken extended solo time outdoors in the Alps and on vision quest in the Lake District. She is currently training as a Mountain Leader and apprenticing to guide vision quest.

“I believe that we’re all born with a unique contribution to make in the world – and that we’re all leaders. Maybe our leadership is in a big role or maybe it's in moments in our team. Whatever, everyone can inspire others. It comes when we work from our strengths, values and what energises us.

I partner people in organisations to make their own unique contribution in the work that they do.We do this by connecting with the deep intelligence within and dancing with what the world is asking of us. Outdoors in Nature is where I’ve found this connection. This profound systemic connection underpins the leadership development I offer to the individuals and organisations I work with.”

In earlier lives she was an entrepreneur, a district councillor and raised two awesome daughters. She lives in the Cotswolds, England. Her passions include the happy combination of mountain walking and good food.

Fi has an MSc in Executive Coaching and is accredited member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council.

Emmanuel Gobillot

Described as ‘the first leadership guru for the digital generation’ and ‘the freshest voice in leadership today’, Emmanuel has consulted globally with organisations ranging from Astra Zeneca to Zurich Financial Services via Google and The United Nations. 

For over 20 years, his interventions have focused on creating the capability in organisations to deliver results through world-class leadership.

One of Europe’s most sought after leadership speakers; he is the author of 4 UK and US bestsellers and co-author of 3 books including ‘Respond, Recover and Re-imagine' published as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. His books have established him as one of the foremost thinkers on new leadership models.

@egobillot

John Amaechi OBE   

Founder of APS Intelligence

There are many things to tell you about John.  Obviously there’s all the usual Bio stuff; respected organisational psychologist, an OBE, Chartered Scientist, elected Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health, bestselling New York Times author, Research Fellow at the University of East London, and Founder of APS Intelligence.

And then there are all the things he does; Mentor to many, teacher to some, and always using his deep psychological insight combined with real life experience to provide a touchstone for people and companies who want to thrive, achieve and align their beliefs, values and ethics.But these are the things you need really need to know; John is a giant, literally, he’s huge! He’s also a Dad, Brother & Uncle…from Stockport (a product of the statement ‘The most unlikely of people in the most improbable of circumstances, can become extraordinary’). People who think facts and evidence should bow to ‘opinion’ drive him crazy, he’s passionate about Star Wars, is a self confessed nerd & geek, a former NBA sportsman, has a voice like honey, is transported by music and loves nothing more than to eat decadent foods that are bad for him – especially donuts.

So while you’re questioning everything you thought you knew, John will entertain you with his storytelling, confront you with uncomfortable truths, make you laugh and move you to tears (sometimes in the same minute) and ultimately inspire you to grow and develop in ways you couldn’t possible imagine…..so that you can be a Giant too.

Rebecca Evans MS

Minister for Finance and Local Government, Senedd 

Rebecca Evans was first elected to the National Assembly for Wales in May 2011 to represent the Mid and West Wales region. In 2016 she became Assembly Member for Gower.

Rebecca received a degree in History from the University of Leeds, and a Master of Philosophy degree in Historical Studies from Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge. Before being elected, Rebecca worked in the third sector.

Rebecca has served on the National Assembly for Wales' Environment and Sustainable Development Committee and its Common Agricultural Policy Task and Finish Group. She has also served on the Health and Social Care Committee, and the Children, Young People and Education Committee.

In June 2014, Rebecca was appointed Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, and in May 2016 she became Minister for Social Services and Public Health. In November 2017, she was appointed Minister for Housing and Regeneration, and in December 2018 she joined the Cabinet as Minister for Finance and Trefnydd. On 13 May 2021 Rebecca was appointed Minister for Finance and Local Government. 

Dr Andrew Goodall

Permanent Secretary, Welsh Government

Dr Andrew Goodall was appointed to the role of Welsh Government Permanent Secretary in November 2021 and leads the Welsh Government Civil Service in delivering the priorities of the First Minister and acts as the Principal Accounting Officer for the Welsh Government. Prior to this he was Director General of Health and Social Services/Chief Executive NHS Wales, a position he had held since June 2014.

Dr Goodall has been an NHS Chief Executive in Wales for 16 years. Previous posts include Chief Executive of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, a position held from the Health Board’s inception in October 2009 until 2014 after NHS re-organisation to the integrated Health Board model.

During his 30 year NHS career, Dr Goodall has held planning and operational positions across a number of NHS organisations across South Wales as well as national roles. He has particular areas of interest in improving patient safety, quality and patient experience; partnership working and collaboration across Public Services; and delivering frontline services through service improvement and modernisation.

Dr Goodall has a law degree from Essex University and a PhD in Health Service Management from Cardiff Business School. Dr Goodall was awarded a CBE in the 2018 New Year Honours for his services to the NHS and public services.

Dawn Docx MBA, BA Hons

Chief Fire Officer, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Doing things differently…Dawn Docx is the first Chief Fire Officer in Wales to be promoted to that role from a non-typical background. Despite strategic operational experience in three fire and rescue services across the U.K. she started her working life as a fashion designer and then qualified as an accountant before becoming Head of Corporate Services for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.

In 2006 Dawn moved to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service as an Assistant Chief Officer, becoming the first female Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Wales, back in 2009. After steering the Service through the austerity years Dawn then moved to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) in 2017. This was at a difficult time for GMFRS, post the Arena bombing and under new governance arrangements led by the newly appointed Mayor, Andy Burnham.

Known for her professional calmness and creativity, Dawn fronted up the publication of the Kerslake report and was in overall charge during GMFRS’s largest fire on Saddleworth Moor in 2018. She played an important role in developing the culture of GMFRS despite the challenges of delivering an emergency service during the pandemic.

Dawn was delighted to return to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service as Chief Fire Officer in 2021 where she is enjoying taking forward the Service and continuing her passion for cultural change.

Throughout her career Dawn has been supported by her husband Chris who undertook the majority of the work of renovating their homes and bringing up their three daughters. The secret to their successful partnership is plenty of time living apart and appreciating each other when together.

Nick Obolensky

Agile+ Leadership International Ltd (UK)

Nick is British/Canadian, based in France and China. He is the Founder of Complex Adaptive Leadership Ltd, CEO of Agile+ Leadership International Ltd (UK) and MD of Agile+ Consultants (China). As leadership professor at CEDEP in France (INSEAD Fontainebleau campus), he links complexity science with ancient Chinese wisdom, for leaders to navigate VUCA times in a practical way. His approach was awarded the EFMD Gold Award for Executive Development beating many leading blue-chip business schools. He has wide ranging leadership experience including:

Practitioner: British Army Major (youngest at the time) in his twenties; Development Director of FTSE 100 firm (line responsibility for 12,000 staff, change responsibility for 45,000 staff).

Consultant: Executive Strategy Consultant Ernst & Young.

Academic: Professor of Leadership Nyenrode (MBA professor of the year twice); visiting leadership professor: LBS, INSEAD, EHL, Duke CE and Thunderbird. Currently professor for leadership at CEDEP (INSEAD campus, Fontainebleau).

Author: Various books including best seller: “Complex Adaptive Leadership – Embracing Paradox and Uncertainty” (Gower best seller translated in China as “Future Leadership”.

More at: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nickobolensky

Lieutenant Colonel Andy Child

Commanding Officer Wales Universities Officers’ Training Corps

Commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2001 into the Light Infantry, later becoming The Rifles. Lt Col Child has served across the regular Rifles battalions and has also completed roles in Defence Intelligence, Defence Equipment and Support and the Army’s operational training advisory group.

During his career he has had the privilege to command soldiers on multiple operations in Sierra Leone, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan while also completing deployments to the Falkland Islands and Pakistan, and conducting major training exercises in Brunei, Belize, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

Prior to assuming command of WUOTC he was a staff officer in HQ Home Command – the Army’s 3* command responsible for UK based activities and the coronavirus response. In this role he covered future personnel projects, in particularly the introduction of women into ground close combat roles and the new physical employment standards.

Dorothy Brown

Chief Operating Officer, British Red Cross

In March 2021, I was appointed the first Chief Operating Officer of the British Red Cross, having held the role of Chief People Officer since June 2019. Through leading the Internal Services Directorate, I am accountable for ensuring that the experience of our people is a positive one, in that they have the right tools to do their jobs and the right investment in their development and wellbeing. 

The Directorate encompasses a broad range of enabling functions, including: Digital, Data & Technology; People Services; Property Services; Professional Services; Internal Shared Services; and, Portfolio Management & Transformation. My aim is to foster a culture and ways of working that enables our people to do their best work, in a safe and empowered environment. 

Prior to joining the British Red Cross, I held several senior HR and operational positions in Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, including the Director off Tax operations where I was responsible for the 20,00 people who deliver all the operational activity for the UK's 40 million taxpayers. 

I have also worked in the Ministry of Justice where I held several operational and specialist roles including the Director of HR Operations, covering Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service and the Prison Service. I am a trustee at Phoenix Futures, a charity specialising in supporting people through rehabilitation following drug and alcohol addiction. 

It is a huge privilege to be able to say that I am part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Every day, my role allows me to see first-hand the amazing things people do to support others in times of need. 

Shereen Williams MBE OStJ DL 

Chief Executive Officer, Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales

Shereen Williams is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales (LDBCW) and Secretary to the Boundary Commission for Wales (BCW). She has recently led on the completion an all-Wales electoral review programme which has resulted in the largest changes to local government electoral arrangements in over 20 years and is currently overseeing the Parliamentary Constituencies Review which will reduce the number of MPs in Wales to 32.

Prior to this, she worked in local government for nearly a decade across Newport and Monmouthshire Local Authorities as the Connected Communities Manager and before that as the Regional Community Cohesion Co-ordinator for East Gwent. The team she managed were responsible for the delivery of strategic priorities including Migration, Preventing Violent Extremism, Equalities and Community Cohesion.

Over the past 16 years, she has volunteered in numerous roles in the Third Sector as well as for statutory bodies and is currently a trustee of St John Ambulance Cymru and the Institute of Welsh Affairs. In 2010, she received a Welsh Government Recognising Achievement Award for services to Community Cohesion from the then First Minister of Wales, Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM. In 2017 she was awarded an honorary MBE for community service and in 2018 she was recognised by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in their Influential Leaders Challenge, which honours notable international alumni from AACSB-accredited business schools. Following her admission as an Officer of the Order of St John in Feb 2020, she was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant in Gwent in November 2021.

In her free time, she sits as a magistrate on the Gwent bench and is a governor of two Welsh medium primary schools in Newport. More recently, due to the ridiculous amount of time she spends at the rugby club that her two young sons play for, she is now a member of the club’s Minis and Juniors Committee.

Linda Aspey

Aspey Associates

Linda is an executive coach, facilitator, supervisor, therapist, writer, and speaker working with leaders, teams and groups to deepen their ability to listen to ignite new thinking, to have courageous conversations, and take positive action on their change challenges, including culture, social, and climate change. She is global faculty at Time to Think, teaching and qualifying coaches and facilitators in the Thinking Environment, and working with progressive organisations to create “thinking organisations”.

Owen Evans CBE

HM Chief Inspector, Estyn

In January 2022, Owen Evans was appointed HM Chief Inspector and is responsible for the inspection of education and training in Wales, as well as the management, staffing and organisation of Estyn. He provides independent advice to Welsh Ministers which contributes to the development and review of policy in Wales. Owen also plays a key role in working closely with the other inspection, audit and regulation bodies in Wales, to underpin joint planning and working. In addition, as Estyn’s Accounting Officer he ensures that resources are used properly and provide value for money. The Chief Inspector also publishes an Annual Report on the standards and quality of education and training in Wales.

Welsh speaking, Owen was educated at Ysgol Penweddig and Coleg Ceredigion, Aberystwyth before graduating in economics from Swansea University. Owen joined Estyn from his position of Chief Executive of S4C, the Welsh language Broadcaster. Prior to joining S4C, he was Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government, responsible for Education and Public Services. Between 2008 and 2010 he was director of Business in the Community Wales and for 10 years before that he worked for BT, including as a member of the UK team developing BT's broadband strategy. He has served as a member of the Welsh Language Board and previously chaired the Cardiff Education Development Board. 

He is currently a member of Marie Curie's advisory board in Wales, is part of the Speakers for Schools programme and chairs WEPCo. He is a former member of Aberystwyth University's Council.