Loyal readers, welcome back to another set of quick-fire questions from the charity sector interviewer that goes where others daren't – your good pal Society Diary.
Stepping into the firing line this week is the fearless leader of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, Dhivya O’Connor.
You can read our exchange with Dhivya below, in which she discusses swapping places with her grandmother, podcast recommendations and mind reading.
How are you?
I’m great! As a mother of two, a podcast host, and CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, I certainly have my hands full. Oh, and we just moved home!
In terms of the foundation’s work, it’s an exciting time. Around the world, there seems to be a growing interest in women’s economic empowerment, women’s digital financial inclusion, and other key aspects of what we do.
Having recently visited Guyana and personally seen the impact of our work with women entrepreneurs, I am energised and excited about our plans.
Besides your own successful Charity CEO Podcast, what are some of your other favourite shows?
I love to listen to charity sector podcasts. I am grateful to have recently been a guest on the Purposely Podcast. I also love Joan Garry’s Nonprofits Are Messy show.
For perspectives on global affairs and geopolitics, the Rest Is Politics is a fave. I’m currently binging on the Rest Is Politics US edition for obvious reasons!
As trustee of Book Aid international, what’s the best thing you’ve read recently?
I’ve always been interested in leadership and there is so much one can learn from other eminent leaders. Keith Cunningham’s the Road Less Stupid is full of gems.
I also highly recommend Cherie Blair’s autobiography, Speaking for Myself! It’s brilliant, inspiring, and funny, much like her.
What’s tougher – being a charity trustee or a school governor?
Ooh tough choice! I’ve found both roles equally challenging and rewarding, in different ways.
As both a trustee and a school governor, you have legal and fiduciary responsibilities. I was a parent governor at my kids’ primary school, and that was possibly trickier as I needed to balance governance, with my personal views and interests, as a parent.
If you could trade places with one other person, who would it be?
My paternal grandmother. She was a doctor and raised my father and his sisters in the city of Madras (now Chennai), whilst my grandfather, who was also a doctor, practiced medicine in a small village 200km away. She was adamant that her children must receive a good education and hence chose to be in the city.
With the knowledge I have now of today’s women’s economic empowerment sector, I would love to know more about how she faced up to challenges as a professional woman, in a very different era. Things are certainly easier for women now and a lot has changed, but sadly not enough.
What’s your favourite day of the week?
Sunday, of course!
Have you ever been starstruck?
Not really. I was a bit nervous before my first meeting with Cherie, whose success as a human rights lawyer, and experience as first lady of the UK has brought her global recognition. However, she’s incredibly grounded, warm and personable, and meeting her was lovely.
What’s your favourite comfort food?
Dosa, a South Indian staple, similar to a savoury crepe.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs, definitely. We had a beautiful King Charles terrier called Duchess, who was with us for nearly 15 years. I refer to her as my first (doggy) child.
Which skill do you wish you were better at?
It would be cool to be able to read people’s minds. So much of communication could be improved if you had a greater understanding and appreciation of where another person is coming from.
As a leader, listening is a vital skill. The ability to read people’s minds would be even better!
