Stevie Spring CBE is Chairman of Mind, the UK’s largest mental health charity, having previously chaired Children in Need for the BBC and the Groundwork Federation.
Described by The Guardian as ‘a media industry grandee’, she was CEO of two international media companies and is now a portfolio director, investor and adviser to private equity. She Chairs Kino-mo – a global technology company specialising in 3D holography; is a director and Chairman of Remuneration for the £10bn turnover Coop Group; and she recently completed the sales of both Ladbroke Coral Group Plc to GVC and the ITG Group to Equistone
Stevie was named by GQ magazine as one of the UK’s 100 most connected women; and is on the Telegraph/Debretts list of Britain’s 500 most influential people .
1. Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
By a doctor friend in my twenties. When women get frustrated and angry at work, our throats constrict, our eyes water, and we look like we’re crying because we’re upset. We’re not. We’re furious! So whistle. Pucker up and blow even if you can’t make a noise. Loosens the throat. Stops the watering. Back in control. Impossible to cry and whistle at the same time. Still use it!
2. Worst piece of advice you’ve been given?
By my first direct line boss. You’ll never get anywhere unless you do a shorthand and typing course. I was clutching my first class law degree thinking ‘I’ll show you…’
3. What would you tell your younger self?
Just because you haven’t done something, doesn’t mean you can’t do it. There’s a first time for everything.
4. What excites you most about the future of your industry?
Opportunities for better ways of doing business .The ability to make a difference : to build stronger communities.
5. Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My late father. A single working-class parent who raised two daughters to have a strong moral compass; an insatiable curiosity and commitment to life-long learning; and a belief that they could do and be anything they wanted to.
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