Behind the Ballot: Personal Capabilities
Our Members asked board election candidates: Research suggests that the role of directors is becoming subject to greater scrutiny, where underperformance and a lack of meaningful contribution, together with the necessary expertise to undertake the role, significantly impact the strategic direction of an organization. How will you ensure that you are self-aware of your capabilities to promote the BCI as an organization rather than allowing an individual's ego to become the enemy of meeting strategic outcomes?
Atiq Bajwa FBCI
Having worked with Audit and Risk Committees on high-profile Boards for over 20 years, I have observed how exemplary Board members balance confidence with humility. I am currently enrolled in the "Certified Board Member" program with GCC Board Members Institute (75% complete), combining practical experience with formal governance education. I will ensure self-awareness through three disciplined practices: First, conducting regular self-assessments against the Board's skills matrix and strategic objectives. Second, I will actively seek feedback from fellow Board members and BCI leadership. Third, I will consistently be prioritizing “what serves BCI" over "what elevates me" in every decision. I commit to measuring my contribution not by visibility, but by measurable impact on BCI's strategic goals. My track record demonstrates that I lead through collaboration and evidence-based decision-making, ensuring personal feelings never compromise my professionalism as a BCI Board member.
Disclaimer: An AI tool was used to conduct a grammar and spell check in this response.
Desmond O'Callaghan Hon FBCI
A board of directors must function in a balanced way, such that all voices are heard and no single individual dominates the collective discussion and decision-making. We are there for the BCI and its members, not for our individual selves or personal agendas. I am experienced in boards and committees, with the interpersonal skills to inject balance and moderation when called for. I am good at ”reading the room” and knowing when to listen and when to speak, and judging when to introduce alternative views or constructively counter unproductive ideas. As an ambassador for the BCI, I have always promoted the organization for its pre-eminent leadership in our profession.
Federica Maria Rita Livelli MBCI
I strongly believe in association, and in my roles on the board of various Italian and International associations, I have demonstrated this commitment by prioritising organizational objectives over individual ego. My institutional relations with other associations, governmental institutions, and universities will be made available to the BCI to explore synergies and partnerships. Furthermore, I offer my recognized capabilities as a publicist, speaker and moderator to enhance the BCI’s visibility, advance the culture of resilience in different contexts, and identify and support events that align with the BCI’s strategic objectives. This approach has made me a trusted reference point for the organizations I represent. I decided to apply for the BCI Board since it represents a natural consequence of my associative experience, deeply convinced that my contribution can be valuable to the achievement of the BCI’s strategic objectives.
Gregory Descamps MBCI
As in my personal life, I will set clear objectives and regularly assess my progress to stay self-aware and accountable. If elected to the BCI Board, I will ensure my capabilities, time, and efforts remain aligned with BCI’s strategic direction. I will act with honesty and integrity, promote consensus over ego, and prioritize collaboration and the greater interests of the BCI community. To strengthen transparency and collective improvement, I would also propose an agreed periodic self-assessment—an anonymous short questionnaire—to provide a measurable view (as a KPI) of how the Board, including myself, perceives its collective contribution to BCI’s goals. This reflective approach would foster accountability, encourage shared learning, and ensure we remain focused on meaningful impact and the continued promotion of BCI as a leading organization in business continuity and resilience.
Disclaimer: An AI tool was used to conduct grammar checks and refine the language in this response
Kelly Blakeley MBCI
Having served 3 years on the BCI board, and 15 years working in high-pressure environments, including where life was at stake, I have learned the importance of critical challenge without ego. This is an essential skillset of a Board member. Board items are high profile, impacting, ambiguous and complex. An effective Board operates by harnessing the strengths of its directors, creating a collaborative environment for difficult conversations and decision making. So far on the Board I have demonstrated advocacy of the BCI, ethics and critical challenge of complex issues. Behind the scenes I have forged strategic partnerships, pushed representation for new faces, made difficult decisions and sacrificed personal commercial gain for integrity because it was the right thing to do. The Board role is what you make of them, and I intend to continue to raise the profile of the BCI, our profession and those who are part of it.
Maura Santunione MBCI
My self-awareness is fundamentally rooted in my identity as an active BCI Member and dedicated Resilience Professional. I view my participation as a core commitment to actively serve the community. I firmly believe the BCI can be the place where all of us together can leverage and elevate our collective knowledge and experience, thus contributing to mould and build a more resilient world today and for the future (the BCI's vision). This is why I want to be part of the Board: to be and work alongside all those who actively contribute to this vision.
Mohamed Hassan MBCI
I am committed to maintaining my expertise and capabilities to support the BCI organization's objectives and values through collaboration with all professionals, colleagues, and partners, as we live in an interconnected world. Furthermore, mutual respect for all individuals, viewpoints, and open ideas can help BCI achieve its strategic aims and ideals. My primary focus is on creating a culture and a proper platform for innovation, inclusivity, and transparency to encourage the continuation of work and performance in line with BCI policies, governance framework, and ethics to help the BCI achieve its strategic goals, assist its members, and strengthen the community, rather than seeking recognition for my work. I will continue to evaluate my performance against the BCI's strategic goals, seeking constructive feedback from peers, board members, and leaders to assist me in identifying blind spots and maintaining my personal and professional skills.
Disclaimer: An AI tool was used to conduct grammar checks and refine the language in this response
Rajesh Pillai MBCI
I will uphold self-awareness through structured reflection, peer feedback, and adherence to governance principles that prioritize BCI’s mission over individual ambition. My approach is anchored in humility and accountability, ensuring decisions are evidence-based and aligned with strategic outcomes. Drawing on over 25 years of global security and resilience leadership across diverse geographies, I will leverage cross-cultural insights to foster inclusivity and collaboration. Continuous learning and active participation in professional forums will help me remain current and relevant, while transparent communication will mitigate the risk of ego-driven decisions. By championing diversity of thought and ethical standards, I will contribute to shaping BCI as a forward-thinking organization that sets benchmarks in continuity and resilience. My commitment is to serve as a catalyst for collective success, ensuring that organizational objectives consistently take precedence over personal recognition.
Disclaimer: An AI tool was used to conduct grammar checks and refine the language in this response. It was also used to assist in drafting the responses. AI served strictly as a writing aid, not for generating original ideas or decision-making. Ethical use and transparency were prioritized.
Sanjay Vijayaraghavan KV MBCI
I'll stay self-aware and focused on BCI's purpose by: - Seeking honest feedback from peers and colleagues to stay grounded. - Reflecting regularly on how my actions support collective goals, not personal recognition. - Listening to diverse viewpoints before making decisions. - Staying open to learning and adapting as the role evolves. - Keeping humility and collaboration at the centre of my leadership style. For me, leadership is about service and impact, not ego - Ensuring every action strengthens the BCI's shared vision.
Simon Contini FBCI
As I do professionally, I will engage in personal, continuous, active self-reflection of my abilities to support the BCI. I will seek 360-degree feedback from the board and members regularly. I will focus on aligning with the BCI mission values over any personal agenda or ego. I am always learning how to be a better person, consider others, as well as staying ahead of BCI Resilience trends, working with industry analysts, regulators, and customers. I encourage open dialogue and collaboration while also being conscious of the outcome aim.
Disclaimer: An AI tool was used to conduct a grammar and spell check in this response.
Voting is still open and closes on 12 November 2025 (midnight GMT)
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