The Power of NED Thinking

October 2025

Sometimes you get a blast from the past

Preparing for a meeting with Graphite Partners got me thinking about my own experiences working with non-executive directors, as well as how to add maximum value as a non-exec chairman.

I remember, as a young entrepreneur trying to grow my business, casting around for answers to questions I simply didn't understand. Yes, we had a leadership team, yes, we were winning in lots of ways, but there was plenty we didn't know.

So, we looked to non-execs in to help us.

And, I'll be honest, letting someone look under the bonnet of your business is not always comfortable. But we quickly released it’s one of the best ways to grow.

The right non-executive doesn’t tell you what to do — they ask the questions you hadn’t thought to ask. They help you step back and see things more clearly.

At Sellick Partnership, we worked with some outstanding people — Rob Gee, Adam Powell, David MacDonald, Alison Humphries Hon FREC, Moya Rylands, Jeff Grout and kai murray - over the years.

Each brought something different: shaping our culture, developing our people, telling our story better, refining how we rewarded success, and helping us build a stronger business overall.

Those experiences showed me the value of bringing in external expertise — not as an outsider with opinions, but as a trusted partner who helps you sees thing through a wider lens or spots things you might miss.

It’s also what I enjoy most about being a NED today.

No two businesses are the same. Each has its own pace, people, challenges and ambitions. One week you’re deep in growth strategy; the next you’re helping a team find its rhythm again. That variety keeps it fresh and curious too.

But - trying to avoid sounding pious - it’s also about giving back. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes over the years and if I can help someone else avoid repeating them, or to just see a problem from another angle, that's time well spent. It's the same approach in my role at @APSco, working as one of its trusted advisors.

It's what gets the juices flowing and why I’m looking forward to getting started with Max Williamson and the team at Graphite Partners. Bring it on!