From Military Service to Leadership

Louisa’s journey began within the esteemed ranks of the Royal Air Force, where she dedicated a decade of her life to serving proudly on a global scale. The culmination of her efforts came to fruition in 2004, when she received a distinguished commendation in the New Year’s Honours list. This recognition highlighted Louisa’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, exceptional dedication to duty, and unyielding efforts in every endeavour.

Having transitioned from military life, Louisa then gained over seventeen years of experience in the world of Facilities Management, where she served as a Managing Director of a multi-million pound business. 

Louisa has made volunteering a priority, working to support transitioning Veterans as they leave military life and enter civilian employment. She is a Member of the Veterans Advisory Board (VAB). The VAB was established to bring independent advice to the Office Of Veterans Affairs.  An advocate of Veterans in the workplace, and is particularly keen to ensure women Veterans are well represented, and chair of the IWFM Veteran Network. We are delighted to announce that we are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Bronze Award Holders.

Louisa is chair of the IWFM Veterans Network and an Awards Judge.

Simone served 2 years as an Awards Judge and 3 years as a Non-Executive Director 2022-2025, she continues to work closely with IWFM as a Fellow and Mentor.

Simone and Louisa are the co-organisers of Plan B for FM Mentoring.

Since its inception as a mirror image of the highly successful Plan B for Hospitality, now Balance the Board, Plan B for FM has supported 100+ women in the FM sector to secure mentors aligned with their needs and aspirations. Our mentees have, in some cases risen to become mentors themselves with several mentees becoming senior leaders at board level in both the USA and UK – Plan B works!

Both Simone and Louisa are ambassadors for FM Connect. Inclusive networking for the Property, Workplace and Facilities Management Sector

At FM Connect, we believe in networking being an inclusive experience and bring together people to educate, engage, and empower.

Simone is a member of the Post Graduate education advisory board at Nottingham Trent University Business School.

Simone is a member of the advisory board at Facilitate Magazine, and the Facilities Management Journal. She’s also a Drafting Panel Committee Member (Facilities Management: Development of a Workplace Strategy. Guide) at BSI.

A drop-in space for humans to connect and give those sticky moments from the week some space. Bring your ‘ugh’, your ‘argh’, and your ‘not sure what to do with this’. We reflect, reframe and reset, together, in a safe space. Every Friday 12.30pm (GMT).