Challenge and trust – Marnie Millard opens up on leadership style

In a captivating interview at Manchester Hall, Marnie Millard, the ambassador of the Year from the Business of the Year awards, shared insights into her remarkable career journey and leadership approach.

The event, sponsored by JMW, covered the impressive career of Marnie Millard, who has transitioned from the food and drink industry to a non-executive portfolio career, as well as some great stories about her love of music – especially Simple Minds – but it also emphasised the importance of working with businesses that have a clear purpose.

“I deliberately wanted a portfolio that was differentiated,” she explained. “I like working with businesses that have purpose, and I want to work with people that have a real sense of looking after people, and are interested in talent.”

One of the key themes that emerged from the conversation was her ability to navigate challenging situations and make tough decisions. “I still have sleepless nights,” she admitted, “and my husband will say, ‘you don’t have to work, you’re choosing to do everything that you want to do,’ and yet I still find really challenging circumstances transactions.”

Millard’s willingness to walk away from businesses where there is a clash of values or a lack of alignment has been a hallmark of her career. “When I’m working with people, it has to be meaningful. I have to feel I’m adding value, and, you know, helping those individuals and those businesses grow and develop. So if you meet in a brick wall, and you feel like you’re pushing water up here all the time. Then just accept it’s not right for you.”

This approach was evident in her time at Nichols PLC, the owners of the iconic Vimto brand. Millard, who served as CEO, emphasized the importance of building trust and understanding the motivations of the family shareholders. “Even though we were a PLC, the Nichols family, and John Nichols was my chair whilst I was there, and his two boys worked in the business with me, and the family still owned and still do you know in north of 40% so even though it’s the PLC, it’s a family business, it’s still a family business.”

Millard’s leadership style is characterised by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to building strong relationships. “I think it’s fair to say that when I joined, I was brought in with a specific remit, because my predecessor, had done a lot of work restructuring the organisation, and therefore when I joined it, balance sheet was strong. Business was much more focused, and I was there to deliver really organic commercial growth, which is, which is, you know what I love doing.”

This approach has also been evident in her work with Gary Neville and UA92, the university she chairs. “Gary is a sponge. He is very, very bright, as probably everybody can see, he’s extremely hard working, and he’s committed to the projects that he works on. And one of the things he I can see in the sort of the last six, seven years I’ve worked with him, that ability to listen and take advice from. Of others, particularly in areas of expertise that he’s probably less experienced in, has, you know, he grows, he listens.”

Millard’s diverse portfolio also includes Applied Nutrition, where she serves as the senior independent director. While she is still learning about the dynamics of the business, she appreciates Thomas Ryder’s passion for product development. “I’m totally honest, I’m still learning with Tom, because I was brought into the business in May last year. What I’m finding is I’m bringing to the party is more about the appropriate governance for them and helping them manage the frontline investor community, because having been a CEO, I know what it’s like.”

Millard’s diverse portfolio and her ability to navigate complex situations have earned her a reputation as a respected and trusted leader. As she continues to share her experiences and mentor others, her impact on the business community is sure to continue.

And music? And her friendship with Jim Kerr of Simple Minds and his family? Well, that’s one of the delights of coming to these events. Maybe you just had to be there…