Logged In: Angelena Fixter, CEO of The Avalon Group
ANGELENA Fixter is chief executive of Harrogate-based social enterprise organisation The Avalon Group.
The Avalon Group provides supported accommodation and family living for vulnerable or disabled adults throughout the North of England.
The group provides a range of services to support vulnerable adults, especially those with learning and physical disabilities, to help them live life the way they choose.
What are your career highlights?
My work in Africa; my director of the year award for the third sector, and the turnaround of Avalon.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?
The people I have met on my journey, especially those with humility as well as power.
What do you enjoy most and least about your role?
Most: being in a position to turn aspirations into reality. Least: public speaking.
As a business leader, what’s the key to managing people?
Remembering that everyone leaves their home as an adult and arrives at work just the same.
What are the biggest barriers to your organisation’s success?
Without a doubt, money.
Despite emerging from recession what more could be done to help businesses still struggling?
I do not think it has even started for the third sector yet. There needs to be less bureaucracy and more competition as this drives up standards.
How has technology changed your life in the last five years?
I am in love with my Blackberry, and I arrive where I should because of my Sat Nav.
How has it changed/impacted on your business in the same period?
We are all more responsive, networked and communication has vastly improved. We are better 24/7 team players.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now, what alternative career would you chose and why?
I would be abroad right now in India, working with local people to start up their lives again. Or in the jungle looking for new insects and animals
Which sectors do you think will thrive/struggle in the coming years?
Struggle: The public sector, training companies, and housing related industries. I do think the third sector will struggle if we are not given the serious voice and opportunities to take advantage of the Government vision.
Thrive: Those companies that can offer a fresh and new angle to the market, those who are innovative and brave enough to try.
What do you feel are the key skills/qualities needed to run a successful business in the 21st century?
To be able to be brave, be able to forecast and plan in a way that offers safety whist being nimble.
In five words, describe your character:
Eccentric, curious and intrinsically creative.
