GEORGINA COOK
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This award could be a way for people to thank those who take on the tough responsibility of being a leader in life and do it well.
It might be employees wishing to thank a manager who has gone that extra mile for staff to make sure their life at work is as enjoyable as possible. But it could also be someone who has led or inspired a team through a tough time, or perhaps led them on a journey to the top of their field.
A good leader might also be one of the team, always ready to roll their sleeves up and set an example to the rest, or it could be someone who knows how to get the best out of their colleagues.
This award is not restricted to those at the very top, because leaders can be found at every stage of life and every stage of the workforce. Life needs leaders, and the good ones should be celebrated.
Cameron Arnell, a lifeguard at the Merton Hotel who had to “start from scratch” after suffering a brain injury, has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year.
The father of four who served in the Army for more than 15 years, later developed Acute Dermatitis Epilepsy Malitis (ADEM), which left him in a coma for three weeks.
Following his recovery, Mr Arnell has gone on to complete multiple marathons, a triathlon, the Granite Man challenge in Guernsey and an Iron Man to raise money for Headway.
The chief barker at Variety Club of Jersey has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year.
Sandra Auckland, who has held the role for the past 11 years and volunteered for the charity for 35 years, has been described by nominator Elia Camacho as having “exemplary” leadership skills.
Ms Camacho explained that Mrs Auckland was not only the first female chief barker for the local branch of the children’s charity, but was also on Variety’s International Board representing Europe and had been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for leadership from the European Region Council.
Lee Cornick, the events and entertainment manager at the Merton Hotel, has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year.
Mr Cornick, who has worked at the hotel for more than 12 years, has been praised for the “empathy, humour and humility” he leads with.
Shane Wridgway, who nominated Mr Cornick, described him as “the kind of leader who doesn’t just manage a team, he empowers it”.
Mr Wridgway added: “He brings energy, heart and a deep sense of care into everything he does. Lee doesn’t just inspire people, he changes lives.”
The chief executive of Eyecan, a charity that provides support to Islanders affected by sight loss and sight impairment, has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year.
Mark Coxshall was described as “not just a leader” but also a “mentor, a motivator and a true champion for positive change” who has a “genuine care for people”.
Anne Audrain, a colleague of Mr Coxshall and the charity’s development manager, explained his leadership was “nothing short of transformative”.
She said: “His adaptability, unwavering commitment and deep empathy have created a workplace culture where every team member feels valued, supported and empowered.
The managing director of Les Amis has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year.
Shaun Findlay started at Les Amis in 2008, following 14 years spent serving in the British Army, and has worked his way up the business, becoming managing director in 2012.
Mr Findlay was said to have “pushed the charity to achieve so many great things, from the opening of Leslie Norman Court to the new end-of-life care facility for Islanders with learning disabilities due to open next year”, and “his leadership through the pandemic is also deserving of recognition”, according to nominator Ellen Dickinson.
The chief executive of a cancer charity has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year by a colleague for her “selflessness, vision and authenticity” in delivering support for Islanders affected by cancer.
Steph Gibaut, who has been at the helm of Macmillan Cancer Support Jersey since 2022, has been put forward by Kevin Alway, the charity’s operations and communications lead.
Mr Alway said Mrs Gibaut’s influence “radiates” through the organisation, “inspiring not only our team, but everyone she encounters, to be better, think bigger and act with greater compassion”.
“Every day, Steph comes to work knowing her role as chief executive extends far beyond the expected,” Mr Alway said. “She empowers people to grow, to speak up and to lead with heart.”
A manager and mental-health first-aider at Mont à L’Abbé School has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year.
Jordan Norie has been recognised for her “outstanding contributions and unwavering support” and her “hard work and commitment to the children’s success” by her nominator and colleague, Lisa Patton.
Ms Patton said: “Jordan is not only a manager but a true champion for our students and staff alike. There isn’t a problem that staff feel they can’t bring to her.”
She explained that Ms Norie was “always there to listen with a caring and non-judgmental heart” and encouraged the team, “making everyone feel valued and heard”.
The chair of Diabetes Jersey has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year by a fellow volunteer at the charity.
William O’Brien, who is better known as Bill, has been put forward for the award by Annette Cabot for his long-term “devotion” to raising awareness of the condition and fundraising to support the 4,500 Islanders affected by it.
Ms Cabot said that Mr O’Brien “works tirelessly” to organise events and make sure enough funds are raised to educate others and provide essential equipment and support staff for those living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) – an acute form of diabetes that mostly affects those under 30.
Dr Cheryl Power, the director of culture and wellbeing at the General Hospital, has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year by a colleague for her work launching a support service for healthcare workers during the Covid pandemic.
Maria Elsa Roberts believes Dr Power is deserving of the recognition for “her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing” of healthcare workers in the Island.
Ms Roberts explained that in response to the “unprecedented challenges” of the pandemic, Dr Power launched the Culture and Wellbeing Service at the Hospital which was a “lifeline” for staff who had to navigate “extraordinary pressures” at the time.
A team manager at a supermarket is in the running for Inspirational Leader of the Year.
Tatiana Rodrigues, who has worked at Waitrose in St Saviour for the past five years, has been nominated by her colleague Paulo Freitas. He believes that Mrs Rodrigues she deserves the award for how she “consistently” supports him and her team.
“While she could easily fit into a purely office-based role, Tatiana chooses to take a hands-on approach, which has earned my deep respect,” Mr Freitas said.
He explained how Mrs Rodrigues “consistently” makes herself available to listen, assist and support her colleagues and always “leads by example”.
“Her kindness and understanding shine through in every interaction”, Mr Freitas added.
D’Auvergne School’s deputy headteacher has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year and described as a “great ambassador”.
Alex Wheaton has been praised for her contribution towards the school by going “above and beyond in all aspects of her job”.
Charlotte Walker, who nominated Mrs Wheaton, said: “Alex has been a teacher to my three children over the years before becoming the deputy headteacher.
“Alex is always happy, enthusiastic and ready to roll her sleeves up no matter what the task is.”
Explaining why she had nominated Mrs Wheaton, Ms Walker said: “She always gives 110% to every aspect of school life and she definitely deserves some recognition for her years of dedication and leadership.”
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