Inspirational Leader of the Year

2026

Inspirational Leader of the Year Nominees

Sophie Reid Nominated by: Alana Williams

An islander with terminal brain cancer has been nominated for the Inspirational Leader of the Year award after transforming her own health journey into a source of hope and support for others. Nominator Alana Williams said Sophie Reid had shown exceptional courage and leadership following her diagnosis by speaking openly through podcasts, videos and social media to raise awareness, break down stigma and encourage others to share their experiences.

Mrs Reid also founded the Sophie Reid Neurological Association after recognising a gap in support, creating a network for Islanders living with brain tumours and other neurological conditions. Ms Williams explained that the association founder had worked tirelessly to secure counselling, organise meet-ups, raise donations and build a community where people who may have felt isolated could find understanding and support.

Describing Mrs Reid as “a courageous, compassionate and truly inspirational leader”, Ms Williams said: “She doesn’t just talk about making a difference; she leads by example and makes it happen. “In a small island like Jersey where community matters so much, Sophie is bringing people together, giving hope and creating support that will have a lasting impact.” Ms Williams added that Mrs Reid had taken one of the most difficult experiences of her life and turned it into lasting positive change for others, making her a deserving nominee for the Inspirational Leader of the Year award.

Fiona Wylie Nominated by: Hannah Drewry

The founder of Brand Champions has been recognised for the Inspirational Leader of the Year Award for creating a Jersey-based marketing agency that offers flexibility rarely found in traditional agencies.

Fiona Wylie was nominated by Hannah Drewry for leading “the way the best leaders do: by building the thing she wished had existed, then holding the door open for everyone behind her”.

Ms Drewry praised Mrs Wylie’s success, highlighting her minimal staff turnover over the past 12 months, having a team satisfaction above 90% and agency revenue growth of more than 40% this year.

“Leaders who transform their own workplace are rare. Leaders who then transform what working life can look like for their whole community are rarer,” Ms Drewry continued.

Mrs Wylie also founded House of Champions, a co-working space in Jersey for freelancers, creatives and parents. Additionally, she sponsors Jersey Bulls Women’s games and is a vocal advocate for women’s sport on the Island.

Nicola King Nominated by: Chloe Francesca Gray

Youniversal Care owner and founder Nicola King has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year for “leading with her heart and never asking anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself”.

Her nominator Chloe Francesca Gray said: “Miss King believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling life, and she works tirelessly to make that belief a reality every single day.”

Miss King is neurodivergent and embraces her differences, proving that leadership is about determination and authenticity, instead of purely fitting a mould. As owner and founder, she has not just built an organisation, but instead “a place where people truly belong”, according to Miss Gray.

She added that, despite being one of the smallest care providers in the Island: “Youniversal Care has made one of the biggest impacts within Jersey’s learning disabilities community. That impact is no coincidence, but a clear result of Nicola’s unwavering passion.”

Wendy Buckley Nominated by: Claudine Snape

A retired HR and operations manager for a local charity has been nominated for the Inspirational Leader of the Year award for leading through “intergrity and compassion”.

Wendy Buckley, who served Dementia Jersey in various roles showed an “unwavering commitment” to the job, according to her nominator, the charity’s chief executive Claudine Snape.

Ms Buckley retired last month having served as deputy operations manager, HR lead and when the charity needed her, as interim chief executive. Ms Snape said: “Wendy’s impact extended far beyond policies and procedures. She genuinely cared for people and took her responsibilities incredibly seriously.

“During periods when colleagues were facing cancer diagnoses and treatment, Wendy provided practical support, compassion and understanding, ensuring they felt valued and supported both professionally and personally”. Ms Buckley is someone who was always there to her former colleagues, as a “listening ear” and a “mentor”, her nominator added.

Mark Baker Nominated by: David Tomes

An executive coach, business speaker and author who “supports people with life threatening illness and helps parents, teachers and authority figures build self belief” has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year.

Mark Baker has been nominated by David Tomes, who praised Mr Baker for “supporting over 1,000 people facing life threatening illness, and parents in Jersey and around the world, giving hope and belief to those who had little, if any”.

Mr Baker also suffered from cancer which for 17 months it was undiagnosed and untreated. Mr Tomes praises Mr Baker for remaining inspirational whilst undergoing chemotherapy, as “around eighty people came onto the ward and stood around his bed while he talked to them about belief and expectation”.

In 2003, Mark founded St Mary’s Youth Club, helping children discover their own self belief. He also founded Santa Bikers, raising money for Jersey Cancer Relief and the Variety Club.

Janie Du Feu Nominated by: Mia Du Feu

A hospital ward manager has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year for her “exceptional dedication and leadership”.

Described by her nominator, Mia Du Feu, as a “selfless” person, Rozel Ward manager Janie Du Feu regularly stays late to ensure her patients and staff are supported. Even when on annual leave, she often answers calls because she “genuinely cares” about her ward, said her nominator.

Leading with “kindness, compassion and professionalism,” Janie has been praised for always putting others before herself, and despite the pressures of her role “she never compromises on the quality of care her patients receive”.

“As her daughter, I have seen the sacrifices she makes. Family time is often interrupted because she is always willing to help when needed, yet she never complains,” said Mia. “She is an inspiration to her colleagues, her patients and to me every single day. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Richard Cannard Nominated by: Ben Ricou and Jodie Kettle

The head of wealth distribution across Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man at HSBC has been nominated by two colleagues for Inspirational Leader of the Year. Richard Cannard has been praised for “transforming high-performing teams into exceptional ones, creating a culture where ambition, trust, and collaboration thrive”.

Mr Cannard’s teams consistently outperform their targets across all three jurisdictions, a testament not only to his commercial expertise, but to his ability to inspire people to achieve extraordinary results, said his nominators, Ben Ricou and Jodie Kettle.

“His influence is felt across all the islands and people always look to him for guidance and his exceptional people management,” they said.

Both nominators attribute their success at HSBC to Mr Cannard’s “resilient, engaged and purpose-driven” leadership, which has empowered them to step beyond their comfort zones, feel confident, supported, and motivated to excel.

Darren Bowring Nominated by: Rebecca Quinn

The director of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year for the “differences his leadership, commitments and visions” make to improving the lives of children and young people.

Nominator Rebecca Quinn, who is a learning disability liaison nurse within CAMHS, said that Darren Bowring has developed a commitment to creating a service where people with intellectual disabilities are not an afterthought, but an integral part of service delivery.

Mr Dowring, who Ms Quinn said leads with “compassion, openness and a clear belief in children,” was praised for his ability to look beyond the immediate pressures of the service and still address what needs to change for future success.

He has created an environment where specialist knowledge is valued and where there is a genuine willingness to listen, learn and challenge existing ways of working, said Ms Quinn. “Mr Dowring has not only recognised a need for change, he has actively created the opportunity for that change to happen,” she added.

Steve Bouchard Nominated by: Dani Perrier

The chief float designer for, and former long-serving chairman of, The Optimists Club has been nominated for Inspirational Leader of the Year for “making an outstanding contribution to Jersey life, creating a legacy that will be felt for generations to come”.

Steve Bouchard has dedicated 43 years of leadership service, with his nominator, Dani Perrier, praising his “talent and ability to inspire others”, leading the club’s Battle of Flowers team to achieve a “remarkable” 20 Prix d’Honneur wins.

Mr Bouchard’s “true legacy is evident from the community surrounding him”, she said, adding that year after year he brought together volunteers, with the team’s respect for him being shown through the number of people who return to work alongside him every summer.

This year, Mr Bouchard’s leadership was extended through his role as vice-chair of the Battle of Flowers Board, playing an important role in helping secure the return of a free parade along Victoria Avenue.

“His passion is infectious, creating an environment where people feel valued and proud to contribute,” Mrs Perrier said. “Many who have worked alongside Steve speak of his ability to bring out the very best in everyone around him.”

Sindy Garthshore Nominated by: Lakeside Manor Care Home team

A manager at Lakeside Manor Care Home has been nominated for the Inspirational Leader of the Year award for “inspiring, supporting and bringing out the best in everyone every day.”

Sindy Garthshore has been nominated by the team at Lakeside Manor for quickly becoming a “valued and respected” part of the team.

They praised her “kindness, compassion and understanding” towards both staff and residents, as she goes above and beyond to make sure everyone feels “heard, valued and supported”.

Ms Garthshore frequently offers encouragement, guidance and support, with her “positive attitude and approachable nature” cultivating a working environment where everyone feels motivated to be the best version of themselves, said her nominator.

“Her dedication, patience and kindness make a real difference to our home. She has made a wonderful impact in such a short time, and we are truly grateful to Sindy,” added the Lakeside Manor team.