Meet April Baker, CEO of Together Co

April Baker joined Together Co as their new CEO last year. Speaking with Hannah Jackson from Brighton Chamber, she shares how she’s been settling in, what the biggest change has been moving into a charity CEO role, and how she maintains balance.

Can you tell us a bit about Together Co, and when you became CEO?

Together Co is a loneliness charity in Brighton & Hove that creates connections to change lives. We do this by raising awareness around loneliness and social isolation, and how it can be alleviated. I joined as CEO in June 2022.

In our city more than 44,000 people live alone, a third are over the age of 65. Connection is essential for people and its absence has severe implications.

Within a world of hyper-individualism, we work to establish social ties to rebuild a community of hyper-connectedness. We do this through befriending, social prescribing, and volunteering programmes, and by sharing our ideas and expertise nationally. We have more than 500 volunteers who support us (giving more than 17,000 hours) each year.

What’s been the biggest change moving into your new role?

Previously, I worked on the executive team of a homelessness charity in Worthing, and chaired the board of a homelessness charity in Brighton, but never the CEO. It’s my first time in this seat and the biggest challenge for me to consider was, what is a CEO?

It’s an interesting role overseeing an entire organisation with many things to focus on. I had to think, where am I best placed? What do I need to do for the charity to thrive? Seven months in, I’m still very much on this journey, but I love learning each day and connecting with other CEOs.

Why was Together Co the charity for you?

In my early 20s I was living and working in London, had left a relationship and moved into a house share in a new part of the city.

I was able to connect with people at work but started to find my evenings and weekends could be empty. I didn’t know many people where I lived, with no family nearby. I was lonely but I don’t think I wanted to admit it.

I struggled with my mental health during this time and largely think this was because of a lack of connection and belonging.

I’ve spent most of my career working in homelessness and mental health and recognise the importance of social and mental health in services I’ve managed.

Joining Together Co allows me to bring many years of experience to the organisation, but most importantly, I’m hugely passionate about our mission to raise awareness that people need people.

What qualities do you think are most important for heading up a small business or charity?

I believe you need to listen, love and learn as a leader of any business, especially in a charity with a social driven purpose.

I’m a firm believer in establishing and upholding peer-to-peer relationships; the more you empower and trust people to do the right thing, to work in the way they want or need, the more everyone gets from the working environment. I value being more of a coach, helping people to find their way in their roles.

Being kind can often be underestimated or dismissed. It has true depth and often requires courage as sometimes, to be kind is to be honest (Kim Scott’s ‘Radical Candor ’ book was highly influential for me).

At times, leaders make difficult decisions or hold difficult conversations. In such instances, I strive to consider and uphold people’s dignity and to be kind first, always.

Leadership is a never-ending journey marked by challenges and lessons, all of which are valuable. Beyond this, organisational growth is reliant on investing in people’s learning and development.

We hear you’re studying

I’m studying for a Masters in Positive Psychology and Coaching. This has been instrumental in developing my knowledge of how to work with organisation’s and people’s strengths, cultivate meaning in the workplace, and use coaching to empower people to realise their own potential.

Does that help or add to your workload? How do you stay productive and keep balance?

I use many of the tools and techniques I’m learning. It’s about daily habits, small tweaks, moments of reflection. I schedule deep work time so I can focus on the things that matter without the noise of the outside world. I work four days a week, and I’m looking at how we can become a four-day working week organisation. The most critical thing I’ve learnt is that a good sleep routine is essential. Without this, no matter how many tools or techniques I use, I won’t be able to focus and be effective.

What does being a member of Brighton Chamber mean to you?

Brighton Chamber welcomed me to the city within my first few weeks and for this I’m forever grateful. We’re about creating connections and I love seeing how the Chamber does this daily for businesses across the city. I’ve attended Chamber Breakfasts, staff have attended workshops and other events, and every time we come away knowing new people and learning new things.

Thanks to the Chamber we’re working closely with the University of Brighton on a knowledge exchange event, and I’ve been introduced to charity CEOs across the city who are now my peers. We’re also working with Connected Brighton thanks to an introduction from a Chamber member, and the connections continue to grow.

With special thanks to April Baker. Together Co urgently needs more volunteers to create more connections across our city. Find out more on their website. https://togetherco.org.uk/

Brighton Chamber is a dynamic, supportive and welcoming membership organisation for businesses of all sizes. Find out more at brightonchamber.co.uk.