Faye Holland named as one of Cambridge’s Most Influential Business People

22 October 2017

Leading figures from the Cambridge business community were honoured at the Cambridge News' 2017 Most Influential People event.

There were the words, as clear as day “We are delighted to tell you that you are one of this year’s winners.”

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and with that Cofinitive is pleased to share that its founder Faye Holland was recognised as one of Cambridge’s Most Influential Business People at the Cambridge News reception yesterday evening.

Here’s how Faye reacted:

“When I ‘arrived’ in Cambridge in December 2014 I was introduced to David Cleevely by Anne Fisher, who then introduced me to Jane Paterson-Todd. The rest, as they say, is history.

"What I learnt very quickly was that the ethos in Cambridge is to pay-it-forward. I am extremely lucky to have such a vibrant team of people behind me that allows me to do this and to share my experience and enthusiasm, not only with our clients but to many other causes that support the sustainable growth of Cambridge and the inclusion of its employees and citizens.

"I cannot express how honoured I am to be included in such an inspirational list of people.”

Twenty-five of the city’s prominent business people were selected from a pool of nominees to receive the accolade. 

Cambridge’s 25 Most Influential Business people are, in alphabetical order:

While many nominations were submitted, here’s what some members of the Cofinitive network had to say about why they nominated Faye for this prestigious award: –

"Faye Holland dedicates her life to shape and support our community. She delivers impactful communication and engagement across a wide range of industries through Cofinitive – her business. She understands how to influence our business community, being Cambridge Ahead’s Digital Connectivity Chair and one of the first two women on the board of Cambridge Wireless. Faye doesn’t stop there – she is a strong believer in developing future talent, inspiring Form the Future’s students, helping them to learn about tomorrow’s jobs, or mentoring start-ups at the CJBS. Faye’s influence is not just through her success but how much she gives back."

and

"Faye goes beyond making change, she makes breakthroughs. A relative newcomer to Cambridge, Faye’s frame of reference is powerfully different. Instead of deference to old (usually male) players and formulas, which puts Cambridge at risk of stagnation, Faye kindles the multi-dimensional innovation capable of transforming an idea or a business. She influences how business is done and the capacity of people doing it. She is a definitive change agent who knows how to collaborate across teams, functions and industries which has a ripple effect for everyone connected to her, so her influence in Cambridge is becoming increasingly authoritative and positive."

So will Faye now sit back and relax? Not a chance. “One thing we all need to retain our focus on is the rising stars and improving overall gender balance, especially in leadership positions. The 2011 list* named three females, whereas this list has trebled with nine – but there are many more influential and inspiring women out there and we need to encourage them all to (continue to) hold the torch for their peers”.

 

*2011 list: Hermann Hauser, Sir Michael Marshall, Warren East (then CEO of ARM, now CEO of Rolls Royce), Walter Herriot, David Cleevely, Brian Moon (then boss of Cambridge Consultants), Nigel Brown, Neil Davidson (then still active in Redgate), Cllr Nick Clarke, Alan Barrell, Billy Boyle, Ann Fisher, John Bridge, Martin Garratt (then with the Greater Cambridge Partnership, now director of Cambridge Cleantech), Mike Lynch, Andy Harter, Andy Richards, Charles Cotton, Claire Ruskin, Harriet Fear, Hugh Parnell, Peter Dawe, Steve Sharratt, Jonathan Milner.



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