Q&A with our new CEO, Nicola Roseman
26 June 2024
26 June 2024
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation recently saw Nicola Roseman step up to become its new Chief Executive Officer.
Having already been an integral part of the Foundation as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Nicola is now firmly at the helm to steer the Foundation’s efforts as CEO. We thought you’d like to get to know her a bit better, so grabbed 5 minutes out of her busy schedule for a quick Q&A below:
Why did you join My Name’5 Doddie Foundation?
Everyone knew Doddie as his on (and off) pitch talents were well appreciated, so when it was announced that he had been diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND), I followed his story intently and watched the formation of the Foundation from afar. It was amazing to see how quickly the Foundation pulled together and started funding research into MND.
What struck me at the time was Doddie’s reach, even in Hong Kong where I was living, there were folks from the St Andrew’s Society and rugby community wanting to support, so friends and I joined fundraising dinners and even embarked on a sponsored trek (a ‘Doddie Gump’) to raise funds for the Foundation.
In 2021 I found myself back in Scotland and spotted an advert for the Chief Financial Officer position. I remember being excited about applying as it seemed somewhere I could make a difference and be part of something incredibly special.
What really excites you about working for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation?
It’s great to work for an organisation that is committed to such a meaningful goal of a world free of MND. The people we connect with never fail to amaze me - the word ‘inspiring’ is often used in our day-to-day as we have the privilege of meeting people living with MND, their families and their carers - their tenacity and drive really is impressive.
Seeing the scientific community come together to share ideas and discuss progress has been excellent, and knowing how well-respected and relied upon the Foundation is excites me.
Then there’s our community of fundraisers and volunteers who are brilliantly creative. Some of the ideas they have come up with are wild and really make us smile (sometimes nervously I’ll admit), and their friendship and support is something we’re privileged to have. We’re always open to hearing the latest crazy idea! I wonder what the next epic Doddie Aid challenge will be…?
Have any events or moments with the Foundation stood out to you as highlights?
There are too many highlights, but here are a couple that really stand out…
I recently joined our Scientific Advisory meeting where we bring together our advisors to discuss the latest in MND research. The engagement in the meeting was impressive - the advisors were keen to hear how the Foundation’s research programme is evolving and the important role we play in funding. The patients that attended were thoughtful in sharing their experiences and pushing the advisors for their views; and the advisors provided timely updates on clinical trials, the MND Research Institute, as well as potential new treatment pathways. The meeting took place at Boughton House in Northamptonshire, and The Duke of Buccleuch was an incredibly generous host.
The Anniversary Dinner in 2021 was also a major highlight. I had just started with the Foundation and the dinner was already in the diary - getting to sit at a table with such amazing Doddie Champions (and Kenny Logan) was a real treat. I’ll never forget being asked if I lived close by, as there was a bag with the cash donations ready to be counted! Thankfully I did, and was safely in a taxi with the cash at the end of the night without any fuss.
Additionally, with the Hong Kong Trek being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions, my husband, friend and I decided to crack on and do it just ourselves. There was no fanfare or barbecue at the end, but we managed to complete a good 16-mile hike in the Hong Kong heat.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m certainly an armchair fan of most sports…I enjoy when The Six Nations comes around and have been known to travel to see the odd match or two. My family can often be found at some music gig as my husband encourages us to broaden our music horizons. Not so sure the kids agree with this, but they go along if Mum and Dad are buying!
Is there anything you’d like to say to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation supporters as you take on this role?
It’s a great honour to be asked to lead My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. We have developed our strategy and are committed to honouring Doddie’s name and delivering his legacy. We will not stop until our vision is a reality: a world that is truly free of MND.