The end of 2022 was a big milestone for Legacy Futures, as we said goodbye to Meg Abdy, Development Director at Legacy Foresight, who retired after more than three decades of working in and significantly developing the legacy sector.
I had the privilege of working alongside Meg for many years – first as a legacy fundraiser, then as a consultant, and finally as a colleague.
Over the years, especially the last three, since Legacy Foresight has been a part of the Legacy Futures group, I had the benefit of Meg’s insight, experience and knowledge. This shaped my thinking and ways of working, both as a legacy fundraiser and now as a leader.
I wanted to share a few thoughts on the lessons I have learned from Meg, which I will take with me long into the future. Lessons I thoroughly recommend.
Always listen
Anyone that knows Meg, will know she isn’t interested in the limelight or being the centre of attention. Instead, she is brilliant at listening and absorbing from others. Her mind is able to gather all these different perspectives and bring them together in really insightful ways. And she is also a great communicator. When she speaks, you want to listen, because you know what she is about to say is well thought through and will be highly valuable.
Stay inquisitive
As a social researcher first, Meg has a truly inquisitive mind. She will question and explore an issue from every angle. I’ve learned from her to always expand my horizons, listen to new voices and perspectives, and keep on prodding and questioning. Ultimately, to keep on learning.
Set high standards
When working on a presentation or a project report together, it would not be uncommon to be working on version 12 or 13 before we got to save that final version! Meg taught me that standards really matter; to take pride in our work and make sure it is the best it can be.
Collaborate
One of the strengths of the legacy sector is how open and collaborative it is — values that Meg has long championed. Working together has become a key value for us as a business, whether across our teams, or alongside others in the sector. We want to make sure we play our part, but also know the strength of collaboration and when someone else is better placed to take the lead.
Build a great team
I know that being able to work with so many talented people is one of the things that Meg enjoyed most about her role. As a good judge of character, she spent a long time making sure we have the right people in the right roles within our organisation. I will make it my personal mission to make sure we continue to grow as a talented group, with people of diverse backgrounds, experience and opinions, who have the sector’s best interests at heart.
Announcing a new leadership team
As we wish Meg farewell and move into a new season, we take her lessons and wisdom with us.
I am pleased to announce that Legacy Futures has a strong new leadership team, bringing together voices from across our group. As CEO, I will continue to be at the helm of the group, working closely with the leadership team to help strengthen and enhance our growth and performance. The team comprises:
- Neil Kirk, who leads the legacy administration team at Legacy Link joins as group Managing Director.
- Kath Horsley, who leads the research and analysis teams at Legacy Foresight joins as our Insight Director.
- Stephen Mooney, who leads on our key client relationships, business development and marketing joins as Client Partnerships Director
We are supported with expert advice from economist and quantitative modelling expert Chris Farmelo, former Technical Director at Legacy Foresight, and our board advisors, Amanda Poole, who specialises in strategic evaluation, communication and creativity, and Karl Weaver, who has 25 years’ experience in the marketing sector.
Together we are committed to serving our sector as a trusted partner for everything legacy related. And the mantra we will adopt as a team is to ‘Be more Meg’.
Ashley Rowthorn
CEO, Legacy Futures