Winner
Caroline Cerny
Summary of work
Caroline has a dedicated commitment to improving the public’s health through better education and changing the wider environment. From leading behaviour change campaigns to influencing Government policy on obesity, Caroline is passionate about the power of good communications to change people’s lives.
With experience that spans agency, working in-house at one of the UK’s largest health charities and a stint in Government communications, Caroline has a wealth of experience across strategic communications, media relations and public affairs. Caroline is an engaging communicator and relies on her collaborative nature and diplomacy skills to bring together a diverse range of organisations in her current role leading the Obesity Health Alliance.
Caroline’s leadership skills lie in her ability to set a clear vision in an often ambiguous environment and motivate the teams around her to work towards common goals, building an environment of trust and inclusivity. Over the past year, Caroline has built the reputation of the Obesity Health Alliance, cementing her own position as a trusted and credible leader with alliance members and key stakeholders.
Judges’ comments
Caroline recognises she is an introvert but, crucially, she knows how to successfully incorporate this into her leadership style. Very self-aware and led by relationships, she works out what will be right and then brings people with her, leading through influence rather than by position. She really has the ‘likeability’ factor that allows her to deliver projects beautifully. In an incredibly difficult role she was super impressive - we felt that we’d follow her.
