In this deeply personal episode of Leaders in Business, host Marlene Lowe sits down with her close friend and colleague, Professor Sonia Aitken, CEO of Pain Association Scotland and Visiting Professor at York St John University. What begins as a conversation between friends reveals the extraordinary journey of a leader who transformed multiple redundancies into resilience and found her true calling in the third sector.
Sonia's story starts with teenage rebellion—defying her mother's wishes to pursue higher education when banking seemed like the "safe" career choice. Her path took her through export sales, banking, insurance, and multiple redundancies that she now recognises as building blocks of resilience. Each setback became a stepping stone, ultimately leading her to Pain Association Scotland 15 years ago, where she's transformed from administrator to CEO.
The conversation explores the myth that charities don't need to operate like businesses, with Sonia passionately arguing that sound business practices are essential for third sector survival. As both women share a commitment to running organisations with business rigour whilst maintaining heart-centred missions, their friendship exemplifies how professional networks can evolve into meaningful personal connections.
Sonia candidly discusses her reputation as an "ice queen" in previous roles, revealing how passion for results can be misinterpreted as coldness. She advocates for situational leadership—adapting style based on context whilst never losing authenticity. Her recent appointment as Visiting Professor demonstrates how expertise gained through lived experience can enhance academic learning.
The episode tackles the unique challenges facing charity leaders today, from government bureaucracy to the dilution of chronic pain within broader "long-term conditions" categories. Sonia's frustration with unnecessary obstacles and lack of common sense in systems resonates as she advocates for more sensible, passion-driven leadership across all sectors.