An experienced board room leader from Bere Alston has marked the publication of her book which draws on her experiences by presenting a copy to Tavistock Library.
Brandie Deignan, a mother of twins, has worked in a number of different sectors. She is a chief executive in NHS Primary Care and has also worked in hospitality, retail, aviation and travel. She also holds non-executive roles with Basketball England and Sports Wales.
She said: “The more I attended conferences as an executive, the more lots of people were asking me about this 'skill'.
“Now the backdrop of black, female exec of course gives this a different layer. So, I just thought, its hard enough being a female leader, a 'first and a half' generation immigrant leader, but also being a mum of twins makes this relevant to many people. So I decided I would share my knowledge with others.”
The book,The Sector Agnostic Leadership Playbook: Pivoting in Heels, is about how she and anyone can work in different sectors without being a functional expert and that leadership cuts across all sectors.
Brandie said: “There is emphasis on my experience of being a female leader - having led in different sectors, of diverse leadership and leading across borders using my passion and life experience.
![Brandie Deignan presents her signed book to Tavistock Library.](https://www.tavistock-today.co.uk/tindle-static/image/2024/04/10/9/32/Brandie+Deignan+presents+her+signed+book+to+Tavistock+Library..jpg?width=669&height=445&crop=669:445)
“It also has elements of many sector leaders contributing openly and in the research phase. Even my kids’ headteacher contributed to my research on education, while a banking family friend who lives locally contributed to research.”
She added: “I have lived in Devon for 20 years. seven in Plymouth and the rest in Bere Alston. My adult life has been shaped here - so I guess, I was always going to contribute a book to my community. I do spend a lot of time in the Tavistock Library, I’m there most Saturday mornings. I read a book a month, I’m a slow reader. I borrow all my books from Tavistock Library and from a friend, who has an extensive library. I buy a lot of books each year. But most of all, I am at home most in the village and in my local library.”
![Brandie Deignan with her new book.](https://www.tavistock-today.co.uk/tindle-static/image/2024/04/10/8/34/Brandie+Deignan+with+her+new+book..jpg?width=669&height=445&crop=669:445)