SHE believes passionately about her cause and thrives on trying to make a difference.

In short, rather like Formula One star Lewis Hamilton, Dame Mary Marsh is full of drive and ambition.

As Director and Chief Executive of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Dame Mary is undaunted by the magnitude of her global mission to improve the lives of children.

And the fact the questions flowed well over her allotted time at the last Authentic Leaders Network forum gives you an indication of just how memorable and well received her talk was on what it's like to run such a huge organisation.

Dame Mary spoke of her business challenges, politics and priorities among other things, as well as giving her top leadership tips, such as own up to any mistakes you make, learn how to become someone you did not plan to be and keep creating connections. As she says, you never know when those people might be able to help you in return.

The forum, held at Coutts headquarters in The Strand, where the canapes were scrumptious incidentally, was attended by more than 40 devotees of the excellent monthly Authenic Leaders Network series.
 
Once again it was successfully choreographed by John Jeffcock, Managing Director of Winmark Europe, the renowned market research consultancy and networking specialists based in London.

Should you be allowed to smack your child? Dame Mary is fiercely against harming children in this way and the NSPCC is the leading campaigner for zero tolerance with the Full Stop Campaign.

The debate still rages in the UK whether or not parents should be allowed to use physical discipline against their child while in other countries there is no such argument – it is illegal.

While a daunting subject to tackle, let alone control, Dame Mary has sought to challenge policy makers, professionals and the public on child abuse and neglect and believes she can make a difference.

'She is an amazing woman,' said Rosalind Howard, of the Naked Leader.

'She spoke for half an hour, then took some questions, then spoke again, then answered more questions until a halt was called.  She came across as a humble person but very passionate about her cause and it was a fascinating talk which everybody enjoyed.'

Next up as a speaker, on Tuesday June 24, is Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone, perhaps better known as Virginia Bottomley, the former Conservative MP.   Baroness Bottomley served in the House of Commons from 1984 to 2005 and was Secretary of State for Health ( 1992-1995) and Secretary of State for National Heritage (1995-1997).

It promises to be another enlightening experience for the listener, with the interactive nature of the event allowing you to have your say.

Always wanted to come along without getting around to it?

As the Naked Leader would say.
Just do it!