Suggestions
Charlotte Sumners
Head Of Commercial Development at The RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce)
Introduction
Charlotte Sumners is a dynamic and accomplished professional, recognized for her strategic insights and robust expertise in commercial development. With a wealth of experience in account management spanning from SMEs to large corporates, Charlotte has made significant contributions to organizations such as Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Barclays, BT, and Google.org. Her innovative approach to developing programs focused on the future of work, technology, and societal challenges has established her as a thought leader in economic insecurity and related areas.
Professional Background
Currently, Charlotte serves as the Head of Commercial Development at The RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), where she spearheads initiatives that drive the organization’s vision of fostering social progress through the development of business strategies and partnerships. In her previous role as the Senior Business Development & Partnerships Manager – Future of Work at The RSA, she demonstrated her ability to shape impactful programs that tackle pressing societal issues through collaboration and innovation.
Charlotte’s career journey began at Michael Page, where she honed her sales acumen over several years, progressing through various roles including Associate Consultant, Consultant, Senior Consultant, and ultimately Manager of Interim Sales & Technology Sales. This experience allowed her to cultivate a deep understanding of market trends, client needs, and the mechanisms that facilitate successful business partnerships. Her early exposure to the world of public relations through an internship at Seven Hills further enriched her skill set, equipping her with essential communication and relationship-building abilities that would serve her well throughout her career.
Education and Achievements
Charlotte’s strong educational background is rooted in a First Class Honours degree in Combined Honours in Arts, focusing on Classics, Philosophy, and Education from the University of Durham. This extensive academic journey provided her with critical thinking skills and a versatile perspective, which she applies in her professional endeavors. Additionally, her formative years at Newstead Wood School for Girls laid the groundwork for her future successes, instilling a passion for lifelong learning and personal development.
Beyond her formal education, Charlotte has actively participated in outreach programs, including her role as a Development & Alumni Relations Student Caller at Durham University. This experience showcased her ability to connect with various stakeholders and promote collaboration, values that are essential in her current role.
Notable Achievements
In her current position at The RSA, Charlotte has successfully led initiatives that bring together diverse stakeholders to explore solutions to the evolving landscape of work and the impact of technological advancements on society. Her strategic foresight in developing innovative programs has not only contributed to The RSA’s mission but has also positively influenced public policy discussions around economic growth and social equity.
Charlotte's commitment to community-building is evident in her previous projects, where she worked closely with organizations like Mastercard to foster inclusive approaches to business development. Her leadership in partnerships has often led to significant advancements that enhance accessibility and opportunity for underrepresented groups.
Conclusion
Charlotte Sumners exemplifies a modern leader in commercial development, adept at navigating the complexities of business and societal needs. Her rich experience, educational background, and commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships make her a vital asset in any organization aiming for social progress and economic enhancement. As she continues to innovate and lead in her field, her contributions will undoubtedly create lasting impacts on the future of work and technology in society.
