by Emma Liddiard, chairman of the Institute of Directors Kent branch, managing director and mum

Another busy month made worse by the fact I had the temerity to book three days off.

This was quickly reduced to two long-ish weekends due to being unable to enjoy them as there was no way I was going to be able to fit everything in in a three-day week.

The lesson, I suppose, is: don’t pack the remainder of the working week with appointments which require you to be out of the office. Also, don’t answer the phone to your boss in case he suggests you and a colleague run the regional management meeting just to “shake things up” which gives you an extra headache leading up to the Management Day in Brighton.

And while I think of it, don’t agree to do that meeting on the same day you know you have to pick up your son from school and cannot be late. I left Brighton on time but guess what – the M26 was closed due to a horse on the motorway! I couldn’t even moan about them closing the motorway – you know how I feel about horses.

We all have weeks like this but does that ever give us time in our working day to strategise? Do you make time and, if you do, is this the first thing to be dropped from the diary when you find yourself firefighting? The problem is, without a simple strategy, one will always be firefighting and end in a vicious circle with no route out.

This subject was inspired by the excellent IoD managing directors’ forum at Eastwell Manor. Clive Newall’s hosting ensured an interesting debate with outstanding speakers and welcome relevant conversation amid peers. A superb use of time – thought-provoking speech, networking with other MDs, useful notes and ideas resulting in my own strategy sorted, new contacts and new members. Oh and a first-rate breakfast!

It’s about finding the time to turn the burning platform in to burning ambition. Next step – how to translate that to your team!

It’s been refreshing to have so many businesses make contact in the last few weeks, all keen to create or strengthen their relationships with the IoD. Debbie and myself are looking forward to a lot of meetings forging new friendships over the next month. Is this is a positive sign on a wider scale, I find myself hoping?

Coming up, our next big events which we hope to see you at: The IoD International Business Convention on November 11 with Declan Curry. If you think you might be interested in tapping into international markets, or would like to speak to those who are, then sign up – especially as this is a free event so bring along potential members for a taste of an IoD event.

Following that, the flagship event of the IoD year: the Sporting Dinner on November 15 with Victor Ubogu.

I hear this is a very social night and as you might have guessed, I do enjoy being sociable!