A day in the life.... Radhika Modha
Please give a warm YPWD welcome to Radhika Modha. Radhika is the charity's new Treasurer Trustee and she has kindly agreed to answer a few of our questions this month.
Could you tell us about how you became involved in the charity, why that happened and why you want to volunteer your time in this way?
I had decided that I wanted to volunteer, and during my search for an opportunity I came across YPWD. After meeting the other Trustees throughout the interview process and learning more about what the charity does, I really wanted to be a part of it. My professional skillset covers finance, risk, control and governance, and I thought I could put this to good use in the role of the Treasurer.
What does the Treasurer do?
So far, there have been a number of things! As part of getting to know and understand the charity, this has included reviewing management & financial accounts, internal controls and risk management processes.
While you have only recently started with YPWD is there a favourite part of this voluntary role so far, or is there anything you are particularly looking forward to, and what can we expect from you?
My favourite part so far has been working with the staff and Trustees. With their support, I have learned a lot in a short period of time and they have been an absolute pleasure to work with. I’m really looking forward to supporting the charity in their activities that make such a difference to the lives of those affected by young onset dementia. The charity has grown so much and it’s so exciting to be a part of.
Would you be willing to share with our readers a little bit about what you do in your day job?
Sure, I work in the Internal Audit team for an engineering company who make precision measurement instruments. It’s a really interesting business with innovative products and great people. My day job involves working with our group companies globally to understand their business objectives and processes, evaluating them to ensure they are appropriately structured and any associated risks are mitigated.
Of all the skills that you use in your day-to-day work, which skills would you say are likely to be the most useful in being the Treasurer?
I would say communication, collaboration, financial analysis and accounting.
How would you describe the charity to someone who had never heard about it before?
It’s an amazing charity with wonderful people dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with young onset dementia, helping them manage better in their day to day lives. It provides tailored support, and runs creative workshops that provide respite to carers.
Do you have a hobby, skill or interest that you’d be happy to share with us and that you think may surprise our readers?
DIY, art and textiles – I’m quite creative and love taking on projects including painting, sewing and interior design. It’s my dream to take on a ‘grand designs’ style building project one day if I get the opportunity.
What is the most interesting place that you have visited in the world and why?
This is so difficult to answer, I’ve had the opportunity to travel a lot over the past 5 years and have seen so many interesting places. I visited Finland in summer once, that was quite the experience with the perpetual daylight and reindeer casually roaming around!
If you were in charge of the world for just one day what is the one thing you’d encourage everyone to do?
To be kind and treat others with empathy.
If you are willing to share it, what would you say is your most treasured memory?
Spending time with my grandmother. She taught me so many life skills and I’m pretty sure I get my creative side from her. She was always open to trying new activities with me, giving me advice, and having a giggle. I miss her a lot.
If you had the chance to give your younger self a piece of advice what would that be and why?
It would be to embrace change, and nurture your resilience. Things may not always materialise as planned, but keeping an open mind and being resilient will help you navigate well.
Finally, the most important question – cat or dog?
Dogs, I especially love miniature Dachshunds