Olivia Whitaker
When your project, team or organisation needs clarity, momentum and structure, I help make it happen.With deep experience across healthcare, life sciences and the not-for-profit sector, I offer focused, independent support that helps leaders move forward with confidence. Whether you're launching a startup, reshaping services, or navigating the complexities board governance, I provide the calm, strategic partnership that gets things done without adding to your plate.I hold a Diploma in Corporate Governance from the Chartered Governance Institute and a Diploma in Professional Marketing (Digital Strategy) from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. This blend of governance expertise and communications insight means I support not just execution, but alignment, helping leaders and ambitious organisations turn plans into progress.
how i can help
Operations Support
Acting as your fractional Chief of Staff, I embed into your team and help drive delivery across strategy, governance, team coordination and day-to-day execution.
Board & Governance Support
Governance can be a pain point. I work directly with CEOs, Chairs, and senior management teams to manage and streamline board processes, from minute-taking and action tracking to fostering executive communication and collaboration.
Project Delivery & Recovery
I step into complex or stalled projects to get them moving by planning, coordinating and delivering with clarity and pace. From service procurements to strategic reviews, I bring structure and calm to fast-moving, high-impact initiatives.
executive partnering for ceos and founders
A trusted right hand for leaders who need to focus on the vision, not the adminI provide support to executive leaders and founders, acting as a strategic, discreet partner to streamline daily operations, manage key relationships, and ensure delivery stays aligned with organisational goals.
how i can help
Board & Leadership Meeting Management: End-to-end preparation and follow-up: agendas, board packs, minutes, and tracking key decisions.
Strategy Execution & Accountability: I turn your big-picture goals into actionable plans and ensure they stay on track.
High-Impact Communication: Drafting clear, concise briefings, decks, and updates that align to your strategic objectives.
Stakeholder Alignment & Relationship Management: Acting as your proxy, I nurture key relationships, keep conversations moving, and ensure stakeholders are engaged, informed, and managed professionally.
Inbox & Calendar Command: Proactive triage and scheduling that protects your focus and maximises your impact.
case study: operational support for biotech ceo
During a period of growth and increased commercial activity, I partnered closely with the CEO of a contract research biotech company to provide strategic, operational and governance support. I led the end-to-end delivery of a £1.2m research contract, working alongside the principal scientist to manage milestones, liaise with the client and ensure seamless execution. My role combined oversight of delivery with the communication clarity needed to maintain momentum and trust across teams.Alongside project leadership, I managed the company’s core governance and commercial operations. This included preparing board reports, tracking financial performance, and contributing to business proposals and funding strategies. I supported the CEO in aligning internal priorities with external opportunities, acting as a sounding board and stepping in where needed to keep day-to-day operations moving smoothly.The result: A period of sustained delivery and business stability, achieved without compromising growth. My involvement enabled the CEO to remain focused on high-value decisions, while the operational engine of the business ran efficiently and professionally.
ORGANISATIONS
Clear, calm delivery of complex projects and initatives with senior stakeholder buy-inI lead and manage short-term projects that require diplomacy, cross-functional coordination, and strategic insight, especially where internal capacity is limited.
how i can help
Strategic Reviews & Improvement Plans: In-depth assessments of governance, operations or team structures with clear, actionable recommendations for change.
Procurement & Service Transformation: From business case to contract award: I lead or support complex procurement processes and service redesigns that deliver results.
Organisational Communications & Brand Alignment: Elevating your external image and internal clarity through targeted messaging, digital presence updates, and stakeholder engagement campaigns.
Governance Architecture & Implementation: Designing and embedding board and committee structures, decision-making pathways, and reporting rhythms that work.
Business Development & Bid Leadership: Coordinating compelling proposals, bids and grant applications to align impact, language and delivery.
Interim Leadership & Delivery Support: Stepping in to lead or stabilise functions in times of change, ensuring continuity, clarity and confidence.
case study: strategic and operational leadership for nhs executive network
As central coordinator for the Cavendish Square Group, a collective of ten NHS Mental Health Trusts in London, I worked directly with the CEO Chair to drive strategic delivery across the executive leadership network.I led a full governance effectiveness review, engaging directly with NHS Trust CEOs and system leaders to assess the network’s functionality and strategic alignment. The resulting recommendations were adopted by the group and formed the basis of an implementation plan that sharpened accountability, clarified roles, and strengthened cross-organisational collaboration.I managed key relationships with external stakeholders including local and national government, the Metropolitan Police, and the London Ambulance Service, ensuring the network’s priorities were clearly represented and understood. My remit also included operational leadership, board meeting management, budget oversight, and coordination of joint initiatives across the Trusts.In addition, I led a full refresh of the group’s communications. This included launching a new website, managing all digital channels, and acting as press and stakeholder liaison. These efforts significantly improved the group’s visibility, professionalism and collective voice, both internally and externally.The result: a more agile, strategically aligned leadership network with clearer structures, stronger stakeholder relationships, and a sharper public voice, all delivered through calm, coordinated execution.
TESTIMONIALS
"Olivia is the very definition of an ‘executor-in-chief’, she embodies all the qualities of someone who simply gets things done. Over the past four years, I’ve worked with Olivia in multiple capacities: first as a project leader, then as Chief of Staff, and most recently in her role as Company Secretary. In every role, she has delivered exceptional results with calm, clarity, and confidence. Working with Olivia has been transformative for the business, her ability to anticipate needs, drive priorities, and build effective processes made her an invaluable extension of the leadership team.Olivia is thoughtful, solutions-focused, and a steady hand in a fast-moving environment. I have no hesitation in recommending her to any leader or organisation looking for outstanding operational and strategic support."Mukesh Moorjani
CEO Platinum Discovery
"Olivia is a hard-working professional and is a pleasure to work with. She has excellent interpersonal skills and her ability to build strong relationships with a range of stakeholders comes naturally to her. Olivia is intuitive, resilient and fun to be around – all key characteristics for a high-performing operator in politically complex projects or organisations. During her time in the commercial team at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, she quickly acquired a technically commercial skillset and utilised these skills effectively in principal strategic projects including a Trust-wide pathology service procurement, several successful high-value tenders and a business case to launch a new venture. I would have no hesitation in hiring Olivia or working alongside her again."Adam Pryce
Commercial Director, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust
“Olivia is extremely talented – organised, diligent and resourceful. The CSG has gone from strength to strength during her tenure.”Iain Dimond
Chief Operating Officer, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Contact
Please reach out to discuss how I can support you and your organisation.