to achieve makes for a great internal and external advocate. Future trends to watch out for may include: the continuing need to do more with less; measuring and demonstrating impact; looking to increase our collaborative and co-operative working inside and outside the sector and making better use of technology to drive effectiveness and efficiency. But all of this will be in the context of asking the fundamental strategic question, whether what you do and how you do it is the best way of making a difference. Mentors: Approach one of the chief executives you admire, ask them to be your mentor and spend some time with them. Work out where you have gaps in your skills and how to fill them. You might be missing out on the breadth of the issues they manage on a day-to-day basis and the more contextual issues about the passion for the vision and the need to persuade others. Pinpoint: Do your research and target the right person in the right organisation with your CV - identify a shortlist of organisations that would be perfect for you. If that doesn't help, explore other ways of getting involved and getting more understanding and experience - freelance work can also be a way in. We should also remember that organisations aren't always looking for the same things in equal measure in their chief executives. Some may favour a legal background and others will be looking for different skills. All charities will require different skills at different