Leadership
Reimagining leadership: From peers to partners
Two UK Acumen Fellows bridge sectors to strengthen a mission rooted in dignity and inclusion.
July 18, 2025
When Rachel Gegeshidze, CEO of Tempo, and Cecilia Brezmes Alonso, who leads Social Impact at Amazon, met during their UK Acumen Fellowship year, they quickly recognized the potential for collaboration. What began as a simple skills exchange soon evolved into something deeper: Cecilia now serves on the board of Rachel’s organization, helping to shape its strategic direction.
In this conversation between two 2024 UK Fellows, we see how shared values and complementary skills can spark meaningful partnerships — bridging sectors, perspectives, and experiences in service of a common goal.
Q: Rachel, when did you realize Ceci would make a strong addition to Tempo’s board?
Rachel: When I first met Ceci as a fellow member of the 2024 Acumen cohort, I was immediately struck by her passion, knowledge, commitment, and kindness. I valued her perspective, the thoughtful challenges she offered, and the generosity with which she shared her time. Although she didn’t have extensive experience in the charity sector, her background in the corporate world brought a different and much-needed perspective to Tempo.
I invited Ceci to join our 2024 Board Away Day, where she met our board and contributed to the workshops. Ceci brought her corporate insight into our discussions and reflected on the Acumen journey she and I both share. Soon after, she met with our Chair and other key board members to discuss how her interests and passions aligned with Tempo’s direction. Following a successful interview, we were delighted to welcome her to our board.
Q: What expertise did you see in Ceci that you knew would benefit Tempo?
Rachel: Ceci brought a strong corporate background that was both rare and highly valuable for our board. Her strategic thinking, marketing expertise, and ability to navigate complex systems were qualities we knew would complement the strengths of our other board members. Importantly, she also brought a clear and unwavering commitment to equity, which aligns deeply with our mission at Tempo.
Q: Ceci, what motivated you to join Tempo’s board?
Rachel is a powerhouse of purpose. Her energy is contagious, her vision unwavering. But I was also drawn to Tempo’s mission, which is to harness the transformative power of volunteering as a vehicle for community development in the UK. What makes their model so compelling is how intentionally inclusive it is — welcoming those often overlooked by traditional volunteering pathways, such as single parents, people with disabilities, or individuals navigating life’s harder edges. Through volunteering, individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and sometimes even find a path to employment.
This mission resonates deeply with me, especially as someone with a sister on the autism spectrum. Joining the board is also my first foray into governance — a form of volunteering in itself — and I saw it as a meaningful way to channel both my skills and values into a cause I believe in.
Q: Rachel, what has been the impact of having Ceci’s skills on your board?
Rachel: Ceci’s corporate and marketing expertise has had a tangible impact. We’ve begun exploring how to engage with corporate partners more strategically, and Ceci has provided crucial insights that are shaping our approach. Her ability to bridge sectors has opened up new ways of thinking within the board as well. She’s currently mentoring our Marketing Lead, helping to shape a more robust and forward-thinking marketing plan for Tempo. Her participation has elevated our discussions and brought a fresh energy and perspective.
Q: Ceci, how do you feel your skills and experience have helped Tempo?
Ceci: Having spent the past seven years working in big tech, I bring experience in how to scale: strategic thinking, brand building, and business development. One key area where I’ve focused my contribution is in unlocking corporate partnerships and funding, which is an especially urgent need in today’s constrained philanthropic climate.
Beyond that, I’ve offered support in areas like marketing, talent recruitment, and board strategy. I’d love to see Tempo grow and hope my skills help lay the foundation for that growth.
Q: Rachel, what have you been able to achieve as a result of Ceci’s input?
Rachel: Thanks to Ceci’s input, we’re developing a more coherent and strategic approach to corporate engagement. This is something we've been working on for sometime but needed Ceci’s valuable insight. She’s also contributing significantly to the development of our marketing plan, not just through ideas but through hands-on mentorship. This will accelerate our progress in how we communicate Tempo’s value and mission, both internally and externally. Her influence is already visible in the way we frame our opportunities and partnerships.
Q: Ceci, what have you learned since working with Rachel and her organization?
Ceci: Rachel leads with a rare mix of clarity and compassion. During a recent restructuring, she demonstrated both resilience and decisiveness, while still holding space for empathy and care.
In the third sector, resources may be lean, but purpose runs deep. I love how the Tempo team thinks creatively to deliver impact with frugality. Rachel has also helped me see beyond the metrics. In tech, we often optimize for what can be measured. But some of the most profound outcomes — dignity, confidence, belonging — defy quantification. Like the immeasurable impact we have on a person's confidence and courage, by making someone feel valued and seen.
Q: What does accompaniment mean to you?
Rachel: To me, accompaniment is about walking alongside someone with humility, solidarity, and purpose. It means listening deeply, sharing your strengths while respecting the autonomy and expertise of others, and being present through challenges and growth. It’s not about leading or following, but about co-creating paths forward. Ceci embodies this kind of accompaniment. Her presence has never been about taking over, but about empowering and elevating others.
Ceci: To me, accompaniment means walking alongside someone not to lead or to fix, but to be present, attentive, and unwavering in belief. Sometimes, all a person needs is to hear, “I see you. I believe in you.” There’s a quote I love from Mother Teresa: “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.” That’s the spirit of accompaniment. It’s in the small acts of presence that we build a scaffolding of hope.
We often forget how deeply we need one another to keep going. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people who walked with me, including my family. These are uncertain times, marked by division and doubt. And in moments when imposter syndrome creeps in or confidence falters, I lean on the people who walk beside me: my Acumen cohort, this board, Rachel. Their belief helps me rise again, steady and renewed. It reminds me that I’m not alone. And that none of us ever truly are.
Inspiration from our peer community
Rachel and Ceci are part of a unique and inspirational cohort of individuals who come from various backgrounds and walks of life, but share a common purpose to build a better world. Learn more about the UK Fellowship, meet our Foundry alumni community, explore our courses, and check out our Founders Hub for resources and inspiration to help you drive change in your own community.
