International Women’s Day: In conversation with Kelly Fountain, CEO of Gower College Swansea

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As Wales shines a spotlight on its leading businesswomen this March, Kelly Fountain’s six months as CEO reflects steady leadership, strategic ambition and a clear commitment to inclusive growth – an inspiring example of modern leadership in action.

Q: Kelly, you’re nearing your first six months as CEO. How has the experience been so far?

Kelly: It’s been an incredibly rewarding first six months. Stepping into the role, having previously served as Principal, gave me a strong foundation, but the scale and breadth of CEO responsibility brings a different perspective.

Over the past six months, I’ve focused on embedding our new strategic plan, strengthening partnerships and ensuring we continue delivering high-quality outcomes for our learners and communities. I’ve also progressed capital estates projects and ensured efficient financial sustainability.

It has also been about listening. Spending time with staff, students, governors and employers to understand their ambitions and challenges. That dialogue is vital in shaping a College that remains agile, forward-thinking and rooted in the needs of the region.

Q: With over 20 years spent in further education across Wales, what leadership qualities have shaped your journey?

Kelly: Strategic clarity, collaboration and a relentless focus on quality. My background in academic services, quality improvement, external engagement and cross-college development has reinforced that sustainable success depends on strong teams and inclusive leadership.

The progress we’ve made this year is very much a collective achievement with dedicated and committed staff and learners.

I also believe in visible, values-led, collaborative leadership. Being present, approachable and consistent builds trust, and trust is the foundation of high-performing organisations.

Q: As one of Wales’ most senior female leaders in further education, what does International Women’s Day represent to you?

Kelly: For me, International Women’s Day is about visibility and inspiration. It’s about sharing stories that show what’s possible and encouraging the next generation not to limit their ambition in line with our strategic vision of Inspiring Ambitious Futures. In further education especially, we have a powerful role in shaping confidence and opening doors.

It’s also an opportunity to recognise the contribution of women across every level of our organisation – many of whom balance significant professional responsibility with equally important roles outside of work.

Q: What are your priorities as you move into your second year as CEO?

Kelly: Building upon strong foundations and achieving even further success. We serve more than 14,000 learners annually and employ over 1,000 staff, so our regional impact is significant.

The focus now is on delivering the next phases of our estates strategy, accelerating growth, digital innovation and continuing to strengthen our organisational culture, ensuring we remain responsive to learners, communities and employer partners alike.

We are also deepening our engagement with industry to ensure our curriculum aligns with future skills needs, supporting economic growth across Swansea and beyond.

Q: What message would you share with aspiring female leaders across Wales?

Kelly: Have confidence in your expertise and ability – growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Build networks, seek mentors and stay values-driven. Leadership is about integrity, resilience and empowering others to succeed alongside you. It is a real privilege to help others grow and develop.

Beyond the boardroom, Kelly balances the demands of leading one of Wales’ largest colleges with family life as a mother to two children. Like many working parents, her days are carefully structured and her diary full, but she is open about the importance of boundaries, prioritisation and perspective, “family keeps me grounded,” she says. “It reminds me why education matters.”