Leadership
Gef’s 30 Under 30 2024 Winners: Q&A with Ruth Quillin-Creamer
Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the 2024 #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.
Whether it’s managing a young team in business or leading one to victory out on the court, the Comis Hotel & Golf Resort Leadership category winners all know how to command a room.
What is your name and age?
Ruth Quillin-Creamer, age 21.
Job title or role in the community?
Chairman of the Port St Mary RNLI Fundraising Guild.
How did you start your career or role in the community?
My family have always had a close connection to the Port St Mary branch. My grandad was the Coxswain of the Lifeboat for many years and other family members volunteered on the fundraising side. Growing up I always saw my grandad as a hero I wanted to be like him and follow in his footsteps but quickly learnt that I’m not that good at sea!
I’ve only been in this specific role less than a year but it all started by going along to a branch meeting and learning about what events the branch run. I could really see myself getting involved with the branch, everyone was really supportive. That’s the kind of experience I want to create for anyone that walks into our Station. As a leader it’s so important to be able to look after the current committee but also look forward to the future and create a positive, comfortable environment for new members.
In one sentence, summarise your journey so far as a young and successful person under 30.
It’s been a complete whirlwind but in the best way possible!
Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?
When you think of RNLI volunteers I think most people would imagine RNLI crew members that go out on ‘Shouts’ but actually there are a large group of unsung heroes that plan and run fundraising events. The RNLI relies solely on donations so it’s crucial fundraising events are successful.
We’re all here for the same reason – to save live’s at sea but if you don’t fancy becoming a member of the Lifeboat crew there are so many other roles you can get involved with. We’re all one crew working together so every person makes a huge impact no matter your title.
There are 5 RNLI stations on the Isle of Man; Port St Mary, Port Erin, Peel, Ramsey and Douglas. Something people might find interesting is that you don’t have to live in the village of your nearest station to volunteer for them.
Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?
I have been at events feeling like ‘the odd one out’ as I’m often the only person under 30. It used to make me feel like I didn’t deserve to be there but now it just inspires me to be representation for young people. I’ve always said ‘you have to be the change, to see the change’. Many people have this preconceived idea that a chairman should be older than 30 and have many years experience in the role they are in.
I hope my story demonstrates that if you have belief and passion for what you’re doing, your age should be the least of your concerns.
Tell us about why you think you won in the Leadership category?
I’ve been told I’m the youngest ever Chairman of any RNLI Guild which is a huge honour. Over the past year I’ve been lucky enough to play a big part in organising projects for the branch as well as run some pretty successful events. I’m really looking forward to being a part of the future of this branch – the world is our oyster!
Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?
My biggest role model in my life is my mum. The most supportive, brave and generous woman I know. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.
What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in your career?
There are always going to be ups and downs but it’s how you handle yourself that’s important. Being kind and patient makes such a huge difference to any situation so that’s what I try and carry with me. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s okay, you can’t spend all your time convincing people to be on your team but the right people will support you no matter how big or long-winded your goals are.
What are your plans for the future?
The exciting thing is that there is so much more to come from Port St Mary RNLI Guild. We already have some interesting events and projects planned for this year. With everything we do we really want to inspire people to volunteer with the RNLI so for me personally it’s about being a good role model for young people.
What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?
We are already seeing so many young people, particularly women getting involved in the RNLI as crew which is fantastic but it would be great to see more young people involved with fundraising. One of our goals in Port St Mary is also to improve our community outreach so I’m excited to see where that leads us.
What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?
There are so many unique opportunities and experiences young people can be a part of in the Isle of Man. We live in such a close community so it’s lovely to see young people come together to support one another.
What does being a Gef’s 30 Under 30 winner mean to you?
It’s incredibly special and I feel so grateful to be listed among some truly inspirational people. It’s rare for a non-crew member of the RNLI to be acknowledged for their work so it’s a real honour to be that person. To be recognised for ‘Leadership’ makes me incredibly proud, it’s not smooth sailing a lot of the time (no pun intended). It can be stressful planning events especially with deadlines but seeing the money being used to save lives makes it all worth it.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who’s supported me, given me advice and in some instances picked me up off the floor when things have gone wrong- you know who you are and I love you all. There are so many people who go their whole careers without any recognition so I feel extremely privileged to be in this position. Thank you Gef and all those that support these awards!
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