Staff Spotlight - Eddy Mentzel

The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our staff and volunteers. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Eddy, our Chief Executive Officer, who has led SoundLincs through an exciting period of growth, development and change.

1. What is your role at SoundLincs and what does that involve?

I’ve been CEO of SoundLincs for just over two years, and my role covers a pretty broad range of things! Ultimately, I’m responsible for the strategic direction and development of the charity, making sure we have a clear vision for where we are going and a strong foundation from which to deliver our work. This includes financial management, fundraising and writing funding bids, sharing the impact of what we do, developing partnerships and building relationships with organisations across Lincolnshire and beyond.

I’m also closely involved in designing new projects and developing new opportunities for SoundLincs, from our social prescription services to new partnerships and areas of work. A big part of my role is looking at where there are gaps or unmet needs and thinking about how we can use our expertise in music to respond to them. I also spend a lot of time communicating what we do and why it matters, whether that’s with funders, commissioners, partners, our Board or the wider community.

And then there’s the people! I’m responsible for building and supporting a brilliant team of passionate people, and I firmly believe that a CEO is only as good as the amazing team around them. Building that team, giving people the opportunity to develop and making sure everyone has the support they need to do their best work is one of the parts of my role that I value most.

No two days are really the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job. One day I might be working on a major funding application or looking at our finances, and the next I could be meeting with a potential partner, visiting a project or working with the team on a new idea. There is always something to solve, develop or get excited about!

2. Why is music important to you?

Music has been one of the most powerful forces in my life. It has been my therapy, my stability, my outlet and, at times, one of the ways I have coped with some of life’s most difficult moments. It has always been there in the background of my life, helping me to process things, express emotions that I couldn’t always put into words and make sense of what I was going through.

I’ve written songs at some of the most important and impactful moments of my life, through my turbulent teenage years, during periods of mental health challenge, for my own wedding and my family’s weddings, and following the death of my father. Those songs are almost like a musical diary of my life. When I look back, I can hear where I was emotionally at different points in my life through the music I was creating.

That’s why I believe so strongly in what we do at SoundLincs. Music doesn’t have to be about being good at playing an instrument or performing on a stage. It can be a way to connect with other people, build confidence, express yourself, process difficult experiences, or simply have a moment where you feel good. For some people, music can be a lifeline.

I’ve experienced that personally, and I think that gives me a real understanding of just how powerful music can be. Being able to help create opportunities for other people to experience some of those benefits is a huge part of why I’m so passionate about SoundLincs.

3. Tell us a bit about your life outside of SoundLincs.

Outside of SoundLincs, music is still a big part of my life. I’m a music producer and songwriter, so I spend a lot of my spare time writing my own music, as well as writing and producing for other artists. It’s something I’ve always loved and it gives me a completely different creative outlet from my work at SoundLincs.

I’m also currently renovating my house, which has turned into something of a long-term project! I’m trying to do as much of the work myself as I can, so I’ve been learning a lot along the way, from building and carpentry to plumbing and electrics. There have definitely been a few moments where I’ve wondered whether doing it myself was such a good idea, but I’m enjoying learning new skills and seeing the progress.

Most importantly, I spend my time outside work with my wife and daughter, and I really enjoy spending time with my three siblings too. We’re a fairly close family and like doing things together, although perhaps not always sensible things! We recently went on a zombie apocalypse experience in an abandoned prison. It was absolutely awesome for me, but considerably more terrifying for my sisters. I think they may have enjoyed it slightly less than I did!

4. What’s one piece of advice, insight, or inspiration you’d like to share with our community?

I think life has a funny way of pushing you in the right direction, even when it doesn’t feel like it at the time. Sometimes the things that seem insignificant or unplanned can completely change the course of your life.

For example, I had absolutely no ambition to go to university. A college friend needed some help with their university application, so while I was helping them, I decided to fill one in myself too, with no real intention of actually going. When I was offered a place, I thought, “We’ll see how it goes,” and decided to give it a try. I was placed in student accommodation with six other people, one of whom is now my wife. I knew almost immediately that one day we would get married.

If I hadn’t made that completely unplanned application, I would never have gone to university and I would never have met my life partner of 25 years. It’s a good reminder that we don’t always know where the next decision, opportunity or chance meeting might lead us.

We’re all following our own pathway of experiences, and those experiences, both good and bad, shape us into the people we become. My advice would be to ride the wave. Embrace change, be kind to people, don’t hold grudges and don’t put too much pressure on yourself or others. Give yourself permission to make mistakes, to change direction and to try something new.

And perhaps most importantly, remember that it’s never too late to do something different. You never really know where a new opportunity might take you, or who you might meet along the way.