Meet Kirstin Black, AfPP’s Membership & Commercial Sales Executive. With 30 years of experience in sales, Kirstin has built her career on one guiding principle: success comes from listening, understanding, and building trust, not just pushing a product. She brings a people-focused, practical approach to everything she does, and her skills in relationship-building, communication, and resilience will be invaluable in supporting AfPP members and partners.
Kirstin lives in Harrogate with her husband Andy and daughter Flora, and is motivated by helping others succeed, whether that’s supporting hospitals, commercial partners, and members in their goals or seeing the impact AfPP has on the wider perioperative community. Outside of work, she’s a keen walker and adventurer, having completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in under 12 hours, and also enjoys strength training, yoga, meditation, cold-water dipping, cooking, baking, and live entertainment.
Passionate about AfPP’s forward-thinking, supportive culture, Kirstin values membership as more than just professional development – it’s about connection, credibility, and community. She’s inspired by helping people, building meaningful relationships, and being part of an organisation that genuinely makes a difference.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your professional background?
I have spent the past 30 years working in sales, building long-term relationships and supporting customers to succeed. I bring a people-focused, practical approach to everything I do. I’m naturally motivated by helping others deliver their services successfully and take real pride in being reliable, honest and respectful in both my professional and personal life.
Can you talk us through a defining moment in your career that helped shape where you are today?
A defining moment for me was realising that success in sales isn’t about pushing a product, but about genuinely listening and building trust. Once I shifted my focus to understanding a customer’s needs and supporting their outcomes, everything changed. That mindset has shaped my career ever since and is something I still carry into my role today.
What skills or experiences from your previous roles have been most valuable in your current position at AfPP?
Relationship-building, communication and resilience have been invaluable. After 30 years in sales, I’m comfortable working with people from all backgrounds, managing expectations and navigating challenges calmly. I’ve also learned not to take things personally, which allows me to stay focused, positive and solution driven.
What led you to join AfPP, and what initially attracted you to the organisation?
AfPP’s supportive, forward-thinking and resilient culture immediately stood out to me. I was drawn to its strong sense of purpose and its commitment to supporting perioperative professionals. The organisation’s values aligned closely with my own, particularly around respect, integrity and community.
You’re AfPP’s Membership & Commercial Sales Executive – what does your role involve day-to-day?
My role involves working closely with hospitals and partners to understand their needs, supporting membership growth, and developing meaningful commercial relationships. Day-to-day, that means listening, problem-solving, building partnerships ensuring our members and commercial partners feel supported and valued.
What do you enjoy most about working with AfPP members and partners?
I love helping people achieve their goals and seeing the positive impact that AfPP support can have. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with professionals who are passionate about their roles and committed to delivering high-quality patient care.
How do you see your role supporting the wider perioperative community?
By strengthening relationships, increasing engagement and ensuring members have access to the right support, resources and opportunities. My role helps connect people to AfPP and ensures they feel heard, supported and part of a wider professional community.
From your perspective, what makes AfPP membership genuinely valuable for perioperative professionals?
AfPP membership offers support, credibility, education and connection. It provides a safe, professional space where people can learn, share experiences and feel part of something bigger, all while supporting their development and wellbeing.
What motivates you most in your work?
Helping others succeed. I get a real buzz from knowing I’ve helped someone move forward, solve a problem or achieve their goals.
Outside of work, what interests or hobbies help you switch off?
I’m a keen walker and love getting out into the Yorkshire Dales, often combining it with a pub lunch. I’ve completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in under 12 hours and also enjoy strength training, yoga, meditation and cold-water dipping. Cooking and baking are big passions of mine, and I love going to watch comedy, live bands and opera.
Is there something about you that colleagues or members might be surprised to learn?
People are often surprised to learn that I’m keen on Olympic lifting; I can deadlift 140kg and squat 100kg.
What are you most excited about in the coming year at AfPP?
Meeting and working with new members and customers, understanding their business needs and supporting them to achieve their goals. I’m also excited about continuing to be part of such a supportive and uplifting team of strong women.
What do you think sets AfPP apart from other professional organisations?
Its genuine sense of community, forward-thinking approach and commitment to supporting people, not just professionally but personally as well.
What challenges have you faced in your role, and what have they taught you?
Like any sales role, managing differing expectations and busy schedules can be challenging. It’s reinforced the importance of patience, clear communication and respect for people’s time.
What keeps you inspired on the more demanding days?
Remembering why I do what I do; supporting people, building relationships and being part of an organisation that makes a real difference.
Is there a lesson you’ve learned professionally that you wish you’d known earlier in your career?
That stress is a waste of energy and that you don’t need to take everything personally. Learning that has been incredibly freeing and has helped me work more effectively and enjoy my career more.
If you could describe AfPP membership in three words, what would they be?
Collaborative. Insightful. Empowering.
Finally, if you could pick one memorable moment in medical history to be a part of, what would it be?
Being part of research to find a cure for cancer. It’s a disease that affects so many lives, and contributing to something that could make such a profound difference would be incredibly meaningful.
Pictures show Kirstin, and Kirstin with her husband and daughter.