Leadership lessons
I’ve recently left my role at Able, where I was the founding Chief Executive for nine years. I’ve taken some time to reflect on my leadership journey over the past decade and what my key learnings are. I shared these with the Able team as part of my farewell speech. Leadership is all about learning new lessons and changing course as you learn and grow.
Lesson 1: Who you work with and who you work for is important.
It has been a great joy to work alongside friends and wonderful colleagues every day. Spending time with people who make you feel good brings happiness, and finding that in a workplace shouldn’t be underestimated. Equally important is working for a manager who cares about your wellbeing, along with inspiring you and helping you to be the best you can be.
Lesson 2: Love what you do and why you do it.
I have been lucky to work closely with generous, tolerant and kind members of the Deaf and hard of hearing and blind and vision impaired communities, who have shared with me the impact of Able’s work on their lives. Knowing that my work at Able a real impact kept me going through the tricky times. Just as important as knowing your purpose is actually enjoying the day-to-day work that you do. If you enjoy what you do and know your why, it’s easy to get excited about going to work each day (or at least most days!)
Lesson 3: Everyone is faking it.
I’ve struggled with a bit of imposter syndrome. What’s helped me to own my space, own my knowledge and know my worth is figuring out that actually everyone is making it up as they go along. None of us have it all figured out. I’ve been talked down to, questioned over things that are in my area of expertise and overlooked many times. Sometimes that gets you down! But realising that it says more about them than me has given me the confidence to block out the noise and just get on with doing my best at my job.
Lesson 4: Doing the same leads to more of the same.
You have to keep changing, evolving and developing what you’re doing. If you don’t change anything, you’re going to get the same results. Sometimes I’ve had to make hard decisions to keep things moving forward.
Lesson 5: Your wellbeing and your family are more important than work. Always.
Finding a workplace that understands and respects this will allow you to flourish in all areas of your life. Looking after your wellbeing and putting your family first will mean you can bring your best self to work.