As we commemorate International Women’s Day, I’d like to share a glimpse into my personal journey, one that has been marked by challenging traditional paths and navigating societal pressures. Growing up as one of six girls, I often felt the weight of conformity bearing down on me. I’d find myself seeking solace in books, dreaming of a life beyond the limited opportunities around me. Unknown to me I was learning a core skill and the most valuable leadership lesson – to adapt to my circumstances and take the positives from it.
One learning that stuck with me came from Charles Handy’s 1976 book, “Understanding Organisations,” he noted that there are three professions in Britain that require no prior qualifications: becoming a parent, a politician, or a manager/leader. These roles, though lacking formal prerequisites, are among the most significant in society. As someone who has experienced all three, I’ve gained valuable insights, particularly regarding leadership and nurturing.
Early in our careers, we face choices that shape the type of leader we become. It’s important to recognise that we always have the power to make new choices and adapt our leadership style as we grow and gain experience. When I returned to work after giving birth, my perception of leadership shifted. I realised that all human beings need nurturing whether at home or at work and I had a lot to learn about it. Leadership started to feel less like a set of tasks or a position in the hierarchy and more of an action, a behaviour. Whether a job title explicitly mentions leader, I came to realise that leadership qualities are needed in most roles.
