Last week, I had the privilege of facilitating with the Windsor Leadership Trust at Windsor Castle.
My first connection with Windsor Leadership was over 25 years ago, when I attended a week-long programme as the CEO of a regional charity. It was a transformational experience. I gained powerful insight into the shared challenges faced by leaders across the public and private sectors — from faith, military, and commercial backgrounds. Most of all, I learnt that the real work begins when we take time to reflect and apply those insights to our own leadership journey.
This time, I returned in a different role — as a facilitator — part of an amazing team of experienced facilitators and a great chairperson. We all volunteer our time because we deeply believe in the importance of reflection in leadership. Leadership cannot thrive without space: space for honest dialogue, space to sit with uncertainty, and space to face difficult questions.
Some of the participants shared experiences they had never spoken of before — powerful stories of triumph, adversity, and trauma — all of which shaped their sense of identity and purpose as leaders.
The world needs more thoughtful, authentic leaders — people who can face complexity and still lead in ways that support human growth and potential. I was humbled and inspired to witness how these emerging strategic leaders are already stepping up to that challenge.
My career is now at a different stage, and my focus has shifted towards legacy — helping to ensure that the next generation of leaders can forge a path that serves the greater good. If ever there were a time for values-driven, courageous leadership, it is now.
If you’re facing a leadership dilemma or seeking to evolve your leadership thinking, I encourage you to explore what Windsor Leadership Trust offers. Feel free to message me if you’d like to hear more about my experience — or reach out to WLT directly to learn more about their brilliant work.
I’ll leave you to ponder on a question: Who am I as a leader and who do I choose to be?