Guided by integrity, empathy, impact, and growth, my leadership centres on uplifting individuals and teams, fostering excellence alongside trust and mutual respect.
Leadership Values
Integrity
Be authentic, open-minded, and ethical
I always strive to bring the best version of myself forwards, ensuring authentic. honest, transparent, and ethical behaviour in all of my actions. I believe in mutual trust and respect, and work to reflect on my own areas for growth and development, taking accountability for my own actions. I recognise that trust is built over time and consistently displaying integrity is crucial for cultivating a culture that allows a team to flourish.
Empathy
Aim to deeply understand
Committed to uplifting the lives of my team and end users, I prioritise empathy by valuing the emotions, perspectives, and well-being of others, I foster an environment that embraces diverse needs and experiences. This empathetic approach not only nurtures inclusivity and support but also strengthens collaboration and effectiveness. Empathy, for me, is more than a value—it's a fundamental practice that elevates our human-centred efforts and decision-making.
Impact
Dream big and make it happen
In my pursuit of Impact, I am dedicated to creating positive change and delivering meaningful results that genuinely make a difference. This commitment involves aligning with goals, communicating vision, and opening the doors to creative pathways. I encourage new ideas and perspectives, encouraging innovative thought, empowering others with the autonomy they need to get things done, and offering support when it is needed.
Growth
Be curious, brave, and experiment
I believe in fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation, where continuous learning is not just encouraged, but celebrated. Recognising that progress often stems from introspection and adaptability, I actively promote the practice of self-reflection. I place a strong emphasis on the importance of continuous feedback, valuing both giving and receiving, as essential tools for development.
Individual Development
I work closely with individuals to recognize and amplify their strengths, while also fostering growth and resilience in areas they find more challenging. To do this I:
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Conduct regular 1x1 sessions where I focus on the whole person and listen to their experience and needs.
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Establish key development goals that support both the individual and the business in their growth objectives.
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Provide coaching & mentorship in specific areas of development and work as a partner in their growth.
Help establish rituals and habits that assist the individual in bringing their best work to light.
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Identify learning opportunities that support an individual's growth.
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Provide continuous feedback - no nasty surprises!
Team Development
I place a strong emphasis on nurturing positive team dynamics. I work to harness the collective strengths and capabilities of the team to achieve outstanding results through:
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Defining a clear mission, values, and design principles for the team that resonate with their ethos and objectives.
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Regularly holding team meetings to ensure open communication, alignment of goals, and to celebrate achievements.
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Fostering a collaborative environment, allowing team members to learn from each other and jointly contribute to innovative solutions.
Embedding a culture of action, curiosity, and collaboration, by emphasising collective brainstorming and decision-making, as well as cross-functional collaboration.
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Championing team development by providing shared learning opportunities and establishing a centralized knowledge management and training area.
Remote - Let's Go!
I have been embracing remote work for 6 years, leading a globally distributed team of designers. Notably, our team's engagement scores increased during the Covid-induced shift to remote work. I advocate for remote working due to its multiple advantages and this approach aligns with my leadership values, ensuring inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration in a remote setting.
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Remote work offers the opportunity to find balance, giving people control over how they coordinate their personal and professional lives without compromising the things that are important to them.
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Remote work inherently supports inclusion and diversity by enabling a broader range of voices to participate, transcending geographical and physical barriers. This inclusivity enriches perspectives and fosters a more diverse and innovative working environment.
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Remote work allows individuals to express their authentic selves in a comfortable setting, encouraging open and genuine communication.
Remote work fosters a more focused and connected environment, where interactions are intentional and free from in-room distractions. This shift emphasises the substance of discussions, effectively minimizing the influence of physical room dynamics on engagement.
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Remote work enhances trust and autonomy, encouraging employees to independently manage their tasks and time, fostering a self-directed and responsible work culture.
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Remote work boosts communication efficiency by prioritising clear, well-documented exchanges that reduce the need for real-time conversations and meetings, ensuring information is both precise and readily accessible.
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Remote work fosters a sustainable work environment, reducing the need for daily commuting.