I recently joined The Marketing Society’s Under the Spotlight series, for an evening of open dialogue and reflection hosted by renowned editor and moderator, Stephen White.
Under the Spotlight is a platform where leaders from various industries come together to share personal stories, experiences, and insights. It’s all about creating space for authentic conversations that inspire future leaders.
In a room full of brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds, I shared key moments from my 40+ year journey—from turning wrenches to turning strategy, and from the workshop floor to the boardroom.
I spoke to them about how I viewed leadership in its true essence. On the ground, beyond the title, leadership is about surrounding yourself with people who share your vision and values. I stressed the importance of giving trust freely to your team, and having them know that it can only be maintained through real work and integrity.
I was also happy to share some hard-earned lessons and bold decisions that have shaped my path. Most importantly, I reminded everyone how essential it is, in today’s fast-paced world, to not neglect the simple and most significant joys of life, such as spending quality time with family and loved ones.
This platform was more than storytelling—it was about sparking new perspectives and reaffirming that leadership, at its core, is about purpose, passion, and people. And what made the evening truly special was the energy in the room, bringing together a community committed to learning, growing, and leading with heart.