What is your Leadership story?

You don’t always see the pivotal moments coming. They happen in real-time, disguised as ordinary decisions. Only later do you realise they shaped everything that followed.

Your leadership story isn’t just about what you’ve done. It’s about how those moments changed you.

My Leadership Story

I started in fashion and textiles. Studied it. Worked in it. I was part of the buying team at Burberry in the 1990s. I didn’t want to go back to London.

Instead, I pivoted.

I joined a breakaway agency from The Leith (advertising) in business development. Eighteen months later, the owner asked if I wanted to take over and run it. A pivotal moment. I said yes. I had more studying to do.

At first, it felt like momentum was on our side. Every project we pitched, we won. Then came Channel 4. A website project. We pitched. We lost. A humbling experience. The first real test of resilience.

Before the crash of 2007-2009, I was investing in start-ups. Some very successfully. Others, not so much. The lessons from both shaped my approach to risk and opportunity. It’s a thread that continues to this day, seeking out fresh business potential and identifying opportunities that can revive communities or breathe life into overlooked industries.

Then the recession hit.

Our main income came from property developers. Most went under or merged. Almost overnight, the business model broke.

Change was necessary.

Social media was rising. A shift to fashion-first social media began. It worked. But another realisation followed. Fast fashion was creating long-term damage. The model wasn’t sustainable. My focus changed again. Circular economy. Long-term impact. A different way of building brands.

Through it all, my leadership principles became clear:

• Children and community first – Business decisions should create lasting impact.
• Accountability – Own the outcomes, good and bad.
• Creativity before cash – Growth comes from ideas, not just investment.
• Risk and reflection – Running towards change is good. So is knowing when to pause.
• Opportunity matters – Businesses can do more than make money. They can change places, industries, and futures.

Leadership is an evolving story. The best leaders shape it with intent.

What’s Your Leadership Story?

A strong leadership story isn’t about listing achievements. It’s about defining the moments that changed your perspective.

Ask yourself:

• What decisions shaped your career?
• When did failure force you to grow?
• How have your values shifted over time?
• What’s the next chapter of your story?

Your leadership story builds trust. It gives people a reason to follow you.

If you’re not sure how to tell it, we can help. Get in touch.