Impact Manager, Big Change
When the Big Change Community gathered to discuss “the leadership needed to create big change,” I was excited to hear their wisdom. These leaders are diverse: they have different expertise and are at varied stages in their leadership journeys. Yet a strong thread binds them. They are all brilliant social entrepreneurs leading the changes that Big Change cares about. They work to create a world where all young people can thrive. It was an honour to bring this community of leaders together as part of our renewed commitment to supporting them to connect, learn and act together.
Too many young people today are not thriving. We often read headlines about declines in young people’s mental health and happiness. Their confidence in the future is low. This is why we all need to hear from leaders who inspire hope for big change. They are showing that a new way is possible. These are my top 5 takeaways from hearing them talk about what leadership means to them.
1. I didn’t see myself as a leader — I just knew we needed to do much better
Many inspirational leaders don’t set out to be leaders. They see a problem up close and feel driven to change the story for others. Former teacher Emmanuel, who experienced the care system himself, was shocked by the poor outcomes for many young people who grow up in care. He looked at the system and knew we could do so much better. Driven by this belief and inspired by alternative practice abroad, he set out to create a new kind of care home where young people in care have the same opportunities as everyone else.
“Many inspirational leaders don’t set out to be leaders. They see a problem up close and feel driven to change the story for others”
2. We are the system — let’s make it compassionate
“Systems are made up of people. We are the system” said Liz Robinson, Founder of Big Education. The way we act, think, and interact with each other makes a difference, and every act is an act of leadership. By leading with empathy and compassion, we can help establish a culture that can lead to wider system change, one step at a time.
3. Don’t be a hero — grow leadership around you
No one can create and sustain big change on their own. Leadership isn’t about being a heroic saviour – it shouldn’t crumble when you step away. Distributed leadership is key. Great leaders share power and empower their teams to lead change.
4. Leaders don’t have all the answers — they ask questions and keep learning
Emma Redfern, founder of Studio Self-made, didn’t see herself as a natural leader and embraced a different path. She’s chosen to ‘lead as a learner’. Her leadership journey has been shaped by learning through action and treating every experiment as an opportunity to grow. By leading with curiosity and openness, we embody the leadership qualities the world truly needs: empathy, humanity, and humility.
5. Learn from others — the good and the bad!
All the leaders spoke about taking inspiration from others. Look for the components of leadership you admire. Learn, too, from the mistakes made by others. Don’t repeat them! Encourage the people around you to hold leaders — including you — to account. We must demand the kind of leaders we want. Those who lead with empathy and understanding. That’s the only way to create a world that values these principles.
It was wonderful to unite our leaders and supporters to reflect on leadership. A new vision for leadership inspired me. It is collaborative, kind, and urges us all to embrace our role in creating big change for the future!