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The topic of leadership fascinates me. But I believe many of us have a closed opinion of who our leaders are.
In my latest blog series, I speak to people who I consider to be ‘everyday leaders’.
These people may not have ‘leadership’ in their role or title, but they demonstrate leadership in their everyday life. The point is that we all lead in our own way. I want to uncover people who do this particularly well and tell their stories in the hope of inspiring others to engage with and harness their inner leader.
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Emma Rundle is a business owner, single mum of two girls, and we’ve networked together for many years. Now in her late 40’s, she finally feels as though she is ‘the architect of her own life’. She owns and runs Melting Pot Creations, a copy and content writing agency based in Northamptonshire, working as full-time as she can while also doing the school run and keeping her energetic girls fed and watered. You can find Emma on LinkedIn
How does it feel to say those words aloud: ‘the architect of your own life’?
It’s satisfying because, over the years, women are pulled in lots of directions and we subject ourselves to lots of inner questioning. I answered a post on LinkedIn the other day about “what is your big question?”
Mine was “why do I assume that I must have all the answers?” It was only then that I realised I had put myself on the hook for this and, to a degree, that’s down to internal and external pressures about what it takes to be a businesswoman and a mum.
If you had to define and describe everyday leadership, what would you say?
For me, I am drawn to parenting when I think of everyday leadership. My girls are getting towards their teens, a period in my life that I remember well, and that I associate with needing guidance and help.
Sometimes I feel like a mother duck, with little ducklings trotting along behind me. But I am also very aware that sometimes I need to put them in front of me and lead from the rear. Not be too keen to help them as they need to learn from mistakes too.
Leadership is in everything we do, whether it’s parenting or being a supportive friend.
As a parent though, it’s finding the balance between gentle guidance and letting the kids know you are in charge. I guess that’s similar for all leadership roles though, even the more obvious ones. We choose our leadership style and we choose the people we want to lead us.
I never look to those who are shouting the loudest to be my leaders. It’s more about subtle people who are there and understand. I’ve seen this work really well in the working environment when difficult customers are met with someone who is utterly level and calm. The impact of such unexpected behaviour is incredible. It’s a skill I’ve admired, observed and brought with me into every part of my life.
Do you think of yourself as a leader?
Not all the time, no. Although I do know I enjoy taking the initiative. That goes back to my school reports where they said “Emma enjoys taking responsibility”. So, it’s something that is a definite part of my personality, hopefully not in too much of a bossy way! I know it’s a role I will naturally step into, even on an informal footing.
It’s interesting that even though I know you’re looking for everyday leaders, my mind still keeps shooting towards the corporate/business leadership role.
What leadership opportunities or challenges have you faced and what have they taught you?
I think the difference between a leader and someone who’s not got that skill set, is that a leader can see a situation but pause until they think through their reaction. I think the ability to do this comes from having more life experiences. Everyday leadership is about considering people’s emotions and controlling your own reactions to make experiences and challenges constructive and not damaging.
Building and nurturing relationships is key in all walks of life and I believe you get back what you give out. If you’re kind and positive, you will broadly experience that in life and in people’s interaction with you.
What’s the greatest everyday leadership challenge you’ve faced?
About 2 years ago, my marriage broke down and I had to face something I had previously thought would be impossible to navigate: telling the children that we’d all be moving and no longer living together as a family. We agreed an approach and stuck to it and that has been to always put the children first and to remain involved in joint parenting.
We were at a school parent’s evening the other week and I think the progress the kids have both made was evidence that we’ve done the right thing by them. It was a chance to look back and feel proud about the way I’ve navigated this bumpy ride.
Do you have a tip or piece of advice around everyday leadership?
I think I’d say don’t get caught up in stereotypes. I mentioned earlier that the person shouting the loudest is unlikely to be the best leader. As I get older I find I want to know that people are being kind. Genuinely, properly, kind. We don’t have to agree with everyone but we can be kind. If people could tap into kindness, it would put a stop to lots of terrible things that happen. I feel like I’m wishing for world peace but we do all have it within us to manage our own behaviour and attitudes. You get so much more out of people if you treat them kindly and with respect. I’d like to leave this with my girls too – be kind, it costs nothing and it can make a huge difference to people’s lives.
What quote would you share?
Sheryl Sandberg said ‘In the future there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.’ This resonates with me for obvious reaaons but I also think we need to stop labelling everyone and everything.
I also love anything Maya Angelou ever uttered. I have a framed quote on my office wall which says ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.’ It’s so true that we are always learning and we can always be a better version of ourselves, whether that’s in leadership terms or otherwise.
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The topic of leadership fascinates me. But I believe many of us have a closed opinion of who our leaders are, often discounting ourselves.
In my latest blog series, I speak to people who I consider to be ‘everyday leaders’.
These people may not have ‘leadership’ in their role or title, but they demonstrate leadership in their everyday life. The point is that we all lead in our own way. I want to uncover people who do this particularly well and tell their stories in the hope of inspiring others to engage with and harness their inner leader.
Emma Rundle is a business owner, single mum of two girls, and we’ve networked together for many years. Now in her late 40’s, she finally feels as though she is ‘the architect of her own life’. She owns and runs Melting Pot Creations, a copy and content writing agency based in Northamptonshire, working as full-time as she can while also doing the school run and keeping her energetic girls fed and watered. You can find Emma on LinkedIn
How does it feel to say those words aloud: ‘the architect of your own life’?
It’s satisfying because, over the years, women are pulled in lots of directions and we subject ourselves to lots of inner questioning. I answered a post on LinkedIn the other day about “what is your big question?”
Mine was “why do I assume that I must have all the answers?” It was only then that I realised I had put myself on the hook for this and, to a degree, that’s down to internal and external pressures about what it takes to be a businesswoman and a mum.
If you had to define and describe everyday leadership, what would you say?
For me, I am drawn to parenting when I think of everyday leadership. My girls are getting towards their teens, a period in my life that I remember well, and that I associate with needing guidance and help.
Sometimes I feel like a mother duck, with little ducklings trotting along behind me. But I am also very aware that sometimes I need to put them in front of me and lead from the rear. Not be too keen to help them as they need to learn from mistakes too.
Leadership is in everything we do, whether it’s parenting or being a supportive friend.
You mentioned parenting as leadership, tell us more?
It’s finding the balance between gentle guidance and letting the kids know you are in charge. I guess that’s similar for all leadership roles though, even the more obvious ones. We choose our leadership style and we choose the people we want to lead us.
I never look to those who are shouting the loudest to be my leaders. It’s more about subtle people who are there and understand. I’ve seen this work really well in the working environment when difficult customers are met with someone who is utterly level and calm. The impact of such unexpected behaviour is incredible. It’s a skill I’ve admired, observed and brought with me into every part of my life.
Do you think of yourself as a leader?
Not all the time, no. Although I do know I enjoy taking the initiative. That goes back to my school reports where they said “Emma enjoys taking responsibility”. So, it’s something that is a definite part of my personality, hopefully not in too much of a bossy way! I know it’s a role I will naturally step into, even on an informal footing.
It’s interesting that even though I know you’re looking for everyday leaders, my mind still keeps shooting towards the corporate/business leadership role.
What leadership opportunities or challenges have you faced and what have they taught you?
I think the difference between a leader and someone who’s not got that skill set, is that a leader can see a situation but pause until they think through their reaction. I think the ability to do this comes from having more life experiences. Everyday leadership is about considering people’s emotions and controlling your own reactions to make experiences and challenges constructive and not damaging.
Building and nurturing relationships is key in all walks of life and I believe you get back what you give out. If you’re kind and positive, you will broadly experience that in life and in people’s interaction with you.
What’s the greatest everyday leadership challenge you’ve faced?
About 2 years ago, my marriage broke down and I had to face something I had previously thought would be impossible to navigate: telling the children that we’d all be moving and no longer living together as a family. We agreed an approach and stuck to it and that has been to always put the children first and to remain involved in joint parenting.
We were at a school parent’s evening the other week and I think the progress the kids have both made was evidence that we’ve done the right thing by them. It was a chance to look back and feel proud about the way I’ve navigated this bumpy ride.
Do you have a tip or piece of advice around everyday leadership?
I think I’d say don’t get caught up in stereotypes. I mentioned earlier that the person shouting the loudest is unlikely to be the best leader. As I get older I find I want to know that people are being kind. Genuinely, properly, kind. We don’t have to agree with everyone but we can be kind. If people could tap into kindness, it would put a stop to lots of terrible things that happen. I feel like I’m wishing for world peace but we do all have it within us to manage our own behaviour and attitudes. You get so much more out of people if you treat them kindly and with respect. I’d like to leave this with my girls too – be kind, it costs nothing and it can make a huge difference to people’s lives.
What quote would you share?
Sheryl Sandberg said ‘In the future there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.’ This resonates with me for obvious reaaons but I also think we need to stop labelling everyone and everything.
I also love anything Maya Angelou ever uttered. I have a framed quote on my office wall which says ‘Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.’ It’s so true that we are always learning and we can always be a better version of ourselves, whether that’s in leadership terms or otherwise.
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