There’s something about those of us born in the 1960s. A certain resilience. A knack for getting on with things. A way of navigating life’s challenges that feels almost second nature. We are neither Boomers nor Xers. We are Gen Jones. The Trumpton Generation. Looking back, I realise how much my approach to leadership has been shaped by the changes I’ve witnessed in society—including the extraordinary moment last year when I was able legally to marry Mark, something that once seemed unthinkable.
Some lessons in leadership remain timeless. Here are a few that have guided me:
1. Resilience Comes from Experience—Not Theory
Growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s meant learning resilience the hard way. We weren’t bubble-wrapped or constantly supervised. We climbed trees without helmets, made our own fun, and sorted out our own disagreements. If we fell, we got up. If we failed, we tried again.
That kind of resilience is essential in leadership. Challenges are inevitable. There will always be setbacks—whether it’s a failed project, a funding crisis, or an unexpected turn of events. But real leaders don’t crumble under pressure. They assess, adapt, and keep going. They don’t just read about resilience—they live it.
2. Adaptability Is Non-Negotiable
I started life in a world of landlines, typewriters, and handwritten letters. I now lead a charity that depends on digital transformation, data-driven decision-making, and online engagement. The pace of change has been staggering.
Good leaders aren’t just comfortable with change—they embrace it. The best leadership isn’t about clinging to the past but about finding ways to bring people with you into the future. Whether it was helping Scouting evolve to remain relevant, supporting young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or navigating Cats Protection through an era of digital engagement, I’ve always believed that leadership means being open to what’s next while staying true to core values.
3. Hard Work Matters—But So Does Balance
My generation was raised with a strong work ethic. You showed up, you put in the effort, and you didn’t expect instant rewards. Teaching reinforced this for me—I saw that the students who flourished weren’t always the most naturally gifted, but the ones who persevered.
At the same time, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about grinding yourself (or your team) into the ground. In my work with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, I saw how young people grew when they were challenged—but also when they had the space to reflect. Balance is essential. A leader who is constantly exhausted is no good to anyone. The best leaders know when to push forward and when to pause.
4. Fix Problems, Don’t Just Talk About Them
I’ve never been one for endless meetings where problems are discussed but nothing gets done. I like to fix things.
Growing up, if my bike had a puncture, I patched it. Well, I found a friend to do it for me, actually – because I was so clumsy I just got covered in glue. It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong, to dwell on the challenges. But real leaders move quickly from problem to solution. They don’t waste time complaining—they get to work.
5. Human Connection Is Everything
One of the greatest privileges of my life has been working with people—from students in my classroom to young people achieving their DofE Awards, from volunteers in Scouting to the brilliant staff and volunteers at Cats Protection. Leadership, at its core, is about people.
I grew up in a time when connection meant something different. If you wanted to see a friend, you knocked on their door. If you needed to say something, you picked up the phone or wrote a letter. That deep sense of connection has stayed with me.
In leadership, relationships matter. You can have the best strategy in the world, but if you don’t invest in people—if you don’t take time to listen, to understand, to build trust—you won’t get far.
6. Change Happens—And It’s Worth Fighting For
If you had told me as a child that one day I’d be able to marry the person I love, I would have struggled to believe it. And yet, last year, I stood with Mark and made that lifelong commitment—legally, openly, and with the full recognition of society.
Progress doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without leadership. Whether it’s fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, championing young people, or advocating for animal welfare, I’ve learned that real change requires persistence. It requires leaders who are willing to push, to challenge, and to believe in what’s possible—even when the world says otherwise.
7. We’ll Get Through It—Because We Always Do
If life has taught me anything, it’s that tough times pass. I’ve led organisations through difficult transitions, navigated personal losses, and seen the world go through turmoil. And every time, the answer has been the same: keep going.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about knowing that, whatever happens, you’ll find a way through. That’s something my generation understands deeply. We’ve seen enough, done enough, and lived through enough to know that no matter what life throws at us, we’ll adapt, we’ll find a solution, and we’ll move forward.
Final Thought
Leadership isn’t about titles or positions. It’s about resilience, adaptability, hard work, problem-solving, connection, and the courage to push for change. These are lessons I’ve carried with me from childhood to the classroom, from Scouting to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and now into my role at Cats Protection.
And if my journey has taught me anything, it’s that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about learning, growing, and bringing others along for the ride.
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