Leadership Identity: From Doing to Becoming

Alongside my work at The Be Journey, I coach and mentor leaders on the Executive Development Programme delivered by Corndel in partnership with Imperial Executive Education. I was recently invited to share my perspective on the role coaching plays within the programme.

The most powerful shift in leadership isn’t about doing more - it’s about becoming more aware.

In my experience, real change happens when leaders take the time to reflect, understand how they show up, and deepen their awareness of who they are being as leaders. It’s not defined by the title you hold - it’s shaped by your identity as a leader.

This is where coaching plays a critical role. It creates the space for honest reflection, clearer thinking, and more intentional leadership.

For me, this is where the real work happens - beyond what leaders do, and in who they are becoming.

Watch the video: Mind expanding mentorship - Corndel coaching | Videos & Movies on Vimeo

A visit to Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Visiting Saïd Business School, University of Oxford in recent weeks, and seeing a familiar face on signage representing Executive Education was a surreal and deeply humbling experience.

Participating in their Women’s Leadership Development Programme almost two years ago has shaped my journey in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. It also reminded me of the transformative power of investing in personal and professional growth and the enduring influence of positive leadership role models.

Leadership is about continuous growth, reflection, and the ability to inspire others - and I’m grateful to have been part of a programme that champions these values.

Impact from within

In 2022 I had the opportunity to take part in a powerful Executive Education programme - the Women’s Leadership Development Programme from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.

I was honoured to be selected to feature in the school’s 2024 ‘impact from within’ campaign. The on-campus and social campaign showcases several alumni, sharing the transformative effect of their work.

I am deeply grateful for the recognition of my personal impact on female leadership as an Executive Coach and am inspired to continue partnering with current and future leaders as they transform from within, to create their own meaningful impact.

Shaping my leadership journey

While a significant part of my work has involved writing on behalf of others, I’ve often been hesitant to share my own perspectives with the wider world online. At the same time, somewhat ironically - speaking up, sharing their voice, and becoming more visible is exactly what I regularly coach other female leaders to do.

When I was approached by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford to write a blog about undertaking their Women's Leadership Development programme in 2022 however, I found it hard to say no. As I wrote, it reminded me of the relevance of becoming a stronger advocate for myself and other women in particular.

So I’ve decided to use this opportunity to reset and begin to share more of my thoughts moving forward, particularly as I feel so strongly about the need for women to have the backing and encouragement they require to realise their potential, both personally and professionally.

We each have our own ‘why’ behind our personal development journey - this experience gave me the space to reflect on my core values and reminded me of the importance of looking for opportunities to support one another and create meaningful impact, while aspiring to grow ourselves.

Shaping my leadership journey with power and impact