When I joined the Oxford Ethical Leadership Programme as a Laidlaw Scholar, I thought I was to learn how to be a “better” leader—more effective, more strategic, more prepared for responsibility. And while the programme certainly challenged me to grow in those areas, it also did something more unexpected and profound: it asked me who I want to be, not just what I want to achieve.
In a world where leadership is often defined by performance, outcomes, and ambition, this programme gently pushed back and reminded us that leadership starts with character. It’s about who you are when no one’s watching, how you treat people who can do nothing for you, and whether you’re building something for yourself or for the wider good.
What Does It Mean to Be a Global Citizen?
One of the key themes we explored was global citizenship—and I’ll admit, I used to think of that term as a bit abstract. But through the workshops and discussions, it became personal. Global citizenship, I now realise, is about responsibility. It’s about recognising that we are all interconnected—economically, environmentally, culturally—and that our actions have ripple effects far beyond what we can see.
To be a global citizen is to care about people you may never meet. It means standing up for fairness, for dignity, for sustainability, and doing so not only when it’s convenient, but especially when it’s hard.
Leadership That Seeks the Greater Good
What stood out most to me in this journey was the emphasis on leading with wisdom rather than just intelligence. There’s a growing sense in the world today that cleverness alone isn't enough—we’ve all seen what happens when leaders are brilliant but lacking in empathy or integrity. The Oxford approach asks us to cultivate virtues: humility, courage, compassion, integrity, and practical wisdom.
This was particularly evident in David Brooks’ The Moral Bucket List. He writes about the kind of people who “radiate an inner light.” Reading that, I felt both inspired and challenged. What does it mean to lead in a way that leaves others feeling seen, respected, and safe? What does it mean to not just climb a ladder, but to build a wider table?
Preparing for a Complex Future
We are stepping into leadership roles in a time of uncertainty. Climate change, political instability, rising inequality—these are not abstract issues. They will define the world we live in and lead in. And while that reality is daunting, this programme reminded me that leadership is not about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, staying grounded in values, and walking alongside others as we try to find better ways forward.
A Call to Fellow Scholars
To my fellow Laidlaw Scholars and emerging leaders around the world: the path ahead won’t be easy, but it can be meaningful. Let’s build careers that don’t just make a name for ourselves, but make a difference. Let’s lead with character. Let’s be the kind of global citizens this world desperately needs.