Leadership Development: A Reflection
As my leadership development as a Laidlaw Scholar concludes, I'd like to reflect on the key thoughts I am left with after this valuable experience.
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Hi! I am an undergraduate Psychology student at Durham University and a 2025/26 Laidlaw scholar. So far in my Laidlaw journey, I have undertaken research into Formula 1 fan marketing and gendered motivation, which involved designing, carrying out, analysing, and presenting my research, including collecting data at the British Grand Prix and interviewing Ferrari personnel.
I recently completed the Oxford Character Project hosted by Oxford University to further my leadership skills and am currently in the final stages of the programme to implement what I have learned in Mexico City, designing educational tools to teach children about consent and leading a group of volunteers to make it happen. Follow along!
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This is a really personal and engaging reflection, Ali—your focus on grace as a guiding value gives your whole piece a clear and distinctive anchor.
What stands out is how you’ve translated that value into practice—not just in how you engage with others, but in how you treat yourself when things don’t go to plan. That balance between accountability and self-compassion is often overlooked in leadership, yet it’s critical for sustaining impact over time.
Your reflection on voluntourism is also particularly strong. You move beyond awareness into responsibility, which raises an important question for others: how do we actively ensure our work aligns with our intentions, especially in unfamiliar contexts? The fact you’re already engaging critically with your placement in Mexico suggests you’re approaching this with the right level of care.
There’s a clear sense of both excitement and thoughtfulness here—grounded in values, but also responsive to complexity—which will serve you well during your LiA.