When I first applied to this programme, I thought leadership was about confidence, being outgoing, and completing individual tasks efficiently. I now realise that leadership is far more about process than personality. It is about facilitating collaboration, encouraging contributions from all team members, and ensuring that every voice is heard. Leadership is a collective activity, underpinned by resilience, commitment, and belief, rather than a solo pursuit of achievement.

My Leadership in Action project with the Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted this for me. Despite the importance of meeting deadlines to ensure the final draft of the chapter on employment law and procedures was complete, I felt more fulfilled knowing that my contribution to the department better facilitates the employment opportunities and vocational training the NRC provides to displaced persons and asylum seekers, enabling them have the requisite skills required to be employed. In the wider scheme of the project, my contribution demonstrated that leadership is rooted in collaboration and a unified drive toward a common goal, while also showing me the importance of using one’s skillset and opportunities to empower others and make a meaningful difference.

Moreover, leadership also means recognising the responsibility that comes with being shaped as a leader, particularly as a student. I now see leadership as an opportunity to be an active citizen by using education and skillset to engage meaningfully with real-world issues. Opportunities offered by the Laidlaw Foundation equip students to become thoughtful future leaders, providing a space where students can create innovative solutions to combat current structural challenges. By fostering collaboration, ethical awareness, and purpose-driven action, leadership becomes a means of shaping more inclusive and resilient institutions.

Over the past two years, I have developed as a leader by learning to guide, support, and empower others while managing complex projects collaboratively. By undertaking a group research project investigating the importance of policy harmonisation to ensure a successful green transition was imperative in shaping me to be a leader. I refined my active communication skills by confidently leading semi-structured interviews. Alongside this, I developed strong organisational skills by ensuring our data collection complied with LSE Laidlaw Research Ethics guidelines and by managing consent forms and documentation efficiently. I also became more adaptable by tailoring interview questions to different industry participants, which allowed us to capture meaningful insights from sectors most affected by energy transition policies.

What surprised me most during the LSE Laidlaw journey was how important emotional intelligence became, particularly when coordinating group work and managing deadlines. Understanding group dynamics, maintaining morale and encouraging the team, especially during stress-inducing moments and when completing administrative tasks, were priorities that contributed to the success of the report.

This experience has left me much more confident in trusting my own judgement and actively communicating with the team, ensuring that we can anticipate challenges and respond effectively to achieve successful outcomes.

Completing this programme has helped me develop skills and perspectives that I know will guide me both personally and professionally in the future. It has strengthened my ability to collaborate with diverse teams, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential not only in professional environments but also in contributing meaningfully as a global citizen. Working on the group research project and my leadership in action project has shown me how research and leadership can have a tangible impact on society, reinforcing the importance of using one’s skills to create positive change.

Academically, the programme has enhanced my confidence in analysing complex interdisciplinary issues, and applying ethical and methodical approaches to problem-solving. Professionally, it has prepared me to take initiative, manage responsibilities under pressure and lead teams with empathy and clarity. Learning to navigate setbacks, coordinate across disciplines, and empower team members has shown me the importance of prioritising collective wellbeing, creating space for members to adapt a positive growth mindset when approaching tasks.

This programme has given me a strong foundation to contribute meaningfully to society and everyday life by instilling values that guide my actions. It has encouraged me to be ambitious in pursuing change, brave in standing up for my convictions, curious in exploring new ideas, determined in overcoming challenges, and committed to acting with integrity and compassion. I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity and it has made my university experience incredibly valuable and memorable.