Throughout my two years as a Laidlaw Scholar, my understanding of leadership has undergone a profound transformation. Initially, my view of leadership was rather limited, shaped largely by positive role models within school settings. I saw leadership as setting a good example and providing stability for others to follow.

However, my experiences working on both the research and LIA project have significantly broadened this perspective. Collaborating with team members from diverse backgrounds and varied experiences has demonstrated the immense strength of collective effort in leadership. It’s become clear to me that leadership is inherently collaborative, and its success relies on navigating differences and embracing diverse working styles. Effective leadership isn’t simply about giving direction but facilitating open dialogue, encouraging creativity, and fostering a shared sense of purpose within a team. It’s about recognising and valuing the unique contributions of each individual and working together towards a common goal. This shift in how I view leadership has not only reshaped the way I engage with teams but has also sparked significant personal growth. I’ve learned that flexibility, patience, and ongoing self-reflection are crucial for becoming a more effective leader. Leadership, I now realise, is as much about nurturing the potential of others as it is about guiding them towards achieving collective objectives. My Laidlaw experience has enriched and expanded my perception of leadership, helping me to see it as a dynamic, evolving process rather than a static role.

I have also experienced significant personal growth as a leader. When I applied to the Laidlaw programme, I was a first-year student with limited experience in leadership and independent academic research. However, the Laidlaw experience has given me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, encouraging me to embrace new challenges and opportunities. The work I completed during both my LIA experience and research project provided me with the platform to take on tasks that I might have not initially felt comfortable to take on. Despite having a limited academic background in sustainability, I gained research experience in the field through the LIA experience and my second-year research project. This experience has helped me become a more confident and capable leader, more comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations.

In my initial application, I highlighted a desire to develop my research skills. The research project has been pivotal in realising that goal. Not only has it deepened my understanding of my field, but it has also sparked a greater curiosity within me as a scholar. Working alongside teammates who each brought their own interdisciplinary perspectives has been invaluable. This collaborative environment has broadened my thinking, enriched my academic approach, and encouraged me to consider ideas I might not have encountered otherwise. As a result, my worldview has expanded significantly, and the importance of interdisciplinary perspectives in leadership contexts is even more important to me.  The Laidlaw programme has provided me with the skills and confidence to approach challenges with greater flexibility, shaping me into a more effective and adaptable leader moving forward.

Looking ahead to the future, I believe the Laidlaw programme has been a transformative experience that has shaped both my personal and professional development. When I first arrived at LSE, I was uncertain about my career path. However, my time as a Laidlaw Scholar has provided me with clarity and direction, particularly in shaping my passion for climate politics and sustainability. I hope to apply the knowledge I have gained about sustainability in my future career, contributing to meaningful change in this field.

As a global citizen, the Laidlaw programme has encouraged me to think beyond my immediate environment and engage with wider societal challenges. It has reinforced the importance of ethical leadership, critical thinking and a lifelong commitment to learning. The skills and insights I have developed will undoubtedly influence both my academic journey and future professional endeavours. 

Beyond expanding my academic knowledge, this programme has also equipped me with essential skills that will serve me in the years to come. I have gained confidence in conducting independent research, critically analysing complex global issues and working collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have strengthened my adaptability skills, which will prove to be invaluable in a variety of situations.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support I have received through this programme. It has been a truly transformative journey, shaping my ambitions and outlook on the future. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who has been part of this experience.