Over the course of my Laidlaw scholarship, I have truly refined what ethical leadership and global citizenship means to me. Over the course of the past 2 years, I have completed my research project on the aerodynamic performance of the Durham University Solar Car, I have engaged with my fellow scholars through the conferences and leadership studies at Durham University, and just now, I have finished my 6-week Leadership in Action project in Australia, contributing to research that will help reduce energy inequality in Indigenous communities. Through this time, my understanding of ethical leadership and global citizenship has transformed from its place as a vague ideal into something that I carry with me, an active consideration in my daily life.

Last summer, I completed my research project, evaluating the performance of a number of aerodynamic components for application on the Durham University Solar Car. Through my research, I continued to develop my appreciation for sustainable technologies, deepening my understanding of their contribution to a better future. I understood the importance of making these sustainable decisions as an ethical leader – it is necessary to take into account the wider situation in order to have the most meaningful effect.

The Oxford Character Project helped me begin to question my actions and understand my vices and virtues, allowing me to develop a greater awareness of myself, both as a leader and as a person. Meanwhile, working with and meeting my fellow scholars, through both the Durham University sessions and the 2024 Laidlaw Scholars Conference, gave me the opportunity to reflect on the virtues of integrity, inclusivity, and courage shown by my peers. The array of works highlighted the potential for acting as a responsible and ethical leader; this prompted me to consider my own time as a Laidlaw scholar and deepen my understanding of what the topics of ethical leadership and global citizenship mean to me.

Finally, my recent Leadership in Action project has taught me the importance of developing relationships in order to best advocate for change. My time in Borroloola, working with the Original Power team highlighted a need to understand the needs of all sides in order to most effectively and successfully enact change. It highlighted the importance of being respectful in order to build trust and develop relationship. By ensuring that they considered the community with respect from the start, they are on the way to delivering the first Indigenous-owned solar microgrid – leadership is most meaningful when we take a step back and ensure that we consider everyone’s voices, granting everybody respect. Further, this experience, coupled with my later research into pre-paid meters and their effect on energy inequality, has prompted me to redefine what it means to be ‘doing enough’. The Northern Territory government is legally ‘doing enough’ to provide energy to Indigenous communities across Australia, and yet, following my time in Australia, I recognize the neglect and lack of inclusivity, something that needs to be changed.

Looking forward, I will strive to act with the global citizen and ethical leadership principles I have developed over the past 2 years. I intend to continue developing as a global citizen, seeking to develop sustainable technology and fight energy inequality internationally, ensuring that I consider those who are most affected, just as I did with the community members of Borroloola – I enjoyed the pursuits of my LiA research into ‘pre-paid energy prevalence and usage internationally’ so much that I have taken this project beyond the scope of the LiA, dedicating the further time to it I feel it warrants. Further, I will continue to lead ethically by bringing this inclusivity with me, advocating for fairness, ensuring that I act purposefully to enact this equality.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities granted to me by the Laidlaw Foundation. During my time as a scholar, I have deepened my understanding of global citizenship and ethical leadership as requirements to work with every single day and I approach my actions with a deeper level of respect, humility, and responsibility. I am forever thankful for my time as a Laidlaw Scholar, for the chance to grow as a respectful and ethical leader as I approach the next stage of my life.