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As part of our 10th-anniversary series, our Chief People Officer, Linda Dunbar-Bassett, shares valuable insights from her decade of leadership.
As I reflect on the past decade, I realise that leadership isn’t just about titles, strategies, or even experience -it’s about growth. It’s about the lessons we learn, the failures we embrace, and the resilience we build along the way. Leadership is about creating a culture where people thrive, and fostering an environment in which the right people are in the right roles, empowered to do their best work. The most important part of leadership, however, is connection – the ability to step into someone else’s shoes, to listen more than you speak, and to bring people along on the journey.
At the heart of it all is belief. The greatest leaders aren’t those who have all the answers, but those who trust in their ability to show up, adapt, and push forward - no matter the obstacles. Ninety percent of succeeding as a leader lies in your mindset.
Over the last ten years, I’ve learned many lessons - some the hard way. But each one has shaped me into the leader I am today. Here are the ten that have left the greatest mark on me:
- Trust Your Instincts with Hiring - and Act Quickly
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that holding on to a bad hire for too long doesn’t just affect performance - it impacts the whole team. Trust your instincts. If someone isn’t right for the role, act quickly. It’s better for them, for you, and for the wider team. - Listen More Than You Speak
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about empowering others to bring their expertise to the table. I used to think my role was to drive the conversation, but the real value lies in listening. The smartest leaders don’t dominate the room; they create space for others to contribute. If you’ve hired great people, let them do what they do best. - Focus on One Thing at a Time
It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to achieve too many things at once, believing that productivity equals progress. But real success comes from mastering one thing before moving on to the next. Spreading yourself too thin is a guaranteed path to burnout and underperformance. Focus, execute, then move forward. - Failure Isn’t the Enemy - Fear of It Is
No one likes to fail. It’s uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes even painful. But failure is inevitable - and essential. Growth comes from getting comfortable with discomfort. The best leaders aren’t afraid of getting it wrong - they’re afraid of not trying. - Silence Your Inner Critic
We all have that voice inside our heads that tells us we’re not good enough. That doubt can be crippling, eroding confidence and making us second-guess ourselves. In my experience, the best way to silence that voice is by leaning on your team. Surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth and remind you of your strengths. - Focus on What You Can Control
There will always be things outside your control. It’s easy to waste energy obsessing over them, but I’ve learned that true effectiveness comes from focusing on your actions, your mindset, and your response to challenges. Let go of what you can’t change, and double down on what you can. - Happiness Is a Choice
I used to believe that happiness was something that would come after I hit a certain milestone - after success, recognition, or the next big achievement. But the truth is, happiness isn’t a result; it’s a choice. No job, promotion, or external validation will make you truly happy unless you choose to be happy where you are, with what you have. - Let Go of the Past
We all carry things with us - mistakes, regrets, missed opportunities. But I’ve learned that clinging to the past often does more harm than good. Growth means moving forward, not looking back. Let go of what no longer serves you and focus on the future. - Don’t Forget to Have Fun
When you’re chasing goals and pushing for results, it’s easy to forget the human side of work. But the best teams aren’t just productive - they’re connected. Success isn’t just about hitting targets; it’s about building a culture where people enjoy coming to work each day. - Delegate - and Trust
Nothing great is built by one person alone. The faster you learn to delegate, the more you empower others to step up - and the more you achieve together. Leadership isn’t about doing it all; it’s about building something bigger than yourself.
A decade of leadership has taught me that success isn’t about perfection - it’s about learning, adapting, and continuously striving to be better. The best leaders aren’t those who have never failed, but those who have grown through their failures. They aren’t the loudest voices in the room, but the ones who listen the most. They aren’t afraid to challenge themselves, to trust their team, and to embrace the uncertainty that comes with leadership.
If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be this: Trust the process. Trust yourself. And most importantly - enjoy the journey.
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