How to Empower Future Leaders: Lessons from My Career in Education

Throughout my career in education, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life—students, teachers, business leaders, and future change-makers. If there is one lesson I’ve taken from this experience, it’s that true leadership isn’t about holding power but about empowering others to discover and harness their own potential. As the Principal and CEO of West Nottinghamshire College, my goal was not only to lead but to create more leaders. This belief in shared leadership is a lesson I carry with me, and it’s something I hope to pass on to those committed to shaping the future.

When I began my career, I didn’t set out with grand ambitions to lead a major institution. As I often reflect, my journey started as a young housewife in a foreign country with limited knowledge of the language and culture. However, with time and persistence, I pursued higher education and later worked as a lecturer. As I progressed through the ranks, I realised that leadership was not just about making decisions; it was about inspiring others to see the best in themselves.

One of the most effective ways to empower future leaders is by creating a culture of trust. In any environment—whether in education, business, or community leadership—trust is the foundation upon which growth is built. People need to know that their voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and they have the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. I always encouraged my staff and students to take ownership of their work and responsibilities. This not only built their confidence but also created a sense of shared accountability that fostered innovation and collaboration.

Another critical lesson I’ve learned is that empowerment comes from giving people the tools to succeed. This is particularly true in education. At West Nottinghamshire College, we worked tirelessly to ensure that students were given the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to develop not just academically, but as individuals. For future leaders, education is not just about knowledge; it’s about cultivating the skills and mindset required to navigate challenges and lead others.

I often reflect on a key turning point in my career. As I moved from being a lecturer to a senior management position, I was faced with a steep learning curve. I realised that being a leader meant making tough decisions, but it also meant guiding others through uncertainty. I had to learn how to delegate, how to listen, and how to trust my team. These lessons were invaluable in shaping the way I empowered others. I discovered that the best leaders are those who are willing to share their knowledge and support others in their journey to the top.

In my role as Principal, I focused on creating a positive environment where students and staff felt empowered to bring new ideas to the table. Whether through new learning programmes, apprenticeships, or community partnerships, I wanted everyone involved to feel they had a stake in the success of the institution. This approach created a ripple effect—staff members were more engaged, students were more motivated, and the college as a whole thrived.

It’s important to understand that empowering future leaders also means giving them the courage to take risks. As leaders, we must encourage those around us to step out of their comfort zones and challenge the status quo. It’s in those moments of discomfort that real growth happens. I remember when we first started scaling our apprenticeship programmes at the college. There were doubts and uncertainties about whether we could manage such rapid expansion. But I encouraged my team to believe in the vision and take on the challenge. Today, the results speak for themselves, with thousands of students benefiting from those programmes.

Lastly, as I reflect on my journey, I realise that empowerment is not a one-time event—it’s a continuous process. Leaders must be committed to mentoring, nurturing, and guiding those around them over the long term. I often tell my students and staff that leadership is not a destination but a journey. We are constantly learning, growing, and evolving. And the most rewarding part of leadership is seeing others rise and succeed.

If you are passionate about shaping the next generation of leaders and are looking for insights on how to empower others, I would be honoured to share my experiences with you at your next event. Leadership is about giving others the confidence to lead and I believe that by working together, we can create a world full of empowered, capable, and innovative leaders. Please feel free to reach out if you would like me to speak at your event and share these vital lessons on leadership and empowerment.