“You can be a kind leader, kindness and collaboration is really at the core of me and I never want this to change.”
- Alex Wallace
In this special International Women's Day episode, co-hosted with Veronica Bamford-Dean, Managing Director at Work for Good, we speak with Alex Wallace, Founder of The Mintridge Foundation. We speak about why women in leadership matters, different forms of leadership and leaders who have inspired us.
1. Women in leadership
Sharing the knowledge with the next generation, standing on the shoulders of people who have come before you. Growing up with visibility, and recognising yourself in leaders is so important, shows young people what they can go on to achieve. It's important for both diversity and opportunity loss.
2. Different forms of leadership
Alex discusses how leading sports teams differs and is similar to, leading the team at The Mintridge Foundation. Having an open, fun environment and having a balance, sharing your vulnerabilities. Additionally, who you surround yourself with is important, both your colleagues and a creating strong support network with your family and friends.
Alex shared research into leadership in sports teams, whereas in a male team there tends to be a pyramid hierarchical structure, it's been noted that female teams have more of a circular leadership structure, which leads to greater collaboration and encourages all members of the team to bring their strengths to the fore. This is something Alex models her leadership style on within the organisation.
3. Inspirational leaders
Even negative leadership styles have been beneficial to Alex, as it has allowed her to reflect on and shape the positive leadership style she has today. Additionally looking at how other organisations and businesses maintain their leadership and structures is useful when looking at what works for your organisation and the values you would like to instil.
This episode of Charity Chat has been brought to you by our platinum sponsor Work for Good. Work for Good believes everyone should be able to turn the work they do into good. Through their fundraising platform, they offer charities a way to engage and work with small businesses, including founders, owners and sole traders who want to make an impact for charities through their sales. To find out more, please visit workforgood.co.uk
We hope you enjoy this week’s episode.
Related episodes that you may be interested in:
E121 - Non - Hierarchical Leadership With Helen Moulinos
E145 - Small Charity Leadership with Macarena Martinez
E165 - Why Young Trustees? With Amelia Ireland And Kate Roberts