When de Novo was asked to contribute to a Monarchy & Democracy book celebrating 325 years of Royal and Parliamentary governance, we began thinking about what leadership means to different people. So, we asked four of our senior team that exact question: What does leadership mean to you?
Excerpts of their responses have been shared on our LinkedIn page over the past few weeks, but we felt they were so insightful that we wanted to share them in full:
Hayley Dobson – VP Managed Services :
“Leadership, to me, is shaped by the example of those I’ve looked up to, individuals with a clear grasp of organisational strategy and direction, who make it easy to understand how each of us can contribute to something bigger. The most effective leaders I’ve experienced create space for growth through mentoring, new opportunities, and the development of meaningful skills, while trusting their teams to deliver without unnecessary oversight. They are equally willing to step in and ‘muck in’ when it matters, delegate with intent, and bring energy and a sense of enjoyment to their work.
“Experiencing this style of leadership has influenced how I choose to lead, with compassion first. It’s about recognising the individual behind the role, creating an environment where people can grow with confidence, and ensuring that the skills and opportunities we benefit from are passed on to the next generation.”
Charlene Young – Chief People Officer :
“Leadership, to me, is not defined by hierarchy or title, but by the impact we have on others. It is the choice to consistently put people first. To recognise effort, celebrate success, and create an environment where individuals feel valued for who they are and what they contribute.
“Great leadership is about seeing potential in others, even when they may not yet see it in themselves. It is noticing when someone is struggling and stepping in with support, encouragement, and belief. Not in a way that undermines confidence, but in a way that strengthens it. A leader’s role is to develop people into the best version of themselves, aligning their natural strengths with opportunities to grow and excel.
“Clarity and direction are essential, but they must be delivered with emotional intelligence. Leadership requires the ability to communicate with authenticity, empathy, and inspiration. Understanding not just what to say, but how and when to say it. It is about creating trust through consistency, fairness, and transparency.
“For me, leadership is also about balance and self-awareness. It requires composure under pressure, sound judgment, and the ability to remain grounded while guiding others through complexity and change. Kindness is not a weakness in leadership. It is a strength that fosters psychological safety and encourages openness, feedback, and continuous improvement.
“Above all, leadership is about presence. It is about leading from within the team, not above it. While a leader may carry the ‘badge’ of responsibility, they are, first and foremost, a team member, someone who listens, contributes, supports, and stands alongside others. In essence, leadership is a privilege. It is the responsibility to serve, to empower, and to leave people stronger, more confident, and more capable than you found them.”
Tom Mann – Chief Operating Officer:
“Effective leadership is about enabling people to reach their maximum potential, whilst delivering the required outcomes. This is only possible when the leader creates the necessary and healthy environment where each individual feels trusted, respected and rewarded. Failure to address any of these three areas usually results in a negative result.”
Ramya Govindarajan – Chief Operating Officer, de Novo Solutions India
“Leadership, to me, can take many forms — from quiet confidence to bold conviction — but at its essence, it is about looking beyond oneself, leading without ego, elevating others, and rallying your people together towards a common purpose.”