#2 Leaders Who Shaped Me

Last week I wrote about the first great leader I ever knew… my dad, Charlie ❤️
This week, I've been reminiscing about one of the great leaders who shaped my thinking before I left corporate life.
If you worked with us, you will recognise her immediately.
Her name is Ruth.
There were so many things that made her a great leader, but one piece of advice has stayed with me.
"Always be you. Lead with the human touch."
She was supportive beyond belief, especially when I unexpectedly became unwell a few years ago.
She was hugely respected, but never because she was the loudest person in the room.
In fact, it was quite the opposite.
She always found time for people.
She listened.
She cared.
And whenever she spoke in meetings, everyone listened because her contribution was always thoughtful and meaningful.
There was one question she often asked that has stayed with me ever since.
"What kind of leader do you want to be?"
Such a simple question, but perhaps one of the most important ones we can ask ourselves.
As I've reflected on this leadership week at Melon Partners, I've realised something.
The leaders we remember most are rarely the most senior, the busiest or the ones with all the answers.
They're the ones who make us feel seen, supported and valued.
Here's Ruth below with her HR team of the year - a team I was so proud to be part of.