A Chief Executive’s reflections on 2024

It's been nearly 12 months since Iona Ledwidge took on the role of Chief Executive at Resurgo . Our Senior Brand and Design Manager, Hannah Ridley , took the opportunity to chat with Iona about her reflections on the year, and what 2024 has taught her.

Hannah: What were your expectations for your first year as Resurgo’s Chief Executive? How did the year live up?

Iona: I was so excited when I applied for the role, back in 2023.?I had been working at Resurgo for 16 years, overseeing The Spear Programme and upholding our coaching culture, so applying felt like a natural next step.??

I came in with a vision, and a strong conviction about the potential to grow the Spear Programme.? This was combined with a passion for our core mission: restoring young people's self-belief. I was reminded of that again recently, when I met John, a young person who completed Spear in Leeds, and was struck by the impact of meaningful work to bring about change in his life.??

In lots of ways, this year has been very different from how I expected, not least because I stepped into this role as I was diagnosed with Long Covid. I had been fit, healthy, and running regularly – then suddenly couldn’t get out of bed. In January, I wondered, ‘will I ever be able to work again?’. I look back now and feel very thankful for where I’m at,'' but it’s been a bumpy road.

Hannah: What did you learn from those challenges??

Iona: Mainly, that I'm so grateful for the team! And for their amazing support while I was getting better.???

I believe that extending trust is an important part of leadership, but I learnt this on a different level in 2024. I was in a vulnerable place, so I was leaning more heavily on people, who I felt like were carrying extra weight on my behalf. I learnt to really trust that those people were not just incredibly capable but willing to take on more – and to delegate to them. I'm sure some of that has been a gift in shaping the team.?

I believe that extending trust is an important part of leadership, but I learnt this on a different level in 2024.

When I returned to work in February, I was working just four hours a week. I thought, ‘what on earth can I do in four hours?’. But I’m very thankful for my incredible coach Duncan Coppock MCC ESIA , who helped me reframe how I was feeling in this time. Unlike a lot of new leaders, who dive in, take everything on, and become overwhelmed, I almost did it backwards. I had no choice but to have laser focus, and ask 'what is absolutely essential? What are the most strategic things that require my investment?’??

As the year went on, my capacity increased, but the work that I should have had a year to do was condensed into just six months! I feel proud of myself, and of what we’ve achieved as a team.

Hannah: What kind of leader do you strive to be for your team??

Iona: Team is a big priority for me. When I achieved my Master Certified Coach qualification, I really wanted to be able to pass that baton on, and to see more people coming through to become great coaches.?

I want to be a leader who develops, supports and invests in people, and one who is prepared to listen to them when they give me feedback on my blind spots!?

I want to lead with authenticity and honesty, as myself, and to be bold when making the hard decisions.

I also want to be confident – to lead with authenticity and honesty, as myself, and to be bold when making the hard decisions. These can weigh on you heavily, but people look to a leader for clarity and direction... nobody wants a ‘dithering’ leader; that’s the worst! It’s important to me that not everything is collaborative. Of course you have conversations at the right level, but at the end of the day, a decision needs to be made – even if it’s a hard one. That was especially the case this year in deciding to wind down our Consultancy business.

Hannah: That decision was hard, but has paved the way for 2025. What will a successful 2025 look like for you??

Iona: For Resurgo, growing the Spear Programme is the big priority for 2025. Doing that sustainably will mean getting out there to open new Spear Centres in a focused and strategic way, as well as investing in our existing work – not taking it for granted, but supporting and equipping our local partners really well.??

I’m also excited about the potential 2025 holds for a sense of ‘back to basics’. Our Consultancy’s closure was a hard decision, but has allowed us to reconsider who we are as an organistion, twenty years on from where we started – and distil back down to that essence. That will involve working on a really clear, vibrant and energetic brand, that truly reflects our mission: to lift young people out of poverty and give them a sense of aspiration and hope.??

More personally, I want to make sure that in 2025 I stay connected to that heart of our work – to know what’s happening 'on the ground’ throughout the organisation. That means our coaches, who work so hard with young people, and our partners – ordinary people from all walks of life who give their time and energy to commit to serving young people in their local communities.

Hannah: What would you like to say to those young people??

Iona: To the young people who are on Spear I want to say: “you have the potential to change the direction of your own life, and to impact so many other people’s lives positively. We are so proud of you!”??

And to young people who are feeling hopeless, who haven't had the opportunity to come on Spear, I'd say: there is hope. We believe you have a purpose, and a contribution to make, and it's important - and you are important.??

Your life is valuable. Maybe you've messed it all up, but you can make a change. It's not too late, and it's not impossible. You can. And we'll be right there alongside you.