I Am Not A Swan

I am not a swan.

Obvious statement if considered literally. Also, an obvious statement if you know me and my lack of swan like characteristics!

When I first joined the leadership team at ROQ – over three and a half years ago now - various people implied that doing so required me to be a swan. This concerned me because, I am not a swan.

Swans glide gracefully across the water, looking beautiful and calm, whilst their legs are frantically kicking underneath the water. The work is unseen. Only the result, which looks effortless, is visible. I do not glide around gracefully, looking beautiful.

It took me time to find my own style - to discover how to be me - whilst also holding a senior position in the company. My personal journey along this path has been very mixed and certainly more of a waddle than a glide.

Trying to fit others’ ideals, trying to mimic behaviours that people said were needed, simply did not work for me - it just slowed me down in finding me and my style. I realise now how important it is to really know yourself, to understand who you are, what your personal values are and how to remain true to them, always.

I am immensely passionate about what I do. People matter to me. My job matters to me. ROQ matters to me.

I act on that passion with real energy and drive. I am busy and I produce results. People see the effort and they know where the results come from. People can see what is achieved and how - it isn’t magic folks! I believe this inspires people - passion, energy and drive can take you places, and it can be infectious too.

I am human, a person, not a position - and definitely not a swan! I occasionally feel overwhelmed and I reach out and ask for help. I talk about it and work with my friends and colleagues to find a better way forward. I don’t believe that is weakness, if I can ask for help then so can you.

I believe it is my passion that has driven me forward and got me where I am - my passion to help and support others, to have fun and bring people together, to be the best possible version of myself, to be a good role model for my kids, to be an active member of the community and play my part to make a difference.

I am so fortunate to have found a company - and a role within that company - that allows me to be me.

In terms of leadership style, one size does not fit all and trying to mould to others’ preconceptions certainly did me more harm than good in the early days. I believe that leaders need to instil confidence – to be cool, calm and collected and show that things are under control – but they must also be human, relatable and genuine.

I like to let people see me for who I am. I am not a swan. I am simply me.