Queen Elizabeth II: Born to lead. Made to last.

I recently had the?privilege?and pleasure of speaking to Ailsa Anderson , the Queen's former press secretary of 12 years. Last year, the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a profoundly moving moment for many, myself included.?

One vivid memory that stands out in the last years of her reign is her address to the nation on VE Day in 2020. This day was particularly significant for me, as it marked the first time my family and I saw my mother, a remarkable COVID-19 survivor who had spent 76 days in the hospital, on a Zoom call. Covid had savaged her; seeing her like this shocked my family and me.?Despite her ordeal, my mum, who I consider a Queen in her own right, managed to muster the faintest smiles?in her joy to see us.?A moment I’ll never forget.?

Later that day,?The?Queen addressed the nation and closed her speech with the words, "We will meet again". This filled me with hope during a dark period, and I made it a daily reminder. This speaks volumes about Her Majesty's extraordinary ability to unite a nation through her unique blend of humility, charisma, and compassion.

This is precisely why I am?dedicating?this,?the?launch of Curayio Curates, a collection of articles celebrating the most courageous leaders and communicators, to Her Majesty?The Queen. She epitomised leadership and communication excellence, a sentiment echoed by Ailsa Anderson.?

Ailsa said: "Her Majesty's wit, modesty, and unexpected shyness made her a true one-of-a-kind." She further emphasised, "For the most famous woman in the world, there was an extraordinary - and very becoming - sense of modesty about Queen Elizabeth II. Her dry wit and humour were legendary."

I firmly believe that modesty and humour, often underestimated in leadership, are integral traits of some of the most successful leaders I've observed, advised?and coached. Research supports this,?confirming?that leaders with a good sense of humour are 27% more motivating and inspiring?to their audiences.

Here are the three key reasons why Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable leader and communicator:

1.???? Adaptability: Embracing Change.?Queen Elizabeth II adeptly navigated the changing times and embraced new communication technologies. She recognised the importance of modernising the monarchy's communication approach by?incorporating innovations such as television broadcasts, social media and, famously, her first Zoom call during lockdown with?The Princess Royal.?This adaptability ensured that her message remained accessible to newer generations nationally and globally.?

2.???? Calm and Composure: Leading with Poise.?One of?The Queen's most distinctive qualities was her unwavering calm and composure despite significant challenges and crises. Her remarkable ability to maintain her poise resonated with people and instilled a sense of confidence and stability during turbulent times. Her steadfast demeanour has been a source of inspiration for leaders and citizens alike.

3.???? A Beacon of Wisdom:?Willing to listen and learn. Queen Elizabeth II's reign spanned numerous historical milestones, granting her unparalleled experience in addressing various situations and audiences. Her enduring presence on the throne allowed her to refine her communication skills continually. This longevity, a rare?quality?in?leadership today, made her a beacon of wisdom for her country and the world.

Queen Elizabeth II was born to lead, and her ability to adapt to changing values, society, and communication channels ensured that she was made to last. I am eternally grateful to be part of a generation that grew up with one of the most iconic female?global?leaders and most excellent?communicators?that ever lived?to?aspire?to.