019: The SAFE Leader: Leading Across Time Zones and Boundaries

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Relocating to New York City has been one of the most exciting and challenging transitions in my career. Adjusting to life in a new country, managing a business remotely with a five-hour time difference, and balancing work with family life have required me to fine-tune my approach to leadership. But rather than simply recount my experiences, I want to share some lessons that I believe can benefit any leader navigating change, whether across continents or within their organisation.

1. Time Management Is a Leadership Skill

When leading a team spread across time zones, every minute matters. Effective time management isn’t just about squeezing more tasks into the day—it’s about prioritising actions that drive the most impact.

Here are a few tips that have worked for me:

• Define your non-negotiables. What needs to happen daily, no matter what? For me, it’s ensuring clarity about priorities for the UK team before they start their workday.
• Batch your communication. Instead of sending emails or messages ad hoc, I create structured updates that my team can review during their work hours without needing immediate feedback.
• Leverage technology. Tools like Slack, Trello, and Asana help bridge the gap and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. However, don’t underestimate the value of a well-timed call to clarify expectations and boost morale.

2. Empower Your Team with Autonomy

Being five hours behind has forced me to relinquish a degree of control—and that’s been a blessing in disguise. Trusting my team to take ownership of their projects and make decisions has freed up my time and fostered a stronger sense of accountability within the team.

To do this effectively:

• Set clear expectations. Everyone should know the outcomes they’re working towards, even if you’re not available for real-time guidance.
• Encourage problem-solving. Create a culture where team members feel comfortable proposing solutions rather than waiting for direction.
• Celebrate wins. Highlighting achievements, big or small, helps build confidence and keeps the team motivated.

3. Adaptability Is Key to Resilience

Relocating across the globe has reminded me how crucial adaptability is—not just for leaders, but for organisations as a whole. Change is inevitable, whether it’s a time-zone shift or a market pivot. What matters is how you respond to it.

Here are some principles to keep in mind:

• Anchor yourself with purpose. My work is rooted in advancing safety, equity, and inclusion in engineering. Keeping this mission front and centre helps me stay focused, even when navigating uncertainty.
• Stay open to learning. Moving to New York has exposed me to new ways of thinking, working, and connecting. Treat every new challenge as an opportunity to grow.
• Communicate openly. Share your challenges with your team—it humanises you as a leader and fosters collaboration.

4. Prioritise Your Well-being

Leadership isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Managing remote teams, navigating cultural shifts, and meeting personal commitments can quickly take a toll if you’re not careful. Investing in self-care is essential for sustaining both personal and professional performance

• Set boundaries. Working remotely can blur the lines between work and personal time. Be intentional about switching off to recharge.
• Build a support system. For me, this has included my family, professional networks, and communities like Walking Talking Men in NYC.
• Celebrate progress. Acknowledge what’s going well, even if there’s still work to be done. Progress is a sign of growth.

5. Lead with Empathy

At the heart of the SAFE Leader framework is the principle of leading with empathy. Relocating and adjusting to a new work dynamic has deepened my appreciation for what others may be going through in their own lives. Whether it’s a team member juggling family commitments or a colleague navigating a challenging project, empathy is what brings us together as leaders and as people.

Starting the SAFE Leader Podcast

One of the highlights of recent months has been launching The SAFE Leader Podcast. This project has allowed me to build deeper connections with some of the amazing people in my LinkedIn network. Through conversations centred on leadership, safety, and inclusion, I’ve gained fresh perspectives and shared valuable insights that I hope resonate with listeners.

If you’d like to keep up with the podcast or receive regular updates on leadership and inclusion, subscribe to The SAFE Leader Insights Newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

Closing Thoughts: Turn Challenges into Opportunities

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few months, it’s that challenges are often the best catalysts for growth. Whether you’re adapting to a new role, a new city, or a new way of working, lean into the discomfort and focus on what you can learn and share with others. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about guiding yourself and your team with purpose, adaptability, and resilience.

What’s been your biggest leadership challenge recently, and how have you turned it into an opportunity for growth? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!

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Subscribe to The SAFE Leader Insights, direct to your inbox, packed with more content and valuable wisdom to helping you build cultures of sharing, acting, feeling and empowerment.

Get notified weekly of the newest episode of The SAFE Leader Podcast.

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