Thrown in the Deep End: Navigating Leadership with Beresford Kirkley
The Lifeworks Company Ltd
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Leadership is a journey of learning, making mistakes, and discovering what truly matters. In Thrown in the Deep End, Beresford Kirkley shares his leadership evolution—from starting as a Storeman’s assistant in a New Zealand garment company to taking on management roles and eventually leading teams. His biggest lesson? “Balance matters more than success.”
Work-Life Balance and Perspective
Early in his career, a wealthy businessman gave him advice that stuck: "If you think money will make you happy, you’re wrong. I lost my family for this business. Get your life balance right.”
Beresford took this to heart, learning that while career ambition is important, relationships and well-being matter more. I like to reinforce this with an analogy—"work is like a rubber ball that bounces back, but family, health, and relationships are like glass. Drop them, and they might never fully recover."
Key Advice for Emerging Leaders
For young leaders stepping into their first roles, Beresford emphasizes:
A practical example? Beresford noticed a health issue among his customer ops team and introduced a workplace initiative to monitor blood pressure. “It wasn’t just about the job—it was about showing people that they matter.”
"Step Back, Listen More"
When asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Beresford admits: "I was overconfident. I thought leadership meant charging ahead full-speed. But real leadership is about slowing down, watching, and guiding people rather than pushing them.”
He acknowledges that in his early days, he sometimes pushed people too hard, failing to understand their challenges. His lesson for new leaders? “Step back, listen more, and let people journey with you.”
The Art of Listening
One of the best pieces of advice he ever received was simple: "When you're in a meeting, listen to everything, don’t interrupt, and then sum it all up at the end. You’ll sound really smart.”
"Get Inside Your People’s Heads"
Beresford learned over time that leadership isn’t just about tasks—it’s about unlocking potential. "Some people are self-motivated, while others need a leader to help them see their value. If you can tap into their potential, they’ll grow.”
His final reflection? “I’m still learning, still growing. Leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about adapting and finding what makes people tick.”
For those stepping into leadership or reflecting on their journey, Thrown in the Deep End offers timeless lessons on balance, resilience, and the power of listening.