What makes a great leader? And what do people really remember about the leaders they work with?

In this episode of WEDAsks, we speak with Faye Roebuck, about the human side of leadership and why it is about so much more than a job title.

We explore:

• Why leadership is about inspiring people, not simply managing processes.
• The importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness and reflection.
• How to create psychological safety so people feel able to speak openly, admit mistakes and challenge constructively.
• Why listening to feedback, embracing vulnerability and having difficult conversations are essential leadership skills.
• How to recognise the signs of burnout and vicarious trauma, support team wellbeing and build a culture where people feel genuinely valued.
• Why we need to stop striving for the perfect leadership persona and recognise that being human is a strength, not a weakness.

Faye shares practical advice from her own leadership journey, including how she uses regular team reflection to celebrate successes, work through challenges and strengthen connections.

One message particularly resonated: people should look back on their time working with you and feel that you empowered them to become the best version of themselves.

Because leadership isn’t about being the person with all the answers. It’s about creating the environment where others feel safe, supported and empowered to find them.

As Maya Angelou’s famous words remind us, “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

A brilliant conversation about the kind of leadership we need more of across Defence, Government, industry and beyond.

Thank you, Faye, for sharing your experience, honesty and insight with the WED community.