The CEO Activist

Conclusion

I have to admit, as I put the finishing touches to this book, I'm feeling really rather emotional.

Finding my place in the world has been a long journey.

Navigating running a business has been a rollercoaster.

Analysing my experiences, the learnings of others and formulating the words to adequately convey just how important my quest to “sort out the FTSE 100” (as my friend Lord Woolley once joked) has been overwhelming.

How much of myself do I give? Do we all have to publicly share all of our thoughts, fears, and vulnerabilities to be an authentic leader? Do we have to fight for every cause in order to be a true CEO Activist?

The answer to this of course is clear – being an authentic leader means answering those questions and acting honestly on your decision, no matter what that is.

Looking back through my life with the experiences I've had and lessons I've learned has helped me put some events to bed, heal some traumas, and turn my back on painful interactions. I've been able to reflect on what has made me the Leila I see in the mirror today, take my own personal kaleidoscope and twist it round and round to get the clearest vision yet of who I am, where I've been, and where I'm going.

For me, doing the work I'm doing in this space has helped put the challenges I've had into context so that I can put negativity in my rear-view mirror, move the DIAL for change, and clear the path for others to have an easier journey in the workplace and society.

I've also been so ...