Navigating the evolving landscape as an inclusive leader

In the landscape of leadership, diversity and inclusivity are not just buzzwords but essential principles for fostering innovation, resilience, and growth. How many times do we hear that little voice on our shoulder flag the language we use, the actions we take or question our unconscious bias? It’s one thing to raise those imperative questions, however embracing inclusivity isn't just a choice; it's a responsibility—one that holds the power to transform organisations.  This isn’t something to know about, this is how we should be. 

As a female leader, or any leader, navigating the complexities of today's world, and empowering individuals from all backgrounds to thrive, is our responsibility. Let us explore the importance of being inclusive as a female leader and consider the practical strategies and approaches to creating a culture of belonging and equity. At the end of the day, I think we all agree that there’s satisfaction in being a part of, or included in something, even more so for the greater good.  That is the essence of humanity. 

I’m not talking about protests or picket lines, despite having images from the movie, Forest Gump during his Vietnam War speech. No, I’m referring to demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity through your actions and decisions and leading by example. Take action and champion diversity initiatives, advocate for equity in your narrative and hold yourself accountable for creating an inclusive workplace and culture.  

As well as paving the way, mentorship plays a pivotal role in empowering the next generation of leaders. Providing guidance and advocating professional development and advancement create opportunities for growth, mindset development and culture shifts. Someone who does amazing work in this space and who cannot be overlooked on International Women’s Day is the fantastically feminine Mel Ross, founder of Adapt2Digital. As Mel reflects, she highlights:

" Culture shifts by looking up. The world is amid a global transformation that’s inevitable, not a choice. And yet, so many leaders hang onto what is known and comfortable – the past. We must start to support leaders more, to help them challenge their thinking and develop the thinking this modern world demands of them to lead us into a brighter vision of the future. This calls for leaders to show us what that future could look like in their words, actions, deeds, and behaviours. For years now we have recognised that the gap between active participatory leadership and transformation is only growing.  

Getting leaders into a room to talk about the future is not enough to shift leadership mentality and behaviour. Anyone who understands the psychology of change knows this. If we are to create inclusive and diverse systems that can and do accelerate success, we have to look inward first. That’s where every leadership journey must start. This allows us to build upon self-awareness to bring about behaviour change that includes role modelling these elements out, like a signal for others to feel a sense of belonging and be motivated to act themselves.  

We are on the cusp of two shifts. The need to bring humanity back (was it ever there?) to the very core of our businesses as well as embrace the potential of technology to make our visions a reality.   

That’s where mentoring can be so powerful, it allows the leader a safe place to challenge their mental modelling and explore their contribution to leading others into a better future. It’s where hope can be nurtured so the leader can take that into their organisations. It’s where fear can be let go so that the leader can embrace difference as a normal and role model for others. It’s a place where we can look inward to challenge who we are and who we are becoming.  

There is no leader and digital leader, there is no worker and digital worker, there is only digital leadership and digital workforces. If leaders are supported to develop the right mentality required to thrive in this modern world, we have hope.  

There is no doubt in my mind that the feminine is becoming more relevant to the masculine-dominated leadership of old. We aren't losing the masculine, we just need to favour a more holistic approach to leadership that embraces humanity and technology in equal measure, especially with the generative AI already close to being pervasive in our work and personal life". 

Inclusivity isn't just a moral imperative; it's also a strategic imperative for driving innovation, fostering resilience, and unlocking the full potential of teams and organisations. As a female leader, your commitment to inclusivity sets the tone for the culture of your organisation and shapes the experiences of those around you. By embracing diversity, fostering belonging, and leading with empathy and integrity, you have the power to create a more inclusive world where everyone can thrive and succeed. 

Now more than ever we need hope for a better future. This requires courageous leaders who are willing to role model the behaviours, practices, and ways of working the vision promises.  This requires mental fitness. Mental fitness that is specific to the world we live in, letting go of time management and focus on what’s important through attention management, mental strength to lean into change and keep going when the noise around you says otherwise, being flexible enough mentally to adapt, be agile and nimble. 

With all of this in mind, The Digital Office and Adapt2Digital are exploring how we can help to raise the energy of leaders during times of challenge and complexity, and equip our public sector leaders with the mindsets necessary to embrace a modern age and the mental fitness to lead effectively in an ever-evolving digital landscape for good. 

There is much to explore and share, and we want you to be on the journey with us. Join us to embrace the necessary radical change, increase your mental fitness and change the view people have when they look up at you – an injection of hope, inspiration and excitement. Let us help you ignite the fire in your belly and become the best version of yourself.