Finding My Place in the Room

Walking into the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme as part of the fifth cohort, I felt a mix of excitement and genuine nerves. Despite having several years’ experience in my role, being surrounded by housing professionals from across the sector, I still found myself quietly questioning whether I truly belonged in a space for “future leaders”.

At the time, I wouldn’t have described myself as a future leader. I was simply getting on with my work, listening to customers, asking questions and using the things I care most about to shape how I show up in my role. Leadership wasn’t something I felt I had “earned” yet, and I wasn’t sure it was something others would see in me either.

When I first heard about the Future Leaders Programme, I was mentally preparing for my son to start school and to increase my working hours. After a period of prioritising family life, which does not come without challenges, I found myself starting to reflect on my own ambitions again and what the next stage of my professional journey might be.

My perception of leadership before the programme was complicated. My understanding was largely shaped by who was visible, vocal or senior. Like many people, I had experienced both inspiring leadership and leadership that felt disconnected or performative. In reality, some of the strongest influences in our working lives don’t always come from those with the most authority and equally, some people with power perhaps shouldn’t have as much influence as they do.

What the programme encouraged me to reflect on was where leadership actually comes from. Often, it is shaped by the people who model integrity, curiosity and care on a daily basis, regardless of their job title.

One stand out moment for me came during our visit to Appleby Blue Almshouse in Bermondsey. We heard from a number of speakers that day, one of whom spoke openly about imposter syndrome. As they shared their experience, something clicked. The familiar feeling of “I shouldn’t be here”, something I had quietly carried with me, suddenly felt universal. It wasn’t a personal failing or a lack of capability. It was something shared, regardless of role or experience. That realisation helped ease something I didn’t even realise I’d been holding onto.

What made the day even more surreal was that I was also one of the speakers. Being invited to share my perspective alongside people I had long viewed as more experienced than me felt unexpected. It prompted me to question who we see as credible, and why.

Looking back, the Future Leaders Programme didn’t simply connect me with people in leadership positions. It helped me reframe what leadership actually looks like and who it belongs to. It reminded me that leadership isn’t reserved for a select few or those who feel entirely ready or confident. It is something that can exist wherever people bring care, curiosity and intention to their work.

This programme helped me see that being in the room isn’t something you have to justify. Anyone can be there. Often, those who question whether they belong, bring the perspectives that matter most. I’m leaving the programme with greater confidence in my voice, a stronger sense of connection and a renewed belief that leadership isn’t about knowing everything, but how you choose to listen, influence and lead others.

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Phoebe's blog is one of many by members of the 5th cohort of Housing LIN’s Future Leaders Programme who have agreed to share what they learned on the 2025/26 programme. We are excited to publish these ahead of recruiting for the 2026/27 intake onto our Future Leaders programme, sponsored by SNG.

And, if you found this of interest, do check out the other blogs in this series along with the TikTok videos being recorded.