Learning to Find a Sense of Home in the Unknown

Walking into a room full of housing professionals from early in my career felt intimidating, but the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme quickly became something far more encouraging. It provided me the opportunity to realise that feeling unsure and out of your depth is not a weakness, but a universally shared experience – no matter how long someone has been in the sector. Over the course of the year-long programme, what began as moments of uncertainty gradually transformed into a powerful idea: that growth, leadership, and even the concept of “home” itself begins in unknown places.

As an architectural technologist in the early years of my career, I am still discovering the many layers that make up the housing industry. My work sits within the care sector, and while architecture and design play a huge role in shaping homes and communities, it can sometimes feel like those of us working in design are a step removed from the wider conversations around housing policy and delivery. One of the most valuable parts of the Future Leaders Programme was learning from the varied experiences of my cohort, which gave me a broader understanding of the challenges that shape the homes we help to design.

One theme that stayed with me throughout the programme was the idea that even experienced leaders still encounter moments of doubt. Several of the inspirational speakers throughout the programme spoke openly about imposter syndrome. What stood out even more was their shared message: being different – in your experiences, perspectives and values – is often where your strength lies. Hearing this made me realise how much growth happens in those unfamiliar spaces, and the importance of finding a sense of belonging when something feels new or uncertain.

This reflection, while important to my career and leadership aspirations, became deeply connected to the work I do. At its heart, a home is far more than a building; it forms the foundation of a sense of self – the place where personhood and wellbeing are maintained. Designing care environments that help people find this sense of ‘home’ is just as important as finding it within our own professional journeys. Visiting the Stirling Prize winning Appleby Blue Almshouse in Bermondsey during the programme was a highlight for me, as it beautifully demonstrated how thoughtful design can create environments that allow people to maintain that sense of identity and belonging when arriving in a new home.

For me, the Future Leaders Programme reinforced that growth often happens when we step into spaces we don’t yet understand. It made me realise that in both my work and development as a leader, much of the journey is about learning to find – and help others find – a sense of home in the unknown.

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Phoebe’s blog is one of many by members of the 5th cohort of the 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 next month for the 2026/27 intake onto our Future Leaders programme, sponsored by Sovereign Network Group.

And, if you found this of interest, do check out the other blogs in this series, along with the TikTok videos recorded, which will be available here.