Taking the time to reflect - finding common threads amongst diverse leadership journeys

As we reach the end of this year’s Housing LIN Future Leaders cohort, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the past 12 months—what I’ve learnt and I can translate this into my own public health practice.

Joining the cohort as the only public health representative, I was eager to learn more about the housing sector and to understand what leadership means to those who have dedicated their careers to it. Although distinct sectors, Housing and Public Health share much common ground. Both sectors have undergone and continue to face transitions and challenges and, in both, the residents that they serve - and the professionals working within them – remain at the core of these shifting landscapes.

Throughout the programme, we were fortunate that a number of housing leaders who operate in these changing structures generously shared their journeys with us: the decisions they’ve made, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the emotions tied to those moments. These stories were diverse, varied, non-linear and compelling narratives of success, setbacks and of course lessons in leadership. Their stories were deeply personal we were all grateful for their willingness to speak candidly.

Reflecting on these conversations, one message became clear: there is no single formula for becoming a leader but there were several common factors connecting their journeys into leadership. Their leadership styles were shaped by their lived experience and how they responded to dynamic environments of change, opportunity and uncertainty. Each journey was as individual as the speakers themselves - something I found assuring as an aspiring leader.

A recurring thread that emerged through these talks was reflection. Making time in my calendar to take-stock and reflect is something I often find difficult to balance alongside my busy workload. Hearing that many leaders faced the same challenges was both comforting and validating. Yet their stories also made clear how essential critically appraising their own work, learning and development – in whichever way suited them best – had played a crucial role in guiding their next steps.

For me, this is one of the most valuable take aways of the Future Leaders Programme and one that I will take forward into my work in public health. Not just the diversity of leadership styles, but the many “own-brand” approaches to the core skills that underpin effective leadership - reflective practice among them.

Thank you to the all the speakers and the Housing LIN team for this opportunity.

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Megan’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.