Lessons in Leadership: What the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme taught me

As my experience with the Housing LIN Future Leaders Programme comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on my personal and professional journey.

I started my career in housing by chance; leaving college after completing a health and social care course wondering what or where next? Cardiff Metropolitan University were advertising their Housing Studies degree and I thought why not, it’s something different.

Ten years later, my career in housing has seen me move across into different roles within extra care and supported housing services, all within the same company.

Recently being appointed a service manager role and opening a new extra care scheme, it was the right time for me to join the future leader’s programme. Was I excited to be in my new role, absolutely! I’ve worked so hard for it. Did I consider myself to be a leader? No. There is always that voice of self-doubt where imposter syndrome kicks in!

I walked into the first Future Leaders’ session, expecting a guide or rulebook from current leaders stating this is what you need to do. Exactly what I needed for my new role.

Instead, each session we’ve been provided with the opportunity to listen and speak to some great leaders in the sector being open and honest on their journeys, sharing the good and bad. It was also a great opportunity for my peers and I to ask questions and seek advice.

What has the programme taught me?

One of the greatest lessons has been to realise that not every leader has the same story of becoming a leader nor do they lead in the same way.

Some points that have resonated most with me from conversations with our speakers is that to lead you need to understand the people around you, focus on the positive things and be willing to admit when it all goes wrong. Also, imposter syndrome doesn’t disappear because of your leadership development, it will always be present because you care about what you do.  

I end this experience understanding that leadership is based not just on your skills and qualifications but your values, desires, willing to learn and the relationships with those around you. As I start building my new team, I aim to develop my leadership skills, putting the team at the centre and creating and shaping a space for my colleagues and service users to flourish.

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Michaela’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.