Take risks and be passionate: how to become a successful leader

“I was super nervous taking on my first leadership role,” reveals Zurich’s Georgina Davis. This year, Davis became Zurich’s youngest ever regional head when she took on the role of head of regional markets for the midlands, south west & Wales.

Her quick rise up the corporate ladder has come on the back of taking risks, leaning into passions – and not being afraid of showing vulnerability.

“I quickly realised it was important to show the team that I was a human too with my own vulnerabilities – but that I really cared about them and we are united by the same goals.”

Don’t let fear be a career blocker

Davis’ advice to professionals early on in their career is not to let fear get in the way of taking opportunities: “I’ve put my hand up for any opportunity that would boost my knowledge and contacts. I worked really hard. At first, I didn’t feel ready for my first leadership role, but I talked to people and saw their belief in me.

“My advice is don’t ever let a job description put you off going for a role! Sometimes your energy and perspective is more important than your experience.”

“You don’t have to be the expert at everything”

For many young professionals, knowing how to take the steps from foundation level, where training and career progression is more clearly structured, to leadership roles can feel challenging.

For John Richards, executive vice president, head of financial lines, global markets at Sompo, carving out a reputation as a subject expert is an effective strategy: “Forget all the noise and become the expert in your area, whatever that happens to be. If a job comes up in that area, you want to be one of the top three names in the industry. That approach always put me in a good place.”

And once you take your first leadership role, he continues, put faith in your team: “The biggest thing with leadership is realising you don’t have to be the expert on everything. Trust is vital. You have subject experts – trust them. It can feel uncomfortable to let go, but it’s key to successful leadership.”

Treat career setbacks as opportunities

All panel experts agreed that no career paths are linear, and everyone will encounter bumps along the way. The key to overcoming setbacks is seeking opportunities and keeping faith in your ability.

“I was made redundant, and it was a tough pill to swallow. People don’t talk about it much, but it knocks your confidence,” comments Rebecca Mason, partner at McGill & Partners.

But challenges are a chance to grow, she reflects: “The whole process shaped me as a person and taught me a lot about the importance of self-confidence. If you have bumps in the road – which you will – back yourself and don’t be afraid to have difficult conversations with people.”