3 days, 19 young people and endless passion!

Published: 22 October 2024

I was lucky to be selected for the New Perspectives: Future Leaders course, launched at a residential in Dartmoor. I applied for this course because, despite having been in the conservation sector for 10 years, I feel that my relatively young age, in comparison to my colleagues, often means my opinion is undervalued or that my capacity to lead is overlooked. I was excited at the prospect of being trained in leadership skills and inclusivity, among peers who have similar passions and challenges.

The residential in Dartmoor was a jam-packed weekend of workshops on values-based, inclusive leadership and narrative storytelling, coupled with Q&A sessions with campaigners across the movement.

So, what did I learn?

• That being a good leader means being true to yourself, knowing that you can’t do everything. Instead, surround yourself with people who have the skills you lack, and support them to be leaders. And own your mistakes!
• That my core values are honesty, learning and connection.
• That social justice means being uncomfortable, using your privilege to empower others.
• That being a campaigner means finding your ‘tribe’ to get behind something you care about. Taking care of yourself to avoid burnout. Anticipating that you won’t win every battle, and sometimes winning means things stay the same.
• That the ‘messenger’ for your campaign is as important as the message itself. Don’t deliver your campaign through someone who your audience can’t relate to.
• That the stereotypical leader is charismatic, bold and infallible – but the introverts, the artists, the listeners or the introspective leaders are just as important.

I hope that this new network of young people continues to empower each other, and demonstrates that you can be a leader at any age, from any background. I know that it is a privilege that I had the time, courage and resources to do this course, and I hope I can pass on my learning through conversation and leading by example.