What have you learned from being a researcher in leadership?

Hi everyone, and welcome to the podcast!

Today, I want to share with you some personal reflections on what I’ve learned from being a researcher in leadership - a journey that has not only shaped my career but also transformed how I view leaders and managers in my own life and workplace.

As part of my qualitative research, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct in-depth interviews with leaders across various sectors - from social entrepreneurs, founders and CEO of start-ups to corporate managers. These conversations have been incredibly insightful. They’ve helped me understand the strategies leaders use to navigate challenges, especially in fast-changing environments like the post-COVID business landscape.

One key lesson I’ve taken away is that leadership is not about having all the answers, it’s about being able to listen, adapt, and stay grounded during uncertainty. Many of the leaders I interviewed shared stories of failure and resilience, of moments when they had to make difficult decisions under pressure. These stories helped me appreciate that good leadership is deeply human - it’s full of vulnerability, courage, and empathy.

This research journey has also helped me develop professionally. I’ve improved my communication, analysis, and interviewing skills, and more importantly, I’ve learned how to translate academic insights into real-world understanding.

Most of all, it’s changed how I relate to leaders in my own institutions, whether it's my director, supervisor, or manager. I find myself more empathetic now. Instead of quickly judging decisions, I try to understand the broader context, the constraints, the risks, the emotional weight behind every choice. And that empathy has made me a better team member, and I believe, a better future leader.

So, that’s what I’ve learned from being a leadership researcher. It’s not just about studying leadership - it’s about becoming more aware, more reflective, and more human in the way I work with others.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this reflection, feel free to share your thoughts or let me know what leadership means to you. See you in the next episode!