“As a leader, it’s about the actions you take, not the words you use.”

This was one of the references that Emma Hardaker-Jones makes in the podcast. Its big and brave as are many of the other insights and information she shares about herself as leader, the business and the changing face of leadership today.

Emma is Group HR Director at Legal & General, though her title might better be described as Chief of Stuff. Since joining Legal & General in 2017, her role has expanded to include internal communications, sustainability, real estate investments as well as sitting on the board of the housing business that L&G bought in 2018. 

How does she manage all the projects whilst keeping her health, sanity and effectiveness high - she reveals all in our chat.

In the podcast, Emma talks to us about the bravery of leaders today, the changes required in leaders and leadership, and gives some insights into the changing leadership at the top at L&G as Chief Executive of Legal & General, Nigel Wilson, is to retire after more than a decade leading Britain’s largest asset manager and insurance group. L&G, which manages £1.5tn worth of assets for clients, including workplace pension schemes, is now on the hunt for a successor. Will Emma be that successor - I ask the question.

Presumably there's a bunch of in-fighting from people in the business who want that CEO job? And how will the business manage if an 'outsider' is recruited into the most senior leadership role. Imagine trying to follow Nigel Wilson. Emma gives an authentic overview of this situation, how to manage the business, protect people's investments and lead Changing Leadership.

Emma offers some wonderfully personal and professional insights, such as why she joined L&G, how its purpose from 1836 of creating a better society lives in todays culture, and where they are today and why they will exist in the future? Today L&G are a leading financial services group and major global investor, safeguarding people's financial futures around the world with over 10,000 staff and £1.5TRN AUM

So what does leadership and the Bravery of a Leader mean to Emma - and how does she live it. 2021 was a tough year for Emma and she talks through the realisation and changes that had to be made, and how well she and the business maturely embraced this. Her insights include how to and why to make space for self and the importance of self maintenance. This level of leadership has proved a benefit to L&G and had a positive impact on her family.

It takes courage to change and one of Emma's top tips, which she heard elsewhere is that Leaders need to ‘’watch the feet, not the lips’’. What are people doing, not just saying - are they staying in the business or exiting to pastures new? She is clear on what did leaders do well in pandemic,  what behaviours do we want to preserve and will this help. The notion of 'we may not get it right' is inspiring.

Emma talks openly about the ebb and flow of Engagement, and lessons hey learned about to treat people and importance or power of listening.

As a result of extensive listening - and an increase in staff engagement - Emma and the team at three key points to work on: 

The first two may be more obvious in this day and sage, but what about the third? Getting things more easily is perhaps common sense, but then again, does it happen, or are too many of us making things more complicated, more difficult than needs be. I can name some businesses where people thrive on making things tough, to look important and valuable for their own purposes. Emma shares what this means to L&G and broader community.

Finally we look at how not only do Leaders need to drive and lead change in organisation, but how to create and maintain shifts in culture and behaviours. The landscape is constantly shifting

 Thanks to Emma and Legal & General.

#Leadership #LeadingBusinessChange #Bravery #Change #Culture #ChangingLeadership