The Leadership Challenges Podcast

Trust, Growth and Leadership

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Let's meet Claire Blake, Chief Financial and Operating Officer at QIC.

When Claire was unexpectedly tapped on the shoulder to become CFO at QIC, she thought she was being fired. Instead, it launched her into the toughest leadership challenge of her career.

In this episode, Claire shares her honest journey from self-doubt to strategic leadership, covering the imposter syndrome, the steep learning curve, and the powerful impact of coaching and executive education.

She also reveals a unique culture-building initiative that broke down silos and left a lasting legacy, and why trust, vulnerability, and self-care are central to how she leads today.

A real conversation about what it actually takes to grow into the leader others see in you.

Key Takeaways:

  1.  Leadership Often Starts Before You Feel Ready - Claire was promoted to CFO unexpectedly and without feeling prepared. Like many, she was chosen for her technical skills, but had to learn leadership on the job.
  2. Imposter Syndrome Is Real - Claire candidly shares how imposter syndrome and a lack of confidence challenged her in the early years of her executive role. Formal leadership development (like LBS) and coaching helped her grow into the leader the organisation saw in her.
  3. Coaching Isn’t a Quick Fix, It’s Hard Work - She expected her coach to “give her the answers” but realised leadership development takes active reflection, discomfort, and persistence, like building muscles at the gym.
  4. Strategic Thinking Must Be Developed Intentionally - Claire struggled with the vague feedback to “be more strategic” until training gave her the mindset shift she needed. It doesn’t just come with the job title.
  5. Culture Can Be Changed Creatively - To tackle siloed teams and low morale, Claire introduced “house teams” (inspired by school sports houses) to build connection, collaboration, and fun. It was unconventional, but it worked, and its legacy still lives on.
  6. Trust Is the Foundation of Great Leadership - Claire defines her leadership legacy as being rooted in trust: keeping promises, showing vulnerability, staying calm under pressure, and building psychological safety.
  7. Self-Care Enables Sustainable Leadership - From running six marathons to now studying languages, Claire emphasises the importance of doing something outside of work that brings joy and balance, especially in high-pressure roles.

    8.  

    Guest Information:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-blake-68974316

    Website: https://www.qic.com/

     

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    The Leadership Challenges PodcastBy Anke Janssen and Domenico Traverso