Letting Go to Grow: Lessons in Leadership from the Inside Out

Leadership means different things at different times in our careers.

As a Director at The Strategy Group and a participant in the AGSM General Manager Program at UNSW, I’ve been reflecting on how my view of leadership has changed, and what it’s still teaching me.

Stepping into leadership is not always a clean break from what came before.Many of us continue doing the tasks we were once praised for, even when our role has evolved. We call this habit "corporate love handles": the parts of our old job that we carry with us, even when they no longer fit.

I have seen this in myself. There are times I default to doing instead of leading. It feels familiar and safe. I convince myself it is quicker if I do it. I worry someone else will not do it as well.But this mindset limits others and ultimately limits me.

Letting go does not mean lowering standards.

It means trusting your team, giving them space to learn, and understanding that their way may be just as good, if not better.

Leading with Honesty and Openness

One of the most meaningful changes in my leadership has been learning to speak more openly. In the past, I held back when I felt frustrated or disappointed. I worried that sharing negative feedback might come across as harsh or unhelpful.

To be clear, it’s not.

Now I try to name things early and approach conversations with empathy and clarity. It has helped me build stronger relationships, both at work and in life. At The Strategy Group, we have started using 360-degree feedback across the team.

It is not always easy to receive feedback, but it has opened important conversations and given me insight into how others experience my leadership.

We are also becoming more comfortable with vulnerability. We are more willing to say when things feel difficult. We do not pretend everything is fine when it is not. That honesty helps build trust, and it reminds everyone that leadership is not about having it all together. It is about showing up, listening, and being real.

Making Space for Growth in Others

Leadership at The Strategy Group is now something we share.

We have moved away from a single-leader model and embraced a team approach that draws on everyone’s strengths. Some people thrive in execution and operations. Others shine when it comes to culture or strategic thinking. When each person is empowered to lead in their way, the whole team becomes stronger.

We have also introduced a coaching structure so that every person in the business has someone they can speak to about their growth and development. This gives everyone a clear point of contact for feedback, support, and goal setting. But for it to work, people need to use it.I hope our team sees this structure not just as a formality but as a meaningful opportunity to reflect, grow, and shape their careers.

Leadership is not about doing everything yourself. It is about creating the right environment for others to succeed.That includes trusting your team, staying open to feedback, and making space for growth in every direction.

Including your own.

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