Dame Neslyn Watson-Druee tells us that, “I am a visionary; empowering and transformational leader and I enable you to give birth to your dreams. I help you to connect with your heart and bring forth your leadership from within you. I support you to create the environment for your teams to be their best and emotionally intelligent. I help you to release creativity, vision and intelligence to be transformative, collaborative, exceptionally strategic, creative and emotionally intelligent to grow your business. As a High Performance, Emotional Intelligence and Thinking Environment Coach, I empower you to unlock the genius within you.”
Could you elaborate on the nature of your business, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
Beacon Organisational Development focuses on Leadership Development inclusive of Executive Coaching. The primary purpose of the business is to enable leaders to release their creativity, vision and intelligence. Beacon Organisational Development serves you to maximise your optimal potential and to meet and touch you at the heart and spiritual level. Dame Neslyn is a midwife to the raising of even more consciousness and enabling you to give birth to their vision and creativity. Dame Neslyn does that through the application of emotional intelligence profiling and leadership strengths profiling. Dame Neslyn engages with you in presence of love, peace, harmony, gratitude, integrity, and learning and teaching at the highest level and in so doing change and transform your life. Dame Neslyn is committed to enabling you: to be your best, to be calm, centred, clear, conscious, congruent, courageous, connected, creative, caring, competent and confident.
What inspired you to start your journey as a coach and entrepreneur? Were there any specific events, challenges, or people that motivated you to take this path?
Adversity led me to start my journey as a coach and entrepreneur. My manager said to me: I find you threatening because you are Black, a woman and you are intelligent. I decided that no one would speak to me like that again, so I left employment and set up my own business in October 1989.
Looking back at the beginning of your career, what were the major challenges you faced when establishing yourself as a leader/coach? How did you overcome those obstacles?
The major challenges I faced when setting up my business were marketing to the right people, visibility in the market and to be known. So I set up a Demonstration Programme on Leadership Development, underpinned by mentoring and got sponsorship from the Secretary of State for Health Services – UK Government. My programme was evaluated by Warwick University and the foundations of the Programme formed the foundation for the NHS Institute which later became known as the NHS Leadership Academy. I have won numerous awards for my work. I have been honoured three times by the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and more recently in 2023 I was made a Dame by King Charles III in his Birthday Honours List.
Would you like to share any remarkable achievement?
Dame Neslyn Watson-Druee has a distinguished career with several notable achievements in the fields of leadership, organisational development, and community engagement. Some of her remarkable accomplishments include:
- Leadership Roles: She has held significant leadership positions in various organisations, which have demonstrated her capability and commitment to fostering effective teams and helping organisations thrive.
- Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion: Dame Neslyn has been a strong advocate for promoting diversity and inclusion within organisations, emphasising the importance of creating equitable environments for all employees.
- Consultancy and Training: Through her work with Beacon Organisational Development, she has provided valuable consultancy services that have helped numerous organisations improve their leadership and team effectiveness.
- Public Speaking and Thought Leadership: As a speaker and thought leader, she has shared her insights at conferences and workshops, contributing to discussions on leadership and organisational development.
- Community Engagement: She has actively participated in community development initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact outside of corporate contexts.
- Publication and Research: Dame Neslyn has contributed to scholarly discussions and materials on organisational development, sharing knowledge and fostering learning in this field.
Dame Neslyn’s achievements collectively reflect her dedication to enhancing leadership practices, empowering individuals and teams, and promoting organisational success.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women in leadership today are making significant strides across various sectors, though challenges still exist. Although a lot more needs to be achieved, I see some progress on the current state of women leadership:
- Increased Representation: There is a growing presence of women in leadership roles, particularly in industries traditionally dominated by men.
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Many companies are implementing programmes aimed at promoting gender diversity within their leadership ranks. These initiatives are designed to dismantle barriers and create pathways for women to advance.
- Positive Impact on Organisational Performance: Research has shown that gender-diverse leadership teams often lead to improved decision-making, innovation, and financial performance. This recognition has encouraged organizations to prioritize women in leadership.
- Role Models and Mentors: The visibility of successful women leaders serves as an inspiration for younger generations. Sponsorship and mentorship programmes are increasingly important in helping aspiring female leaders navigate their careers.
- Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: The conversation around work-life balance has gained traction, with many organisations adopting flexible work policies. This is particularly beneficial for women, who often juggle multiple responsibilities.
- Challenges Remain: Despite progress, women leaders still face challenges such as gender bias, limited access to networks, and the effects of workplace culture. These issues can hinder advancement and retention of women in leadership positions.
- Advocacy for Equal Opportunities: Advocates continue to push for equal pay, parental leave, and supportive policies that enable women to thrive in leadership roles.
While significant progress has been made in promoting women in leadership, continuous efforts are essential to ensure equality, support, and empowerment in the workplace. Collaboration among organisations, communities, and individuals will be key to sustaining and enhancing this momentum.
What message/advice would you have for future women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs?
- Believe in Yourself: Confidence is crucial. Trust your abilities and ideas. Self-belief can empower you to overcome challenges and pursue your goals wholeheartedly.
- Seek Sponsorship and Mentorship: Find sponsors and mentors who can open doors and back your initiatives, provide guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their experiences. A mentor can help you navigate your career path and expand your network.
- Build a Strong Network: Establish connections with other professionals in your industry. Networking can create opportunities for collaboration, support, and shared learning.
- Embrace Learning: Stay curious and committed to lifelong learning. Whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study, continually seek knowledge and skills relevant to your field.
- Be Resilient: Prepare for setbacks and be adaptable. Resilience allows you to bounce back from failures and learn from your experiences, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
- Lead with Integrity: Authenticity and integrity are vital for effective leadership. Uphold your values, be transparent, and treat others with respect to foster trust and collaboration.
- Champion Diversity and Inclusion: Advocate for diversity in your organisation and industry. Diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and innovation and can create a more inclusive culture.
- Balance Assertiveness and Empathy: Strong leaders can assert their needs and those of their teams. Strive for a balance between being goal-oriented and showing empathy toward others’ challenges and needs.
- Set Clear Goals: Define your long-term vision and break it down into achievable short-term goals. This approach will keep you motivated and focused on your path.
- Take Calculated Risks: Entrepreneurship often involves taking risks. Analyse situations, weigh potential outcomes, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone to seize opportunities.
Keep these principles in mind, as you navigate your journey successfully and create meaningful impacts in their fields and communities. Remember, your unique perspective and experiences can inspire change and innovation in the world around you.
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