#4. Today I'm learning from Areti Iles. She's the Head of Professional Services for Enterprise Applications at Telefonica Tech in the UK. Having started in technology with end-user organisations transitioned into consulting in 2016 and joined Telefonica Tech in 2021. She's active in her local user group community, and committed to helping others advance their career, especially women and people from underrepresented backgrounds.

Areti shares her unique perspective on leadership, broadening it beyond traditional constraints and emphasizing its multifaceted nature beyond just dealing with people. Her insights challenge conventional leadership notions, encouraging a broader understanding of what it truly means to lead.

🔑 KEY LESSONS

1. Broadened leadership definition: Leadership isn't just about managing a team—it's about influencing and inspiring, often without a formal title. Whether you're steering projects or guiding personal growth, leadership starts with yourself.
2. Empathy as a core characteristic: While managers might focus on task completion, true leaders invest in creating a supportive, nurturing environment. Empathy plays a crucial role in understanding your team's goals and helping them achieve them.
3. Diversity drives innovation: Surrounding yourself with diverse talents addresses potential blind spots, fostering better decision-making and innovation. This isn't just a buzzword—it's a strategic advantage.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 The challenge of uncommunicated expectations in promotions

00:38 Welcome to Practice Leading with Neil Benson

02:27 Definition of leadership beyond traditional roles

04:28 Differences between leaders and managers

07:06 The importance of empathy in leadership

13:49 Can missing leadership traits be complemented?

17:08 The role of diversity and inclusion in leadership

19:44 The adaptability of leaders to different personalities

21:58 Characteristics of a great leader

27:15 Remembering impactful leaders in personal life

31:46 Empowering employees to express career goals

34:29 Providing support for leaders and their wellbeing

🗺️ RESOURCES

• Areti Iles on LinkedIn
• Telefonica Tech on LinkedIn
• The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (and Other People's Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen Rubin

👋 LET'S CONNECT

🌐 Subscribe to Practice Leading newsletter for key lesson takeaways and special event invitations

🟥 Subscribe on YouTube

🟦 Follow on LinkedIn

🟦 Neil Benson on LinkedIn

🦋 Neil Benson on BlueSky

🧪 PRACTICE LEADING LAB FOR EMERGING LEADERS