126: Julian Light – Bring Energy, Urgency, and Momentum to Leadership

Julian studied politics at the University of Auckland before completing his first-class Honours degree at Victoria University of Wellington. Julian started his career in the Australian foreign service before serving in the National-led Government as an advisor to MPs and Ministers, including in the offices of Nick Smith and Amy Adams. He was a consultant at the public relations firm Acumen Republic and an external relations specialist in the financial services sector. One of his proudest moments was working in the Amy Adams’ team where they tackled complex social issues like family violence, homelessness, and social investment. He has worked as a senior business manager at Fonterra, where he advised New Zealand’s largest company on reputational risk and business strategy in areas of global business and sustainability, and had the opportunity to work in Shanghai, London, and Hong Kong. Recently he joined Air New Zealand, an organization in crisis, where he is advising in a public relations and reputation role to help turn the national airline around.Julian has held many board directorships over the years, including at the Institute of Public Administration, Wairarapa Cancer Society, Public Relations Institute of New Zealand, and helped establish the Youth Advisory Council of the New Zealand Middle East Business Council.Julian is completing his MBA. He has founded his own pet care start-up and is an author and commentator. An avid runner and rower. He is engaged to Jordon, a doctor specializing in obstetrics, and they live in Auckland with our son Hugo and our dog Teddy.On this episode:Hear Julian talk about how his leadership journey started organically without him realizing itJulian defines his “true essence” of leadershipThe importance of finding the right peopleTackling and embracing diversityJulian discusses why resiliency is one of the key elements of becoming a successful leaderKey Takeaways:Leadership today is about stepping up to the opportunities to lead people even though you may not realize you’re doing soLeadership comes from the heart.Authentic leadership is out. Inclusive leadership is in.Leaders must build their resilience to be prepared for unforeseen events.Crisis doesn’t build character. It reveals it. Tweetable Quotes:“Leadership today is that it’s no longer about having a C-suite office. It’s about having the opportunities to sort of step up and lead people around you even though you may not know you’re doing it.” – Julian Light“A true leader, in my view, looks beyond today’s challenges and challenges people to keep an eye on the horizon and always looking ahead.” – Julian Light“Crisis doesn’t build character. It reveals it.” – Julian LightYou can connect with Julian on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/julianlight/) Resources:Email: [email protected]: http://www.leadingchangepartners.com/ Leadership Is Changing Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LeadershipIsChanging/Leadership is Changing LinkedIn Page: