Strengthify Insights

The Shift That Changed My Leadership

Written by Holger Bollmann | 7 Oct 2025

Sometimes the biggest change in leadership doesn’t come from learning something new; it comes from seeing yourself more clearly.

In senior roles, it’s easy to focus so much on leading others that you lose sight of yourself. You’re constantly delivering, deciding, guiding. But somewhere along the way, reflection gets crowded out.

For the senior leaders we work with, the most meaningful development hasn’t come from new strategies or management models; it’s come from a quiet shift in perspective. A moment of seeing, with clarity, how they lead at their best. And what’s getting in the way.

Why Reflection Feels Like a Luxury, and Why It Isn’t

When you’re operating at pace, pausing to reflect can feel self-indulgent. But senior leaders consistently tell us it’s exactly what they needed, and exactly what they hadn’t made time for.

“It’s a powerful yet accessible way to improve self-awareness, team alignment, and leadership development.”
Deputy Divisional Financial Controller, University of Oxford

In a space away from the pressures of performance, leaders start to notice their default settings. Their leadership blind spots. The patterns they repeat. And most importantly, the impact they have.

The Internal Shift That Changes Everything

No matter how experienced or capable, every leader benefits from one thing: the chance to step back and take stock.

That’s where the shift happens. When you connect with your natural strengths, and get clear on where your energy flows, leadership becomes lighter. Less about effort, more about alignment.

“The workshop was energising and insightful - an excellent way to think about not only my own strengths but how I can make the most of my team’s strengths.”
Internationalisation Coordinator, University of Glasgow

This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about reclaiming the version of you that leads most effectively and knowing how to apply it in the real world.

From Personal Insight to Practical Impact

What we often hear from senior leaders is: “I’ve already started thinking about how to embed this thinking into my team.”

That’s because these sessions don’t stop at personal reflection, they unlock something bigger.

When you know how you lead best, you can:

  • Spot energy drains before they turn into disengagement
  • Create clarity and calm during periods of uncertainty
  • Model trust and openness across your leadership team
  • Support others to do their best work without overfunctioning yourself

“Very clear and tailored delivery and excellent resources. One of the best external events I’ve attended.”
Director of Curriculum Management, Manchester Metropolitan University

What Makes This Approach Different?

We don’t talk at people. We invite them in.
We don’t teach models. We reveal what’s already there.
We don’t make it theoretical. We make it yours.

Our Discovery Workshops for senior leaders provide a confidential, energising space to reflect, connect and reset without stepping away from the reality of leading.

These sessions work because they’re:

  • Focused on strengths, not shortcomings
  • Interactive and reflective, not passive
  • Designed around your challenges, not generic case studies

What You’ll Walk Away With

You won’t leave with a ticked box. You’ll leave with:

  • A fresh understanding of your leadership style
  • Language to describe your strengths and impact
  • Clear next steps to support your team’s development
  • The confidence to lead with more intention and less pressure

We’ve supported senior leaders across universities, NHS trusts and councils, and the impact sticks.

Let’s Build Something That Works for You

Every leadership team has different needs. That’s why we work with you to shape the right approach across our programme of workshops, training and consultancy.

We’ll work with you to create something that fits your people, your pressures and your priorities.
Get in touch to start a conversation.