Echoes of Openness: A Three-Part Harmony on Leadership, Culture, and Growth

Over the last few months, I’ve found myself in the midst of a bustling orchestra of innovation, change, and possibility.

As the new Head of Digital, my mission has been clear: to create an environment where every voice resonates—free from the discordance of fear or bureaucracy. In music, an echo can amplify the beauty of a tune or highlight its flaws. In the same way, openness can reveal the strengths and potential pitfalls of a team.

My goal has been to ensure that this echo does more than just reverberate; it harmonizes us into a powerful ensemble.

Below is the first of a three-part piece detailing the journey so far.

It’s been an insanely busy three months. Much like the opening notes of a symphony, the initial flurry of activity set the tone for everything to come. From aligning stakeholders to redefining workflows, the pace was rapid, and the demands on everyone’s time were immense.

Team Building & Process Building:
These two pillars have been at the center of my approach. We started by refining our recruitment channels and clarifying roles to ensure each “instrument” played its part in the larger orchestration. In these early days, every detail mattered, from how we scheduled our daily stand-ups to how we listened (truly listened) during feedback sessions.

Grand Strategy of Openness:
A fundamental refrain throughout this period has been nurturing a culture of trust and transparency. Regardless of technical prowess or specialised skill, the heartbeat of this team is psychological safety. Without an environment where ideas can be shared openly, even the brightest innovations remain muted.

Here, the concept of resonance comes into play. In music, resonance amplifies sound; in teams, openness amplifies collaboration. When everyone is heard—when each voice finds its place in the score—resonance happens naturally.

For me communication through metaphor and domain context is the most honest and precise way to present my work, theories, strategies, and practicalities.

By leaning into musical analogies and evocative language, I aim to offer a unique lens, steering clear of the mainstream approach that you might find in countless other blogs. This individualistic style paints a richer, more intuitive picture, one that resonates deeply with how I think, feel, and lead.