I am delighted to have delivered the Sir Donald Hibberd Lecture at Melbourne Business School on 'Lessons for Leaders from Lockdown: A time for humility, learning and giving back.'

You can watch the recording here: Sir Donald Hibberd Lecture Link

How do leaders tap into the wisdom of their bodies to make decisions and choices which ‘pull on their heartstrings’ or ‘churn their gut’? In this chapter Amanda and colleague Donna Ladkin argues that bodies play a central role in caring, and caring is central to leadership.

Leadership often involves recognising differences, reducing discrimination and fostering inclusion in organisations and societies. In this chapter Amanda and Michelle call attention to the power dynamics behind the construction of difference. Who is designated ‘different’ and how can diverse communities and organisations be led in ways that do not reinforce power differentials? The chapter includes contemporary examples of leaders who celebrate difference and empower diverse communities.

Leaders come under many pressures to produce and perform a coherent, convincing self, a memorable ‘brand’ or a persona that ‘looks’ like a leader. But what are the risks in this obsession to ‘be’ a leader, to those around them and perhaps leaders themselves. In this chapter Amanda casts a critical eye over the business of being a leader.

Bodies and physical performances play a central but often unacknowledged role in leadership. Our size, stature and physical presence establishes credentials and authority but leaders can also use their openness, their willingness to ‘show up’ and listen to followers ‘on the ground’ to connect with and empower communities. Amanda draws on several Australian examples to show how bodies can bring new possibilities to leadership.