Leadership Stories 2019
Christie-Leigh Holvey, Volunteer Youth Activities Champion, Volunteering Matters
How have your life experiences helped make you the leader you are today?
I was raised around people who faced difficulties, both physically and mentally. From an early age, I understood that we needed to bring new views upon a subject that has always been deemed scary or seen in a negative way. At school, I was always being told that I would be ‘a nobody’ and that my future was looking very bleak. I decided to take control of my future.
What have been your proudest moments since taking up your leadership role with Volunteering Matters?
My proudest moment has been starting a new group from scratch and seeing those individuals that have disabilities or learning needs, interact without any help from me at all. This group has a very relaxed environment whereas when it first started it was quite intense. We work towards the goal of integrating people of all colours/genders/disabilities and all qualities to do with life today.
What have been the most helpful things you have learnt from these times and from working with your colleagues?
The most helpful thing I have learnt is how to cater to individual’s needs while being in a group of others who need things explaining in a totally different way. Some people learn theoretically, and others learn practically. Individuals in the group can’t understand reading and writing but are good at drawing. Other individuals are good at reading and writing but struggle with communication. That’s where I come in.
Tell us about a time or two when you have had to display courage in your leadership role
I displayed courage at a showcase event in Cardiff; I stood up in front of a hall full of strangers and delivered a two-minute speech on what my experiences have been like thus far. It was very nerve wracking and I told myself that if I did it, it’s something I’d feel proud about. Other young people were present, and I wanted to be a positive role model.
What do you think are the biggest leadership issues facing us in Wales in 2019?
The biggest leadership issues are trying to please everyone – e.g. making decisions that everybody will be pleased with and also you can’t be judging people. You have to listen to everyone’s view and opinions. I think all of these would be proven difficult to anyone who wanted to try being a leader especially one who has disabilities and as a volunteer leader.
Which other leaders in Wales do you admire and why?
I admire people like celebrities Tom Jones, Kathryn Jenkins and Catherine Zeta-Jones, who are all Welsh and have proven in their professions that you have to work hard enough and show that you are willing to do what is needed to get where you want to be in life.
What is one word that sums up leadership for you?
Confidence.
Rudina Koka, Vice Chair and Trustee Volunteer, Ethnic Youth Support Team, Swansea
Rudina Koka, Vice Chair and Trustee Volunteer, Ethnic Youth Support Team, Swansea
How have your life experiences helped make you the leader you are today?
Life is a journey of ups and downs and I have learnt to grab opportunities and make of the most of these experiences in my life and learn something from them – whether they are good or bad! The best example of gaining experience was being a volunteer and a student at the same time. Being part of a diverse young people group where we had to show our creativity, our leadership skills and most important making decisions on behalf of others. As a vice chair I have to make important decisions for the EYST.
What have been your proudest moments since taking up your leadership role with EYST?
I started as a volunteer and over the course of more than 3 years I have achieved over 900 hours of volunteering to help and support others in the community. I am very proud of being recently appointed as the Vice Chair of EYST, following 18 months serving as a young trustee on its board. I am also a former board member of the ABMYouth Health Board for which I am very proud to have contributed to showcasing young people’s views about health services for children and young people. I am currently being mentored by the MP of Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, which is a fantastic opportunity to share my experiences and learn from an inspirational female leader. However, the proudest moment for me is to know that my family are proud of what I have achieved and what I will continue to achieve – including being recognised for this award!
What have been the most helpful things you have learnt from these times and from working with your colleagues?
Both EYST members and volunteers share a common goal; helping others and aiding BAME communities in Wales to become more integrated. Working with people on all levels has helped to develop my English and my personal confidence. I have learnt how to contribute and make myself useful taking on different roles and tasks, recognising my skills and how I can help others. I find ‘hands on’ tasks useful to learn things and deal with sometimes complicated situations; being out of my comfort zone such as being an interpreter in different settings has helped me develop in many ways.
Tell us about a time or two when you have had to display courage in your leadership role
I have been part of a very successful project such as Young Migrant and Welsh project. In this project I had to show my idea, and to give good and strong reasons why the other should vote for my proposal. I would say that you needed a strong personality to be able to succeed and your voice to be heard.
What do you think are the biggest leadership issues facing us in Wales in 2019?
I would say that some of the biggest issues that the leadership in Wales is facing is getting young people into volunteering. Mental Health in schools, the lack of the staff training to deliver the issues that young people and children face in school. Another issue that I think the leadership in Wales is still facing is Brexit. The uncertain period of time that the country is going through has made people being more stressed and uncertain in different aspect of their life. Also, in my personal point of view the hate crime has significantly increased after the UK has voted to Exit the European Union.
Which other leaders in Wales do you admire and why?
Many people inspire me to achieve more and to be motivated to help others. My parents are my main role model as when I look at them both I see a part of myself; I want to be me but I see myself as a perfect combination of the skills and the personalities that my parents have.
In terms of professional leadership, there are two female role models who inspire me: Rocio Cifuentes, the CEO of EYST Wales, has been always a fantastic role model to follow. She is always working so hard for a better and integrated community in Wales. She is highly respected by everyone working in EYST and has a lot of responsibility for our growing organisation. The way that she deals with difficult issues makes her role look easy; in truth being the CEO of EYST is very challenging and needs many skills and qualities including patience, overcoming obstacles and above all, loving and being passionate about what you do. I hope to make my role look effortless like Rocio as I continue to progress!
Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour MP for Gower, is another female leader that I look up to. Being her mentee has given me a deeper understanding about how politics and public life work on a senior level, while developing good and trusting relationships with constituents and organisations. Tonia is very nice, hardworking, understanding and she is there for her constituency. She represents her constituents in the best way, making sure their voice is heard. She works very hard to protect and promote gender equality and promote diversity for a better community in Wales. Her fairness and integrity really inspire me.
What is one word that sums up leadership for you?
The word that I would choose to define me: Unity.
Levi Rees, Director, Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership (WRAP)
How have your life experiences helped make you the leader you are today?
I come from a working-class family who instilled in me some important core values. Always treat people how you would like to be treated. Remember the little things in life, as they mean a lot, always look the part and take pride in whatever you do. There have been times when my life has been particularly tough, but these challenging times have made me the person I am today.
What have been your proudest moments since taking up your leadership role with WRAP?
My proudest moment was being the Opening Speaker at a recent conference and sharing my views about the care system. My main focus is promoting the rights of young people as identified in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. I believe every child has the right to become the best that they can be, and not be stigmatised by their experience within the care system.
What have been the most helpful things you have learnt from these times and from working with your colleagues?
I have been supported at every stage in promoting Children’s Right’s, not only in the local community but also in Welsh Government. I am being supported in my aspiration to become a Lawyer specialising in Child Care Law. I think as an individual it is always important that you are supported, and I am extremely thankful for the support I have had over a short period of me.
Tell us about a time or two when you have had to display courage in your leadership role
I’m an accredited football coach (FAW) for the Under 7’s football team. One player was displaying some negative behavioural issues which were having an impact on the rest of the team. The other coaches wanted to exclude the young person, however, I discovered that he had experienced trauma. I invested me building a relationship with him and providing support; he is now back playing with the team with no behavioural issues.
What do you think are the biggest leadership issues facing us in Wales in 2019?
As a Member of the Welsh Youth Parliament where I campaign for Children’s Rights, I feel it is imperative that leaders understand the needs of children within the care system. Leaders need to understand the challenges experienced by people within the care system and have a clear vision of what needs to be done so the present system can change and ensure that everyone can achieve their full potential.
Which other leaders in Wales do you admire and why?
One of the leaders I admire is Jane Crowley (QC), Jane’s reputation as a highly effective barrister extends beyond Wales and England, Jane has been ranked as a leading London Silk. Jane is recognised for her particular expertise in cases concerning children. Jane has also been a High Court Judge but currently sits as a Recorder. One of the cases which stand out for me in which I admire Jane for is; B(A Child) (Care Proceedings: Habitual Residence) [2013] EWCA Civ 1434 [2013] WLR(D) 461.
What is one word that sums up leadership for you?
Tenacity
