CMCE - BAM Joint Event: Voices on Leadership: Self-Leadership

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Self-leadership is the foundation of all effective leadership - and yet it is rarely examined with the same rigour as strategy, performance or delivery.

In a world of constant change, heightened scrutiny and accelerating technology, leaders are under pressure to appear confident, decisive and flawless. The cost of this unrelenting performance mask is often unseen: diminished judgement, reduced trust, emotional fatigue and a narrowing of influence.

In this session, Deborah Henley will explore what she calls the Human Edge - the inner capabilities that allow leaders to remain grounded, credible and effective under pressure and to connect, engage and empower others. Drawing on her REAL Leadership framework (Results, Emotional Intelligence, Authenticity and Legacy), Deborah will invite participants to examine how self-awareness, emotional intelligence and personal integrity directly shape leadership impact.

Rather than positioning self-leadership as introspective or abstract, this session translates it into practical, observable leadership behaviours - showing how embracing imperfection, uncertainty and humanity can increase authority, not diminish it.

The session is interactive and reflective, combining short provocations, facilitated discussion and practical tools that participants can use immediately - both in their own leadership and in their work with senior clients.

Deborah Henley is an international keynote speaker, author and leadership facilitator who works with senior leaders, consultants and high-performing individuals across business, sport and the arts. Known for her candour, warmth and depth, Deborah brings a rare blend of commercial realism and human insight - helping leaders lead with clarity, courage and credibility in complex environments.