Sarwat T Ebbett.
Inclusive Leadership Consultant and Founder at Thrive Foundation Ltd.
What do you do now?
I'm a Behavioural Change Consultant, specializing in workplace culture, DE&I and the boundaries of professional, tangible and social communities.
Where did your career start?
I started my journey in Architecture and Design. I was a young designer of the year finalist, worked in brand, identity and 3D environments. My curiosity in juxtaposing people and place led me into the world of business and psychology.
Has there been a stage in your life where you first appreciated what great leadership looked like?
It was my Mum and Dad that inspired me to think about great leadership. Growing up, I saw leaders who valued time and human connection. The team itself was the motivator to succeed. Results and expectations come to fruition as a result of nurturing one another.
I think titles as plaudits can misrepresent people. After my first encounter of advising boards and ministers in the government, I realised the values that had been instilled in me. With my Dad being ex-military, he had an organisational and analytical mindset, and my Mum’s patience and diplomacy grounded me for my work in high-level conflict resolution.
Do you have any examples of what you have done to develop yourself as a leader?
As an adult, I had to create opportunities for myself. My wins and lessons over the years would harness my belief in trusting myself, my logic and my emotions. It's all about pushing yourself into the unknown; and being okay with feeling uncomfortable.
When I began coaching leaders, I realised that we all encounter life with its tests. Behind the portrait of great leaders are people who also struggle, deal with personal loss, trauma, and confidence. The good and the difficult help in building the catalyst of trust in self-belief, logic and emotion.
How do you think Leadership has benefitted you?
It’s provided me with access to an incredible network of influencers, humanitarians and entrepreneurs across continents. It has given me a place to contribute and act. As a woman of colour who champions the underdog, it's provided me with a plethora of stories to inspire and instil positive change.