Connection is my leadership act of the year

On my way into work recently, a poster caught my attention. A spiral of cartoon cats joined paw to paw with tagline “We are connected.” It felt a very apt reminder that this year does not have to be defined by division and polarisation.

Connection and feeling part of a community is fundamental to confidence, trust and resilience. This is why I volunteer and am Chair of Together Co. To be part of making a difference to communities and be reminded that standing up, making a difference can be as simple as keeping in contact.

Looking ahead, we are facing into an milestone political year when our debate on identity, belonging and hope will shape the outcome of local and London elections. The risk is that rising support for populist parties will accelerate polarisation and further erode our sense of what it feels like to be connected and part of communities.

In this context, connection becomes a core leadership act. Not a soft skill, but a strategic one. Leaders will need to stay visible, engage with complexity, and create space for those whose voices are least heard. That includes our teams, our communities and our partners.

Connection does not require consensus. But it does require commitment. To listening, to showing up, and to holding the space for others to do the same. Into 2026, the call is for leaders who will model the behaviour we want to see reflected in our communities.

I’ve been fortunate this year to work with leaders and teams who inspire me about what is possible. A huge thank you to the brilliant teams at Clarion Housing Group, YMCA DownsLink, Brilliant Noise, Always Possible and Westco. And above all thanks to my tribe of peers who’ve offered clarity, challenge and care this year. Richard Freeman, Antony Mayfield, Jo Parker, Sarah Wilcox, Sam Whale, Olly Moss, Stephanie Hubbard, Gemma Dunn, Mhari Sharp, Catherine Thomas and Matt Black.