IOD SCOTLAND WINTER 2022

Behind the Desk: Yvette C. Hopkins
Lessons from the
sword makers
Yvette C. Hopkins, CEO at LeadHershipXchange, senior
executive leader, keynote speaker, charitable trust trustee
and Board advisor, chats to Direction about her career
journey and leadership style
The approach to the art of the
finest sword making provides a
strong metaphor for the creation of
leaders.
Even my leadership journey was
forged at a young age through team
sports, tempered for 30 years
through the profession of arms, and
continues to be folded through my
own reflection and in the diverse
leadership environments to which I
belong.
My personal values were ingrained
in me very early and are at the core
of who I am and how I lead. I take
from my mother’s Scottish crofter
roots, the values of community,
collaboration, innovation and
productivity. I take from my father’s
US military roots the values of
service, leadership, and personal
courage. My childhood afforded me
insights into what it means to be
hardworking, charitable, fun, a part
of a cohesive community, and a
leader. I was lucky.
Thus far my leadership
experiences have provided me the
humility to lead on and off the
sports court, on and off the
battlefield, in and out of large
organisations, start-ups, and in
board rooms.
I loved every minute of it. In my
backpack or kitbag, I hold many
leadership lessons which I impart for
others not to make my mistakes.
My three universal leadership
truths:
• Leadership is inclusive and
belongs to everyone.
• Leadership is all about people
and relationships – and it’s hard!
• Leadership is a lifelong journey.
A pursuit of excellence. You are
never finished
Some thoughts on leadership for
directors and senior leaders:
• You are an Accountable Leader:
Create the culture, tone,
environment and the systems you
wish had been there for you
• You are a Responsible Leader:
Personally oversee your leadership
and development programmes.
Empower your leaders. Put young
learning leaders in charge and let
them make mistakes. Ensure you
have their backs and underwrite
their mistakes.
• You are a Collaborative Partner:
Partner with leaders in your industry
or profession to make sector
change; those outside your sector or
profession to create societal change;
those internationally to create global
change; and thought partners with
trusted friends to make changes in
you.
• You are an Innovative Leader:
You know inclusivity and diversity
are the cornerstones to innovation. It
is an operational, moral and
leadership imperative. Bring all
manner of voices into your
conversations, systems and decision
making. Embrace diversity of
thought and your organisation will
become the beacon of innovation.
• You are a role model: You walk
the talk. Every. Single. Day. At work,
home and play.
• You have blind spots: Listen to
your people when they are trying to
“coach up “– squint with your ears
• You Do you: Nothing beats
Authentic Leadership. Your style and
approach may change, but you and
your core values should not
• You Do right: At the centre of
your core values should be integrity,
your word is your bond.
• You Do tell: Share your
leadership lessons learned. Tell your
story. Our younger leaders want to
hear our leadership triumphs and
failures and how we succeed.
• Great leadership has
generational, intersectional, and
multinational impact. We must grow
the future we collectively envision
….and just when you think you
have reached a place of leadership
enlightenment, I promise you, you
have not.
Whether the environment, mission,
organisation, or people around you
change, it will require a new
leadership style, skill or approach. It
will require you to pivot, to learn, to
experiment, and to grow.
And in the spirit of the sword
master, you will continue to hone
your leadership craft in the pursuit
of excellence.
10 WINTER 2022