a question of leadership.

LordPhotos: René Carayol Herman Lord Herman Ouseley RENÉ CARAYOL, u|Chief’s leadership guru, goes head-to-head with an African leader every month. Ouseley Lord ouseley was born in in 1945 and came to england when he was 11. He became chief exec- utive of the borough of and the former inner london education authority (the first black person to hold such an office). In 1993, he became the executive chairman of the commission for racial equality, a position he held until 2000.

In 2001, he was raised to the peerage of baron ouseley of peckham rye in southwark. Herman ouseley is also the chair of chandran foundation, kick-it-out plc (let’s kick out of football campaign), policy research institute on ageing & just how much he was to shape my determination to change ethnicity (university of central england). the world around us. Not everything he said or did was per- fect. I soon learned to be discerning about what to take on Which contemporary leaders do you admire? board. I now have the privilege of mentoring many people, Tony Ottey, a Jamaican national, an inspirational leader and I love doing it as I learn much from my mentees, maybe amongst young people. He inspired them to become educated. more than they ever learn from me. He said provocative things where most others hesitated. To mixed audiences of different races he would challenge all, “we What do you believe is the most important driver for are definitely in the same boat, but on different decks”. We success: talent or ambition? worked together in , London (which had a large ethnic Ambition is a must. Looking at myself, I’ve never considered population) in the 1970’s. He would eventually return to Jamai- myself talented but I do have a work ethic which I believe I ca to continue his wonderful work. gained from my mother, who I observed do sometimes having to do three to four jobs at the same time. My work ethic led Have you ever had a mentor? And if so, how did they help me to take on more and more responsibility. Talent can be an you develop and grow? overused descriptor. I never had a formal mentor as such, but I soon looked to learn from everyone I met. Rudy Narayan was a barrister who came In a sentence, what’s your definition of Leadership? to London in the 1950’s. He soon commenced a life long strug- Being able to inspire others to your ideas and enable their gle against racism. He was bold and fearless. He was dropped confidence in joining you in pursuit of your purpose. from the Bar four times and each time eventually reinstated. He was an exceptional mentor for me, without him ever knowing Which historical leaders stand out for you, and why? Nelson Mandela… and having met him four times, every time There is a global issue around employment and oppor- I met him he taught me something different and instructive. tunities for the younger generation. Do you see any signs Every audience with him was a special and memorable of any economic breakthroughs for them? occasion to be in the presence of an extraordinary and We must better target roles and careers for young people and unique ‘greatness’. equip the future generation with the essential skills needed for the type of jobs which will be available in a rapidly chang- Has Leadership become more difficult or complex in recent ing world. As we all live for far longer and work far longer times? And if so, why? now, we need to plan and care for the growing numbers of Leadership has become multidimensional. It’s no longer just elderly as well. These are complex problems and now must about the top of the organisation. I see leaders everywhere, become all of our problems – we can solve them so much especially amongst the young. I’m called a ‘leader’, but I see my better together. « role as helping and supporting people. I have now realised that this is true leadership. We have to take the ‘responsibility’ for René Carayol | [email protected] | www.carayol.com change and how you exercise that responsibility will define you.

What advice would you give to those embarking on their leadership journey today? They must prove themselves worthy of the trust and confi- dence of others. This will enable people to see you as a ‘lead- er’. Blair and Cameron were made by their respective appoint- ments to high office, they grew enormously by inspiring others to have trust and confidence in them. The opportunity to lead will enable some to grow whilst others will fall apart.

What’s your reaction to Donald Trump’s recent victory in the US elections? One of surprise, then starting to see it all unravel rather quick- ly. Unfortunately, you can now ‘buy’ your way into even the of- fice of the President of the USA! We should remember that he followed a black man and was competing against a woman. He “spike is was able to tap into an undercurrent of racism and resentment, a book that and Trump’s persona capitalised upon this. will change your life.” order spike online here – u|chief