At this year’s ROSA Summer Conference 2026, S.H.E. UK was proud to contribute to an important and timely discussion on “Leading Through Challenges”, with our CEO, Lisa Lenton, joining fellow contributor Jessica Agboola of KINSIS and session host Josephine Knowles.
The interactive discussion brought together leaders from across sectors to explore a question many of us continue to grapple with:
What sustains you as a leader through challenging times?
Hosted by Josephine Knowles, the session was inspired by her own experiences of burnout and created a safe and supportive space for leaders to share honestly about the realities of leadership, resilience and wellbeing.
From the outset, the session recognised that every leader’s experience is different. We all navigate challenges from different starting points, with varying responsibilities, levels of support and access to resources. The conversation therefore focused not on finding a one-size-fits-all solution, but on sharing practical, grounded actions that help us continue to lead effectively and sustainably.
As one of the session’s featured contributors, Lisa reflected on the importance of staying connected to purpose, building supportive networks and creating space to pause and reset during demanding periods. She shared insights from her own leadership journey and from working alongside organisations and individuals who are striving to create healthier, safer and more inclusive workplaces.
Throughout the discussion, participants exchanged experiences and ideas on topics including:
- Maintaining resilience during periods of uncertainty and change
- Supporting and inspiring others while also looking after ourselves
- Recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to prevent it
- Building communities of support and learning from peers
- Embracing practical, everyday actions that sustain leadership over the long term
What made the session particularly powerful was its openness. Participants were encouraged to engage in a way that felt right for them—whether actively contributing, listening, or simply taking a moment to pause and reflect. The result was an hour of genuine learning, connection and shared experience.
At S.H.E. UK, we believe that effective leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about creating environments where people feel supported, empowered and able to navigate challenges together. We were delighted to be part of this important conversation at ROSA Summer Conference 2026 and extend our thanks to Josephine Knowles and ROSA for bringing together such a thoughtful and inspiring group of leaders.
As we continue to face change and uncertainty across our workplaces and communities, one message from the session resonated strongly:
The leaders who sustain others are also those who recognise the importance of sustaining themselves.
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