Leadership Development for Aspiring Managers: Lessons from Unlikely Leaders
How are your influencing and story telling skills. You need them to succeed in management
“I did it -step by step.”
— Jayne Hughes, Founder and CEO of
Amy and Friends
Jayne Hughes didn’t set out to be a CEO of a charity. She worked in hospitality. But when her daughter Amy was diagnosed with a rare, life-limiting condition, Jayne stepped into a new form of leadership not with a plan necessarily, but with burning purpose.
Today, she leads the charity, coordinates scientists and volunteers, and inspires families around the world. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles it is about influence, resilience, and heart.
The Leadership Gap in UK Workplaces
UK organisations are facing a leadership pipeline crisis:
- Many experienced leaders are retiring.
- Only half of UK organisations have a formal leadership development strategy.
- Aspiring managers often lack the confidence, communication skills, and real-world experience to step up effectively.
And yet, the need for agile, emotionally intelligent leaders has never been greater.
What Aspiring Managers Can Learn from Jayne
- Influence is a superpower
Jayne leads volunteers, scientists, and families who are either grieving or know they will be grieving shortly. She doesn't manage these people from a management /employee perspective, she leads with influence and compassion, connecting with families, listening to academics and scientists and slowly nudging them to see her world view, often through the power of story telling. Influence is a critical skill for emerging leaders, especially in matrixed or mission-driven organisations. - Purpose fuels perseverance
Jayne didn’t have a roadmap. But she had a reason. Helping aspiring managers connect to their “why” builds their resilience and motivation. - Storytelling builds trust
Jayne’s ability to share stories of the children she supports helped her influence funders, researchers, and policymakers. Aspiring leaders must learn to communicate with authenticity and impact. - Volunteer leadership is a masterclass in people skills
Managing volunteers requires emotional intelligence, adaptability, and clarity. These are skills that are often overlooked in traditional leadership training.
Watch Outs for Organisations
- Don’t assume technical competence equals leadership readiness.
- Avoid “sink or swim” promotions by supporting new managers with structured development.
- Recognise that influence, not just authority, is key to modern leadership.
Final Thought
Jayne’s journey shows us that leadership can emerge from the most unexpected places. But it doesn’t have to be lonely or unsupported.
If you're building a leadership development programme for aspiring managers, I design and deliver experiences that build confidence, communication, and real-world leadership skills.
Let’s explore how I can help your next generation of leaders thrive.
