Lead Out Loud: How inclusive leadership drives success

Leadership is about more than just strategy and results—it’s about people. Inclusive leadership fosters innovation, strengthens teams, and ensures that every voice is heard and valued. By embracing diversity and empowering individuals, leaders create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Elham Fardad, Founder of Migrant Leaders and Warwick Business School alumni, and Dr. Dawn Eubanks, Assistant Professor at Warwick Business School, explore why the future of leadership is built on inclusion, adaptability, and trust.

Creating opportunity through inclusion

True leadership is about opening doors for others. Fardad, who champions leadership development for young migrants, highlights the power of inclusive workplaces in driving success. “Diversity and inclusion are not just about fairness; they are about achieving excellence,” she says. “When we harness the potential of people from all backgrounds, we unlock innovation and resilience.” By recognising and nurturing diverse talent, leaders can create stronger, more dynamic teams.

Dr. Eubanks expands on this, stressing the importance of recognising the strengths individuals bring: “It’s differences rather than being ‘disadvantaged’—you’re not bringing less to the table, that’s not the case at all. If you are a leader that’s inclusive, then you’re going to recognise diversity. You’re going to recognise the diversity of the people working with you, and in doing that, you’re going to find out what their needs are.”

Decision-making with confidence

Leaders face complex challenges, and how they make decisions has a lasting impact. Dr. Eubanks, an expert in leadership and decision-making, emphasises the need for confidence in uncertainty. “Good leaders are not those who never doubt themselves,” she explains. “They are those who can navigate ambiguity and make decisions that align with their values and vision.” She also highlights the need to create psychological safety in the workplace: “Another important thing is to create psychological safety in the workplace so people feel like they can have their voices heard.”

Fardad acknowledges the challenges in fostering inclusive leadership, especially in the face of backlash. “I think we have to be patient. This is a long game. There was always going to be some form of a backlash—the only question was of when and how much,” she explains. “I know in my mind cognitively and I know in my gut that diversity and inclusion add to the bottom line. If business is about optimal decisions, utilisation of resources, and bottom-line profitability, then it’s in everyone’s interest.”

The power of adaptability

In an ever-changing world, leadership requires agility. Both Fardad and Dr. Eubanks stress that adaptability is essential for long-term success. Fardad notes, “The best leaders are those who embrace change rather than resist it. They seek to understand new perspectives and adjust their approach to stay ahead.” Similarly, Dr. Eubanks points out that rigid leadership styles can stifle growth: “Encouraging a mindset of continuous learning allows organisations to evolve and innovate.”

Fardad also emphasises that leadership must go beyond rigid job structures. “Eight years ago, I was asking myself, what am I doing for the next generation? I developed the Young Leader Model, which includes ambition, productivity, leading yourself, and leading others,” she says. “If you’re a good leader, you can design jobs based on people’s best capabilities. It doesn’t take that much time, and if you’re not a good leader—then why are you paid a leadership salary?”

The Bottom Line: What great leaders do differently
• Embrace inclusion: A diverse workforce fuels creativity and problem-solving.
• Make confident decisions: Effective leaders trust their judgement while staying open to input.
• Stay adaptable: Flexibility and continuous learning are key to long-term success.
• Foster trust: Supportive leadership creates engaged and motivated teams.
• Lead with purpose: A clear vision inspires people to contribute their best work.

Inclusive leadership isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s the smart thing to do. By putting people first, leaders create workplaces where innovation thrives, teams flourish, and success follows.

Further reading:

Five lessons to create more inclusive organisations

Can communal leadership benefit men more than women?

Six ways to increase inclusivity as a leader

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