Earlier this year I was delighted to be contacted by Emily Moore from the Jersey Evening Post who asked if I would kindly answer a few questions about leadership, to which I happily replied with a confident ‘yes’ and then, to my surprise a few weeks later I find myself included in the inaugural Leadership Jersey publication!

It is an eclectic mix of 101 Island Leaders from a wide cross-section of the Island’s business community showcasing recognised entrepreneurs, corporate heads, financial professionals, public and private sector workers and younger and more senior people. It makes good reading and will I am sure generate discussion.

The foreword is by Kevin Keen, who in 2015 decided to set up an association to raise awareness of what he describes as the vital quality, leadership. Along with others he has on behalf of Leadership Jersey hosted in excess of 20 events and continues to attract wide support from the business community.

The publication will be available at the first Leadership Jersey event, ‘Looking back to look ahead’ on 24 March when Suzanne Wylie will be the guest speaker, as well as from selected locations and from the JEP Bath Street offices.

So below is what has been published about me:

William is a passionate and driven individual who is a self-employed business consultant working with a number of clients in different sectors. A team player with exceptional people skills, he is very commercially aware and has a strong business acumen. He thrives on building meaningful relationships and developing business and has held a number of senior roles and non-executive posts, both professional and voluntary. An ardent supporter of continual professional development, he not only likes to challenge himself but also helps others to improve themselves and their positions. William is a consultative leader who lives by the mantra of ‘do unto others as you would have done unto you’ and believes in not asking others to do something that he hasn’t done, or would not be prepared to do himself. His leadership style is one that demonstrates a practical approach as well as decisive and supportive encouragement.

Who has inspired you?

Paul Murray - A university lecturer of mine who encouraged me to focus on people.

How would you describe your leadership style in three words?

Consultative, coaching, confident.

What makes a successful leader?

To have empathy with those around you and the courage to make difficult decisions.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

Communication is key to everything, and listening is the biggest part of that.

Hopefully that all makes a bit of sense and resonates with the readership! I am grateful to have been asked and hope that I can continue to help others as I try to further my own new career.

If you’d like to ask more questions then please drop me a line.