Shona Flemming | Transformational Leadership and Leading From Purpose

In this episode we’re joined by Shona Flemming who is the CEO of ScotsCare, the charity for Scots in London and the CEO of Borderline – the only charity in London specifically set up to support homeless Scots.

 

Shona is originally from Glasgow where she worked for Social Services until moving to London in 2002. At that time, she joined ScotsCare, who in 2009 partnered with Borderline to provide a range of services for vulnerable Scots across London.  

 

Since then, Shona has been involved in managing and developing ScotsCare’s and Borderline’s client services to meet the complex needs of Scots in London. What’s more, during her time at ScotsCare, she’s worked at every level in the organisation… from being on the very front line, to now being the Chief Exec.

 

This topic – how you move between roles and manage those people who were once your peers – is one of the things we explored in this episode.

 

We also spoke about the challenge of switching off when you’re so passionate about what you do, some of the leadership lessons she’s learned throughout her career and some of the mistakes she’s made along the way.

 

On top of this we touched on mental health in the workplace and how that links with homelessness and her thoughts on the most important qualities leaders need to demonstrate right now.

 

Before we get into the episode though I have an ad from one of our sponsors, estarli.

 

Before we get into the episode I have an ad for you from our very first sponsor – a brand that I’m incredibly excited to talk about. Partly because they’re based in my hometown and partly because I love what they do and create.

 

Let me introduce you to estarli, an alternative transport solutions company making electric bikes.

 

They say their eBikes are for everywhere and in my view, they’re also for everyone.

 

If I’m totally honest, when electric bikes first hit the market, I was pretty skeptical and dismissive of them as an avid road biker… but that says more about my thinking at the time than the bikes.

 

Having spent the last week using one to commute to and from my office, I’m now a huge fan. The addition of the motor means that I can quickly and easily get to and from work without being sweaty, and a little disheveled when I get there!

 

And let’s face it, the two-mile trip each way pedaling on a standard bike isn’t really going to touch the sides in terms of building fitness for my next 100mile race! 

 

The e20 model is light yet sturdy and foldable yet stylish, and I love it because it comes in orange, amongst other colours.

 

It’s got a 50km range, Shimano 7 speed gear set, 5 power modes, and a removable battery for easy charging.

 

It also comes with 20-inch wheels, chunky tyres, disc brakes as well as being road legal and available on cycle schemes. And the best thing? It doesn’t even look like an eBike!

 

Our friends over at estarli are giving you a free helmet with your order when you use the discount code, ‘benmorton’ – all lower case – and we’ve included the web link in the show notes below.

 

But for now, let’s get back to this episode and my conversation with Shona Flemming.