By Jun Kit Man, Digital Media Manager
In the latest episode of "In Conversation with," we had the privilege of sitting down with Wendy Williams CBE, a seasoned solicitor and an inspiring figure in the realm of public service.
The series, known for its deep dives into the lives and careers of influential figures, aims to shed light on the experiences, insights, and wisdom these individuals have gathered over the years. This week, the spotlight was on Williams, whose illustrious career and unique perspective on teamwork, collaboration, and leadership provided a wealth of knowledge for our audience.
Wendy Williams CBE is no stranger to the challenges and rewards of public service. With over 32 years of experience as a practicing solicitor, she has navigated the legal landscape with an unwavering commitment to justice and a keen understanding of the importance of collaboration. Williams' journey began in a law center, volunteering her skills before moving into private practice in a small firm in London, where she specialized in criminal law and childcare law. Her dedication and expertise eventually led her to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the national prosecuting authority in England and Wales. Here, she rose through the ranks to become a Chief Crown Prosecutor, responsible for prosecutions in Northumbria, Durham, and Cleveland.
However, Williams' career didn't stop there. For the past nine years, she has been inspecting the police and fire service, a role she describes as giving her a sense of making a difference. In 2018, she was tasked with a critical assignment: to review the Windrush scandal. Balancing this significant responsibility alongside her regular role, Williams demonstrated her exceptional ability to manage multiple tasks whilst maintaining a focus on the objectives at hand.
Throughout her career, Williams has championed the values of teamwork, collaboration, and leadership. She thrives in environments where everyone feels they're contributing, and ideas are shared freely. "I'm never too proud to catch," she says, emphasizing the importance of being open to others' ideas and contributions. She also recognizes the richness that diversity brings to a team, and as a leader, she makes it a point to surround herself with people who look, think, and work differently than her.
Williams' approach to leadership is grounded in authenticity, humility, and empowerment. She believes that leaders should acknowledge that they don't know everything and should be open to learning. "I'm not a neuroscientist, so don't pretend to be a neuroscientist. You know these are the skills that I have and I think I'm becoming increasingly clear about the skills that I do have. But I'm also sufficiently humble. To recognize that these are the skills that I don't have but just because I don't have the skill doesn't mean I can't learn it. So, you know, be open to having your whole way of thinking. Having your mind open," she says.
One of the key aspects of her leadership style is the empowerment of her staff. "But also I had to provide sufficient support so as to empower members of the team to do what they needed to do and that's where things like, you know, what is the culture that you inculcate? You know what, what sort of culture do you establish? What culture?" she adds. Williams believes in creating an environment where her team members feel trusted and empowered, which she sees as crucial for effective teamwork and collaboration.
In a world where teamwork and collaboration are increasingly important, Wendy Williams CBE' insights serve as a valuable lesson. Her experiences remind us that no one is an island, and success often comes from the collective effort of diverse individuals working towards a common goal. Whether you're a leader or a team member, there's something to learn from Williams' journey – a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of authentic leadership, and the impact one can make through public service.
