For Jason, commitment to anti-racism and equity isn't about 'shelf development', where institutional training ticks boxes but gathers dust has little impact. He wants to see an intentional drive to create meaningful change. As a Black leader, Jason feels he has an important contribution to make. He describes wanting to lead authentically, challenge the norms and have the courage to advocate for change.
"For me as a Black man, I value being a visible role model because diversity strengthens leadership and society. There are not many [Black leaders], so I take seriously the opportunity and challenge. I particularly enjoy coaching people who are on their leadership journey."
Jason's story
Jason speaks with passion about his love of sport from a young age. This passion has acted as a beacon for Jason's career choices, motivations and values. Jason's commitment to service has always been strong, rooted in where he grew up and the love and values of his parents.
Jason's first job was with a local authority, learning so much by working across different teams and services. It was in this first role that he started to understand and appreciate the difference sport and physical activity could have on the lives of a wide range of people, which went on to shape the rest of his career. At the same time, Jason was competing at an international level as a sprinter. He reflects on the insight this gave him into the dedication and discipline needed to be an elite athlete, values he's adopted throughout his life.
Jason went on to work in different roles and places, building experience and working hard on developing his network. He worked for British Athletics, the sport he loved the most, and his career was taking off.
"My leadership principles are based firmly on honesty and authenticity. Building trusted relationships is the bedrock of who I am. I prioritise this over anything else."
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Leader wellbeing
Jason takes care of his wellbeing by:
- Taking breaks and finding moments for reflection.
- Prioritising family and friends.
- Exercising and coaching.
- Long walks with the dog and having time to think.
- Fully trusting his team and distributing the leadership.
"A day off from training is as good as a training session. A break is as good as a meeting."
Facing challenges
Jason's leadership journey hasn't been without its challenges. Here he reflects on four key ones:
Balancing strategic work with operational delivery
Jason uses the metaphor of the balcony and the dance floor. At work, he's committed to spending equal time on both. The balcony is the high level political and strategic environment, critical to achieving the change he wants. The dance floor is the reality of lived experience, understanding the aspirations and adversity of the people and communities that he's working so hard to support. He feels strongly that spending time on both is crucial to his role.
Navigating complex systems
Active Essex and Sport England need to work across multiple systems. He finds it very challenging to understand the cultures, structures and languages of wider sectors, from health to criminal justice, from social care to education.
He operates in the middle of some of the most seismic changes this country has seen in recent times in terms of NHS reform, devolution and local government reform. But he knows it's essential to immerse himself in these different systems in order for him and his work to be effective.
Tackling systemic inequalities through culture change
Jason is able to use his experience to be a leader in tackling inequalities. He leads a large team committed to challenging inequality by nurturing honest conversations that challenge language and behaviours, creating environments that are more inclusive, safe and fair.
Time management
Jason has high energy levels that drive his passion to continually make a difference. He's very aware that this can impact on his time for family, friends and himself. He works hard on distributed leadership and delegating important roles to his trusted team. He has regular coaching from a mentor who gives him the tools to prioritise more effectively. He will not compromise on the allotted time he dedicates to his friends and family and loves his dog walks as time to reflect on his own.
Jason's top tips
Progress moves at the speed of trust - no matter how quickly you want results or change, it won't happen if you haven't spent the time to build trusting relationships.
Say yes to the mess - this work is often complex, with no straight lines or simple answers. Embrace the chaos, it will start to make sense and be enjoyable.
Go where the energy is - if organisations or people are not interest in what you're saying or trying to achieve, don't waste your energy on them. Move on to those who share your vision for change.
Hold your nerve - courage is so important but it's hard. Stand up to people who are dismissive. A strong mix of courage and empathy are the essential ingredients we need now to make progress in these most complex and challenging times.
"We've come a long way as a sport and physical activity sector in the past 20 years. We must work together and continually share our learning to create the change that we all want to see."
In this segment we asked the last leader we spoke to, to leave a question for the next: Relating to tackling inequalities, what's the best piece of advice you've ever been given and how have you acted on it?
"Remember, culture is defined by the worst behaviour you or your organisation are prepared to tolerate."
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