From Member to Trustee: Oliver Rendell’s Leadership Journey

"You don’t need to wait until somebody calls you a leader before you start investing in your leadership."

- Oliver Rendell

Oliver Rendell’s career has never been a perfectly planned ladder. 

He joined the pharmaceutical industry at 18 without a grand career plan and, twenty years later, he’s still there. Along the way, he’s built a career around strategy, relationships, operational decision-making and leading across organisational and geographical boundaries. 

But his professional life is only part of the story. 

Alongside his role at Ethypharm, Oliver is Chair of Trustees at CLAPA, a Trustee and Interim Deputy Chair of The Institute of Leadership, an ICF-accredited coach, Co-Leader of the Essex ICF Group and a mentor to young people through Kids Inspire.  

He’s completed two degrees and a Master’s and is currently studying for an MBA. 

Through it all, The Institute has been a constant for the past 15 years, from the early stages of his leadership development to becoming a Fellow, being named Advocate of the Year and now helping to shape the organisation as a Trustee. 

"I strongly believe leadership is a service, not status."

- Oliver Rendell

"I wanted to become a better leader."

- Oliver Rendell

"I wanted to become a better leader. I was looking for a professional community that could help me develop my thinking, expose me to different perspectives and give me a framework for continuing to learn throughout my career.

When I joined The Institute, I was still building my career in pharma and working out what kind of leader I wanted to become. Since then, I’ve moved through increasingly senior and international roles.  

Today I combine a Group pharmaceutical leadership role with trusteeship, charity leadership, coaching, mentoring and ongoing study. 

Initially my motivation to join was all about improving my knowledge, confidence and practical leadership development. Over time, what I’ve valued just as much is the community: meeting people from different sectors, testing my thinking and being reminded that leadership development never really finishes."

Standout moments  

"Being named The Institute’s 2024 Advocate of the Year was a very special moment, I still remember sitting in disbelief when I heard my name called out!  

Becoming a trustee more recently feels like an equally amazing highlight of the journey so far. To move from joining as someone simply trying to become a better leader to helping govern an organisation that has supported my development for around 15 years is a real privilege." 

What are your favourite things about membership?  

"The people and the breadth of perspectives. I have made some real friends over the years since joining.  

Resources and events are valuable, but conversations with leaders from completely different sectors often challenge your assumptions in ways that a textbook cannot.  

I also value the opportunity to give back, particularly by supporting and mentoring emerging and younger leaders."

Has there been a conversation, event, or resource that has changed how you think?    

“Rather than one single resource, it has been the accumulation of conversations and exposure to different leadership perspectives.  

The Institute has reinforced my belief that leadership is not something you ‘complete’; it requires continual reflection, curiosity and development.” 

Have you met anyone through the Institute that’s influenced your journey?   

“The IoL network has introduced me to leaders with very different experiences and ways of thinking.  

A conversation with Ed Haddon (Author of The Modern Maverick) had a real impact on my journey, and how I viewed my impact on the world."

"Leadership is better when we learn from one another."

- Oliver Rendell

"Speaking to younger employees of The IoL, such as Lydia and Laura, gives me real hope and trust that there is still passion for leadership in the younger generations.  

These relationships have helped me challenge my own assumptions, broaden my perspective and recognise how much leadership is learned through conversation and community, not just formal development.” 

On reflection  

“I’m much more comfortable now with not having every answer. Early in my leadership career, I felt I needed to be the expert in the room. Today I see my role as asking better questions, creating clarity and enabling others to find solutions."

"I’m much more comfortable now with not having every answer."

- Oliver Rendell

"I’m also much more willing to step into situations where I feel slightly out of my depth, because experience has taught me that discomfort is often where the greatest growth happens.”

"Discomfort is often where the greatest growth happens."

- Oliver Rendell

What opportunities have you had since joining The IoL?  

“The Institute has become an important part of my wider portfolio life. Fellowship, being recognised as Advocate of the Year, and now trusteeship have all created opportunities to contribute, connect with others and support the next generation of leaders.” 

Has your membership benefited your team or organisation?   

“Yes. The learning and perspectives I gain through the Institute inevitably come back into my professional and voluntary roles.  

Exposure to different sectors makes me question assumptions, approach problems differently and think more broadly about leadership, governance, culture and people.  

I have also advocated for others to join the IoL and gain the same network and learning opportunities I have had.” 

Looking to the future  

“I’m continuing to develop myself as a rounded individual to set me up for the next step in my career.  

I’m completing my MBA, developing further as a coach and leader, contributing to the Institute as a trustee, and continuing my charity and mentoring work."

"You do not need to have your entire career mapped out at 18 or 21. Careers can be assembled from experiences, relationships and opportunities."

- Oliver Rendell

"If we all joined and gave nothing… there would be nothing for anyone else to take!"

- Oliver Rendell