Why leadership development never stops

Ahead of the Festival of Trusteeship, IoL trustee Oliver Rendell reflects on what trusteeship really means, how it’s helped his journey, and why investing in leadership development should never stop.

When I joined the Institute of Leadership around 15 years ago, if someone had told me that one day I would not only become a Fellow, but also serve as one of its trustees, I'd probably have thought they were having me on.

I simply wanted to become a better leader.

Like many people early in their careers, I was trying to work out not just what I wanted to do, but who I wanted to become. I quickly realised that leadership isn't something you master overnight. It's a journey of continual learning, reflection and growth.

Fifteen years later, having had the privilege of becoming a Fellow, being recognised as the Institute's 2024 Advocate of the Year, and now serving as a trustee, I can honestly say the journey has been every bit as valuable as the milestones themselves.

Leadership is a journey, not just a destination

Throughout my career in the pharmaceutical industry, I've been fortunate to work with incredible people, take on new challenges and learn from both successes and setbacks. Alongside my professional role, I've also had the opportunity to serve as Chair of Trustees for CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Action), mentor young people through Kids Inspire and, more recently, become Co-Leader of the Essex ICF Group.

Every one of those experiences has reinforced the same lesson: leadership is never finished. Every new role teaches you something, and every leadership experience is different.

That's one of the reasons Fellowship means so much to me.

For me, Fellowship isn't simply recognition of experience. It's a reminder that we all have a responsibility to keep learning, keep developing and, just as importantly, help others do the same by giving back.

After all, if we all joined the Institute simply to take something, and nobody gave anything back, there would be very little left for anyone.

That mindset has been invaluable as I've stepped into trusteeship.

What trusteeship has taught me

Being a trustee is about much more than attending board meetings. It's about helping shape the future of an organisation, asking thoughtful questions, offering support and constructive challenge in equal measure, and making decisions that genuinely make a difference. It's about recognising that you're not simply a name and photo on a website, but an active part of the wider team.

None of us arrives with all the answers, which is why continuous professional development matters so much.

The world of leadership continues to evolve. Technology is changing how we work, organisations are facing increasingly complex challenges, and expectations of leaders continue to grow. Staying curious and investing in our own development isn't optional; it's part of our responsibility to the people we lead and the organisations we serve.

The Institute has supported me in that.

Why The Institute of Leadership made a difference

Yes, there are excellent resources, events and professional development opportunities. But for me, the greatest value has always been the people.

Being part of a community of leaders from different sectors and backgrounds gives you fresh perspectives, honest conversations and a reminder that leadership is something we learn together.

That community has become even more valuable in my role as a trustee. Access to different experiences, viewpoints and ways of thinking helps us make better decisions and, ultimately, become better leaders.

Whether you're leading a team, building your career or serving as a trustee, having access to professional development and a supportive network makes an enormous difference.

Investing in yourself is always worthwhile

If there's one message I'd share with aspiring leaders and trustees, it's this: don't wait until you have the perfect job title before investing in your development.

Seek out opportunities to learn. Find mentors. Build your network. Be curious. Ask questions. Volunteer for experiences that stretch you.

Leadership isn't defined by a position. It's shaped by the choices you make every day to learn, support others and keep growing.

Looking back, joining the Institute was one of those choices for me. It has supported me through different stages of my career, challenged me to think differently and connected me with people who have inspired me along the way.

Now, as a trustee, I have the privilege of giving something back to an organisation that has played such an important part in my own development.

I hope that, in some small way, I can help create the same opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Today's members are tomorrow's Fellows, trustees and leaders, and every one of us starts in the same place: with a willingness to learn, contribute and grow together.

The Festival of Trusteeship

Oliver’s journey is a reminder that leadership development doesn’t stop when you reach a certain level, and neither does the opportunity to make a difference.

The Festival of Trusteeship celebrates the people putting their leadership, experience and expertise to work for organisations and communities they care about. It’s an opportunity to explore the role trustees play, share experiences and consider how your own skills could make a difference.

Whether you’re an experienced trustee, considering your first board role, or simply curious about what trusteeship could mean for you, you can join the event here.

And if Oliver’s story has you thinking about your own leadership journey, why not take the next step with The Institute of Leadership?Join a community of leaders committed to continual learning, development and giving back.