LEADer Champion since November 1, 2024
GURJEET NANRA Operational Resilience / Compliance Manager at Santander UK

Humble Beginning

My journey into service-based leadership began as a challenge to rethink what success truly means. Growing up, I learned early on that success is not just about personal achievement but about serving others and making an impact. As I navigated the complexities of my career, I was forced to confront my own strengths and weaknesses in dealing with people and projects. This self-reflection has been an essential part of my growth.

Goal

The path to leadership is not always straightforward. At times, it has meant stepping into the unknown and embracing challenges. Through the LEAD program, I’ve come to understand that true leadership is about embracing vulnerability, reflecting on personal experiences, and sharing those with others. My goal has been to inspire others to unlock their potential, to lead with empathy, and to encourage them to be open to continuous learning and growth.

Challenge

Leadership can be a lonely journey. It’s easy to doubt yourself when facing difficult decisions or navigating complex projects. Early in my career, I struggled with finding the right balance between professionalism and personal authenticity. However, through the LEAD Curriculum, I gained the confidence to embrace my imperfections, to connect with others on a human level, and to truly listen to their stories. The opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and tackle challenges together has been invaluable in shaping my approach to leadership.

How LEAD Curriculum Helped Him

The LEAD Curriculum has been instrumental in reshaping my mindset. It introduced me to the power of inclusivity, diversity, and collaboration. Working alongside a diverse range of individuals, I learned that we each bring unique perspectives to the table, and these perspectives are the key to solving complex issues. LEAD also gave me the tools to understand the importance of Willingness and the Growth Mindset, two vital principles that I now share with others in my professional and personal life.

A special thank you to Dennise Hilliman for running the TheLEADMINDSET under the SocialMobility program at Santander. This initiative has enabled me to guide young individuals on their journey toward self-awareness and leadership.

Current Success

Currently, as an Operational Resilience / Compliance Manager at Santander UK, I am proud to implement the lessons I’ve learned through LEAD. I’ve had the opportunity to share valuable insights on topics such as Willingness and the Growth Mindset to empower young people and help them see the potential for personal and professional development. This work has not only enriched my own career but has also inspired those around me to step up and embrace leadership in their own lives.

I owe a great deal to my incredible coach and mentor, Victoria Mansueto, whose support has helped me unlock my inner calling and find my true path in leadership.