Humble Beginning

I’ve always believed that leadership is about more than just directing teams—it’s about growth, resilience, and being a constant learner. But it wasn't until I participated in small group sessions led by Dennise Hilliman that I truly understood the depth of this idea. Dennise possesses an almost magical ability to inspire those around her. Her unique blend of challenge and support pushed me to a place I had never been before. It’s like she has a kind of "magic dust" that rubs off on people, empowering you to rise to your full potential and to push past your self-imposed limits.

Goal

When I first started these sessions, my goal was simple: to become a better leader in my role as an Operational Resilience Manager at Santander UK. But what I didn’t expect was how deeply these sessions would impact my personal growth. I realized that leadership isn’t just about managing processes—it’s about inspiring others, leading by example, and refusing to let yourself down. Through Dennise’s guidance, I gained the confidence to challenge myself, overcome obstacles, and foster a mindset of resilience in both my career and personal life.

Challenge

Like many professionals, I’ve faced my share of challenges—especially in my role, where operational resilience is key. There were times when the pressure seemed too much to bear, and the idea of letting go or giving in was tempting. But the LEAD program, especially Dennise's sessions, taught me that letting yourself down is not an option. The powerful mix of support and challenge made it clear that resilience is about facing adversity head-on, learning from it, and using those lessons to keep pushing forward. These lessons have given me the courage to take on challenges with renewed vigor and to lead my team with a deep sense of purpose.

How LEAD Curriculum Helped Her

What stood out to me most from the LEAD Curriculum was the concept of balancing support with challenge. Dennise’s approach was a perfect example of how to create an environment where people feel encouraged to push beyond their comfort zones while also feeling supported and safe to do so. Through these sessions, I learned how to manage stress, harness my resilience, and bring those lessons back to my work in ways that have directly impacted my team and how we face challenges together. The leadership mindset I’ve developed through LEAD is one that revolves around accountability, integrity, and the courage to act when things get tough.

Current Success

Since going through the LEAD program, I’ve experienced significant personal and professional growth. I now approach challenges with a mindset that I can handle whatever comes my way, and I work to inspire my team to adopt the same mindset. The lessons I learned in those small group sessions with Dennise have fundamentally changed the way I lead, and I’m excited to bring those lessons into my work every day at Santander UK. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about continuing to move forward, no matter the obstacles.