Name: Shaun Scandling

Title: Managing Director

Organisation: HDI Global SA Limited

I have been in business for nearly 30 years now, having joined the workforce in 1996. At the time, I joined the insurance industry and have never left. My leadership journey started in 2007, and I have held management and executive roles since. Most importantly, I am married and have a wonderful family that supports me.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Shaun's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

For me, leadership is about leading people; the other aspects are management. The challenging aspects of leadership are getting them aligned with the vision and purpose, getting their buy-in, and keeping them motivated. Leaders only achieve because of the people.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

It was one of those "in the right place at the right time" stories. I had just joined a company as a senior underwriter, and in the month, I joined the manager of the department, and the person who recruited me resigned. So, one month in, I was the acting manager, and after a few months, the role was made permanent. It was a steep learning curve but an opportunity that presented itself to me, and I believe you take your opportunities. Take some risks early on in your career.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Most days, I get up at 5 am to read the bible and pray, and then I do my physical activity, whatever that might be for the day. I then have breakfast with the family before getting ready for work.

I usually listen to an audio book or podcast while driving to work and am at work by eight.

I use MS Teams planner for my tasks that I need to do and so generally look at my day there and my calendar before getting into it. I like to be organized and prioritize correctly; a messy desk, a messy mind.

Most days, I take leave work between 4 and 4:30 so that I can have dinner with my family. If I need to work again, I will do so after dinner.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

It is something I learned as a leader from a very senior person at the time. He said that people want leaders who make decisions. Nobody wants uncertainty, particularly from a leader. Secondly, is to know and accept that as a leader, when you make decisions, they may sometimes be wrong; that comes with the territory.

There is a final part to this. You can change your mind. If you have get better information that you were not privy to before, then you can make new and better decisions.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

It's a book called Extreme Ownership by Joko Willink and Leif Babin, who are ex-SEAL team members. The concept is something they used in the SEAL teams, and they describe how to use that concept in business.

It really gave me an understanding of how teams can work together to cover broader areas of responsibility by empowering people, taking accountability as leaders, and prioritizing the right things, among other lessons. It really resonated with me, and so it was easy for me to introduce it into my leadership style.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

I have found over the years that reluctant leaders or leaders who lead with purpose are the best leaders. Ask yourself why you want to be a leader. What are your motivations to become a leader?

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

In all honesty, I do not have one meaningful story. It is the little things that matter. The one-on-one coffees with people in the office. Watching how a person you have coached or mentored succeeds. It is seeing the people in the office working hard and being motivated, believing in the vision, and celebrating success. Leadership is like life, it is made up of many moments.