Troublemaking to Trailblazing: My journey into Leadership Development

As I reflect on my journey as a global leadership trainer and public speaker, I see two key qualities that have shaped who I am: a deep-seated confidence and a willingness to ask tough questions. These traits have sometimes been viewed as cocky or disruptive, but they’ve played a fundamental role in my growth. I want to share my story with you—especially if you’re still navigating school, college, or your first job search—so you can find inspiration and resilience in your own journey.

Early Challenges

I grew up in Luton, attending a secondary school in a challenging neighbourhood. My school was struggling, facing closure under OFSTED Special Measures and underperforming academically with a pass rate of 27%. Out of about 120 students in my year, only 40 of us were predicted to achieve five GCSEs. Many of my exams were self-taught, and I often found myself in inclusion rooms due to my "challenging behavior." I was considered a troublemaker; but I think I was simply bored and misunderstood.

Fortunately, I had a fantastic Head of Year who recognized my potential. He consistently reminded me that I had what it took to succeed, even if I found myself in detention more often than not. Those three words—“you have potential”—stayed with me and helped shape my resilience.

Although my GCSE results weren’t stellar, they reflected the context of my education rather than my abilities. Moving on to Sixth Form College felt daunting; most of my friends didn’t follow me, and I had to forge my own path. After being removed from my initial A-Level choice of Maths for “poor behavior,” I switched to English Language. That experience taught me the importance of adaptability and seizing new opportunities, even if they weren’t what I initially wanted.

Discovering My Passion

College was a turning point. I immersed myself in various activities, from sports to media competitions. I realized early on that I learn best through hands-on experiences. This trial-and-error approach instilled a sense of confidence in me. Even when I faced the possibility of failure, I often viewed myself as capable and ready to give it my all. It’s crucial to remember that trying and failing is better than never trying at all.

When I applied to university, I was still uncertain about my future. I was curious about social issues like crime and poverty, and I ended up at the London School of Economics (LSE), studying Social Policy, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. My choice wasn’t deeply researched; I simply picked a university based on its ranking. The lesson here? Always do your research—it can significantly affect your decisions.

Initially, university felt overwhelming. I struggled to connect with my peers and often found myself longing for familiarity. I chose to wear a headscarf during this time, which brought its own set of challenges and biases. I soon realized I felt unprepared compared to my peers, many of whom had impressive academic backgrounds and varied experiences. But I soon understood that my own life experiences gave me a unique perspective that was equally valuable.

Finding My Voice

At university, I discovered my passion for advocacy and change. I thought I wanted to be a journalist, so I pursued internships in media companies. However, these experiences revealed that I preferred being the one to create the news rather than report on it. I found my voice in student activism, giving speeches and running for positions within the student union. I became the first British Muslim woman elected as the Education and Welfare Officer at LSE Students’ Union.

This was a significant achievement for me, showing that I could make a difference and just needed to seize the opportunity. It reinforced my belief that your voice matters, and that sharing your experiences can inspire others.

Navigating the Job Market

After university, I secured a placement in the Home Office but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. Bored and unhappy, I made the difficult decision to cut the placement short. This was the first work placement I actually cried in –ironically because I felt a deep sense of wasting my potential here. Sometimes, listening to your gut is essential. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to pivot and explore new paths.

Through a conversation with a friend, I discovered community organizing. I decided to campaign for living wages for cleaners, which led me to organize a fundraising dinner to support my salary for other community issues. This unconventional approach showcased my determination to carve my own path. Where there is a will there is a way. Many didn’t believe I could pull this off, but once I shared my passion and my motivations with my community many took a chance on me for which I am grateful. I still have relationships with those initial doubters who were in the community and didn’t believe “some jumped up kid from Luton who went to LSE would stick around in East London” – 15 years on I still live in the community and I’m still active in many campaigns. We now laugh about those conversations which were tough to hear at the time but made me more resilient and determined to succeed.

Today, I work as a leadership trainer, and deliver programmes to leaders all over the world dedicated to helping others unlock their potential. I have a deep love for the under-dog and for the troublemakers who make my job hard and who question and agitate me in a good way. I smile because I see myself in them. My advice is if you are one of them never lose yourself and your spirit rather take that energy and embrace your passion because there are few people like you out there. I share my journey to inspire you to find yours, reminding you that resilience and adaptability can turn obstacles into stepping stones.

Key Takeaways and Advice

If you’re currently searching for your first job or apprenticeship, here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging yet exciting time:

1. Embrace Your Unique Story: Everyone has a background that shapes their perspective. Share your experiences—they can offer insights that others may not have.
2. Stay Curious: Explore different paths, even if they seem unrelated to your current interests. You may discover passions you never knew you had.
3. Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to seek out information or clarification. Asking questions shows engagement and a desire to learn.
4. Be Adaptable: Sometimes, the path you set out on may not be the right one. Be open to change and willing to pivot when necessary.
5. Network: Connect with mentors, peers, and professionals in your desired field. Networking can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
6. Gain Experience: Look for internships, volunteer positions, or even part-time jobs that may not be your dream role but can help you build skills and connections.
7. Believe in Yourself: Confidence plays a vital role in your journey. Trust in your abilities, and don’t shy away from putting yourself forward for opportunities.
8. Learn from Rejection: Every “no” is a chance to learn and grow. Don’t take it personally; instead, use it as motivation to improve and try again.
9. Stay Resilient: The job market can be tough, but persistence is key. Keep pushing forward, and don’t lose sight of your goals.
10. Make the Most of Your First Job: When you land that first role, approach it with a learning mindset. Seek feedback, ask questions, and be proactive in your development.

Conclusion

Your journey may be filled with challenges, but each experience can shape your future. Embrace your uniqueness, seek out opportunities, and don’t hesitate to ask the tough questions. Resilience is not just about bouncing back; it’s about forging ahead with courage and determination. I hope my story inspires you to discover and embrace your own path, knowing that you, too, have the potential to trailblaze your way to success.

 

Ruhana Ali

Leadership, Development, Facilitator, Community Organiser, Expert Relationship Builder , Diversity and Inclusion Agitator, Fencer - All views are my own

You can find out more and connect with Ruhana on LinkedIn.