IWD 2024 - Mia Manson-Bishop

A short paragraph about your career journey leading to where you are now.

I left university with a degree in Marketing and quickly realised that I had a passion for people and customer service. 

My personal circumstances allowed me to move around for roles, which has no doubt benefited my progression.  My early career was very leadership focused and I learnt how to lead large teams across multiple sites, languages, and channels.  I have worked in many operationally complex businesses and understand detail and the demands, and mostly importantly what’s required to execute and deliver strategy. 

My current role as Club Experience and Membership Director at David Lloyd Clubs perfectly combines all of my strengths and passions - an Exec-level, customer-centric leadership role representing the voice of all our lovely members, working collaboratively with people I truly like. All in a culturally aligned, inclusive and value aligned business, which continues to inspire and motivate me to give my best.

What inspired you to pursue a leadership role?

I’ve always been driven by a desire to make things happen and change things for the better.   I realised very early on in my career that being a leader enabled me to do this and make a meaningful difference. 

How did you develop your leadership skills?

Always being open to learning, asking for feedback and acknowledging successes and failures, which the latter often provide the best development opportunities.  Lastly, knowing that only you are responsible for your own development, so it’s up to you to make it happen. 

I also hate being told I can’t do something – it just motivates me to do it. 

How do you define your leadership style?

I try to be as collaborative and inclusive as possible, and I have a supportive and respectful, yet challenging style.  I am comfortable making decisions and am accountable when things don’t go to plan.  My South-African and Greek roots means that I tend to call a spade a spade but know that sometimes only a shovel will do! 

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Encouraging and asking for people’s input or opinions especially those with different views and most importantly really listen and being open to these different views or ways of thinking. You don’t have to do everything that everyone says, but always stop, listen, consider, and build on ideas. If challenged, really think about the ‘why’ and be brave to change if it’s the right thing to do.   

Have you achieved everything you wanted in your career so far? 

Absolutely not. Achievement is about personal growth and that never stops.  Having the ability to develop yourself, your team and others is a privilege and a journey. 

How do you prioritise tasks when everything feels like a priority?

Take time to myself to reflect and really think about what’s important, who can support me and what I can do to make the biggest difference and impact.  Those things don’t always equate to your current priorities. 

What does success mean for you as a business leader?

Making things happen and seeing your team develop into inspirational leaders. 

What advice would you give to someone starting off their career as a future business leader?

Find a career that you enjoy and company that aligns with your values as it won’t feel like work.  Listen and learn from everyone around you and find the bits that make you your best.