Celebrating Impact: Neslyn Watson-Druée

What can I even begin to say about the indefatigable Dame Neslyn?

I ask because anything I say about this amazing lady might sound over-the-top, exaggerated, or even trite. But what makes Neslyn so remarkable, is the quiet, authoritative and simply superlative way she has achieved her recurring success, while empowering others to do the same, and taking so many people with her in the process. When we talk about makin an 'impact', her life is an epitome of that.

You cannot resist being influenced, or affected, by Neslyn's warm, kind, empathetic, supportive and genuinely caring manner. I had the good fortune to meet her when I was producing the British Diversity Awards (to recognise diversity inclusivity) for which she was nominated - and won - on several occasions, eventually becoming a judge of the event and one of the most enthusiastic cheerleader for it. She saw the value of those awards as an empowering force much earlier than many people, and wanted them be maintained. She was like a tireless rock with everyone else's waves washing over her, and I seldom heard her complain. At times I was just awestruck by her energy, patience in building her small business and motivating others, her resilience in fighting, and overcoming, some of the injustices and adversities she faced, her loyalty, and sheer humanity.

Dame Neslyn Watson-Druée, CBE FRCN FCGIDr, is a dynamic public speaker, of international renown, who "articulates the behaviours and characteristics of successful leaders". A multi-award winner, writer, Business Psychologist and CEO of Neslyn.com and Beacon Organisational Development, she uses her Unique Business System: The Leaders’ Code™ with corporate organisations to: "change organisational culture, demonstrate courage, show commitment, develop creativity, challenge issues and care about people". 

According to the Florence Nightingale Foundation, "Neslyn has a long track record in nursing and the NHS as a former nurse, midwife, health visitor, health promotion officer, deputy director of nurse education and non-executive director in the NHS, including 10 years as Chair of NHS Kingston. Her work formed the foundations for the NHS Breakthrough Programme and subsequently the current NHS Leadership Academy."

It is clear that through her own determination, and shrewd insight at what was lacking in developing NHS personnel, Neslynshe has come a long way, has established her presence very step of the way, in her quiet, dignified very competent manner.

In recognition of her work, Neslyn has received over 25 awards, including four separate honours from both Queen Elizabeth and King Charles: the first, a Medal for Innovation in 2013, followed by an MBE, a CBE, and most recently this year, was created a Dame by the King. Apart from those public accolades, her other awards include: Woman of the Decade in Community Leadership and Social Change, from the Women's Economic Forum; Inaugural Best 100 Global Coaching Leaders at the World Human Resources Congress 2017; Honorary Doctorates from Bradford and Birmingham City Universities; and a National Training Award from the Government Office for London.

I have learnt a lot from my association with Neslyn over many years, and am particularly thrilled to see her consistent, and quietly confident advancement over that time, in one way or other. A real trailblazer, she has impacted the lives of hundreds of people through her speaking, training, and genuine interest in the wellbeing of others. I doubt if I have done her justice with this tribute, as you really have to know her to appreciate her her work and achievements. But this is meant to give a snapshot of her power and social effect, as she will always be my hero! If it is goes some way to demonstrating that, I am happy!

Tribute #10