Transitioning into a leadership role can feel both exciting and daunting. Whether you’re stepping up in your current organisation, pivoting industries, or redefining your career path, the right mindset and skills are crucial for success. 

To help guide you through this journey, we spoke with Nahdia Khan, Director at Tasir. As an executive coach, leadership strategist, and business advisor with extensive experience as a senior leader in both corporate and consultancy settings, she shares her insights on building confidence, enhancing executive presence, and making a lasting impact as a leader.

Hi Nahdia, please can you share more about your background and why helping people thrive as leaders is important to you?

With over two decades leading strategic learning initiatives and executive coaching across sectors, I've always been passionate about helping leaders unlock their potential. From my role as Chief Impact Officer at Mind Tools to consulting for global brands, my work consistently focuses on translating complexity into clarity—enabling leaders to thrive amidst change.

What are the biggest challenges people face when stepping into leadership roles, and how can they overcome them?

The biggest challenges often include self-doubt, transitioning from expert/individual contributor to influencer, and building trust quickly. Leaders can overcome these by developing self-awareness, actively seeking feedback, and prioritising authentic connections to build credibility from day one. The transition of ‘buddy to boss’ can also be challenging, colleagues that were previously peers, you now have to lead and in some cases challenge. 

How can aspiring leaders build confidence and executive presence, especially if they struggle with self-doubt?

Confidence is built through action and reflection. I advise aspiring leaders to embrace opportunities outside their comfort zone, learn from successes and setbacks, and consistently reflect on their impact. Coaching and mentoring can also provide critical support in this journey. No one arrives at being a leader, it is an iterative process of build, test and learn. 

What strategies do you recommend for someone looking to pivot into leadership roles in a different industry?

In my early career, I was fortunate to work at the intersection of the public and private sector organising secondments for senior civil servants and business leaders.  I would recommend focusing on transferable skills like strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and stakeholder management. Demonstrate leadership through volunteering for cross-functional projects or networks to build credibility and gain relevant industry insights quickly.

How can new leaders develop a strong personal leadership style while balancing organisational expectations?

Developing a leadership style requires clarity on your core values and strengths. Aligning these with organisational objectives ensures consistency and authenticity. Communication is key—clearly articulate your approach and demonstrate how it delivers organisational value. A strong personal leadership style doesn’t translate to only being directive, but more about being clear, focused and open to collaboration. 

What role does emotional intelligence play in effective leadership, and how can professionals cultivate it?

Emotional intelligence is foundational—it enhances empathy, communication, and team effectiveness. Professionals can cultivate it through reflective practice, seeking regular feedback and consciously developing empathy by actively listening and showing genuine curiosity about their teams and the development of their managers. 

What are some common misconceptions about leadership that you believe hold people back?

The biggest misconceptions include believing leaders must have all the answers or always appear strong. Effective leadership is about vulnerability, continuous learning, and empowering others rather than showcasing perfection. 

Be authentically you. Understand your strengths and lead from a place of genuine self-awareness. People respond positively to authenticity, and it lays a strong foundation for impactful leadership.

How can people demonstrate leadership qualities before they officially step into a leadership role?

Leadership isn't about the title. Demonstrate it through initiative, effective collaboration, and proactively solving problems. Volunteer for challenging projects, support your peers, and articulate a clear vision for improvements.

What practical steps can new leaders take to build trust and credibility with their teams from day one?

Be transparent, approachable, and consistent. Clearly communicate your intentions, listen actively, and show immediate commitment to addressing team challenges. Demonstrate reliability through follow-through on commitments from the outset and be confident and comfortable to pivot if required, your teams will respect you more for it. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone preparing for their first leadership position, what would it be?

Take the time to cascade communications.  Bringing your teams along with you requires winning both ‘hearts and minds’.  You may have very justifiable reasons for taking a business decision but issuing it as an edict isn’t going to get you anywhere.