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What does it take to make partner in one of the world’s leading accountancy firms? Learn about leadership mindset from the inspiring career journey of Simon Olsen, partner at Deloitte, who shares his invaluable insights in this latest podcast episode from his 26 years of experience.
Simon discusses his path to leadership, highlighting the importance of boldness, determination, and the ability to adapt culturally in an ever-changing global landscape. With a wealth of experience working across diverse cultures, Simon reflects on how these experiences have shaped his leadership style and the significance of mentorship in both personal and professional growth. He emphasises the need for leaders to listen actively, understand their teams, and create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Join us as we explore practical strategies for stepping into leadership roles, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the necessity of building a strong, supportive team. Simon’s open and honest reflections on the challenges and rewards of leadership will resonate with listeners at every stage of their careers.
What you will learn in this episode:
- The importance of boldness and bravery in leadership.
- How to adapt your leadership style to different cultural contexts.
- Strategies for effective mentoring and team building.
- Recognising and overcoming imposter syndrome.
- The role of continuous learning and practice in developing leadership skills.
Reflection questions for you to consider:
- How can you apply boldness in your own leadership journey?
- What steps will you take to build a supportive team around you
Find out more:
Episode Overview:
The Leadership Mindset to Make Partner with Simon Olsen
What does it really take to make Partner in a global firm? Not only the technical know-how, but the mindset, the communication skills, and the courage to lead in an ever-changing, international landscape. Simon Olsen, Partner at Deloitte, shares what it takes to grow into a leadership role at the top of one of the world’s leading accountancy firms.
Simon brings over 26 years of experience to the table, and what he shares is deeply insightful thoughts about the leadership, communication, and cultural intelligence skills you need to develop and grow. His career journey offers both inspiration and ideas for anyone looking to progress in their global career and have a meaningful impact.
Leadership Begins with Boldness
One of the first lessons Simon shares is that leadership, particularly at the Partner level, requires boldness. It’s about having the confidence to make decisions, to challenge the status quo, and to back yourself even when it feels uncomfortable.
We often talk about bravery in the abstract, but Simon grounds it in the practical, speaking up in the room, being visible, and trusting your instinct about what’s right and wrong. Whether you’re at the start of your leadership journey or looking to step into more senior roles, cultivating this kind of courage is key.
Adapting to a Global Context
Having worked across multiple countries and cultures, Simon knows first-hand how vital cultural intelligence is to effective leadership. What works in London may fall flat in Singapore, and vice versa. Great leaders understand this and adapt, not by diluting who they are, but by listening more deeply, staying curious to learn what does work, and refining how they communicate.
This is especially relevant in today’s global work environment, where communication skills are as critical as technical expertise. Simon makes a compelling case for learning how to read the room, culturally, emotionally, and contextually, and tailoring your leadership style accordingly.
Mentorship is a Game-Changer
Another standout theme in our conversation is the value of mentorship, both receiving it and giving it. Simon speaks candidly about how mentors guided him, challenged him, and helped shape his career. He also importantly reflects on the responsibility leaders have to raise others as they climb their own paths.
Creating team cultures isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential. For leaders who want to build teams that thrive and are the right people to grow together, investing time in mentoring, listening, and developing others is a strategic move.
The Quiet Battle: Imposter Syndrome
Simon also opens up about imposter syndrome, a surprisingly common experience, and refreshingly shares that even the most senior people experience it. The difference is that high-performing leaders learn to manage it, rather than let it define them.
This part of our discussion will resonate with anyone who’s ever second-guessed themselves. Simon’s advice is grounded and refreshingly honest: keep stepping forward, keep learning, and don’t let self-doubt make decisions on your behalf.
Leadership is a Skill You Practice
Finally, a key insight from this episode is that leadership is not a fixed trait, it’s a mindset and skillset that evolves. It’s something you practise, refine, and grow into. Simon underscores the importance of continuous development, not only in the technical aspects of your role, but in your mindset, communication, and ability to lead others.
For anyone serious about long-term career growth, this is a crucial reminder. No one becomes a great leader overnight, but with the right mindset and a willingness to stretch yourself, you can absolutely get there.
Time to Reflect
If you’re aiming to grow your leadership impact, step into more senior roles, or simply want to feel more confident in your leadership voice, take a few minutes to consider the following:
- Where in your leadership journey could you be bolder?
- How well do you adapt your communication and leadership style across different cultural or team contexts?
- Who are your mentors – and who are you mentoring?
Next Steps:
If you’re ready to develop the leadership mindset, I highly recommend you download my free training resource to help you deepen your communication skills and cultural intelligence, essential tools for every current and aspiring global leader.
👉 Access your free resource at www.culturecuppa.com/leader
