At Aleto, inclusive leadership isn’t just a buzzword but a core principle that shapes everything we do. Aleto Trustee Vasanthi Smedley shares her powerful reflections on what inclusive leadership means, the lessons she’s learned mentoring young people through Aleto, and her hopes for the organisation’s future.
What Does Inclusive Leadership Mean to You?
For Vasanthi, inclusive leadership means being open to the idea that those who look and speak like us don’t always have the best answers or produce the best results. It’s about embracing different perspectives and recognising that diversity drives better outcomes.
A Personal Lesson in Privilege and Empathy
Through her mentoring work with Aleto, Vasanthi has gained a deeper understanding of “inadvertent privilege”, those unspoken advantages many take for granted. Conversations with young people have highlighted challenges that go beyond qualifications: from feeling alienated because of the way you speak, to navigating social situations like interviews or presentations without prior guidance.
She points out how essential soft skills – often learned at home or in familiar environments are unfairly expected as prerequisites for career success, sometimes even before talent and hard work come into play.
“It’s genuinely humbling to witness how many ambitious and bright young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access these vital skills, knowledge, and support through Aleto programmes and mentors,” Vasanthi says. She expresses hope for a future where talent and achievement are assessed more fairly, driven by increased diversity in leadership.
Looking Ahead: Aleto’s Vision for Growth
Vasanthi’s hope for Aleto over the next five years is bold and clear: to expand its impact, build lasting support networks for alumni, and partner with organisations that value inclusive leadership as a path to real, measurable success, not just lip service.
With leaders like Vasanthi guiding the way, Aleto is well-positioned to continue transforming the leadership landscape and championing diverse talent for years to come.