May's Spotlight Insight: Transformational Leadership in Action

In April’s Spotlight Insight, we explored the idea of transformational leadership—how empowering others and fostering connection can create a strong sense of psychological safety within teams. We asked: How can we achieve this kind of leadership and create space for vulnerability, honesty, safety, and support? 

Well, one inspiring answer comes from our very own Brand Ambassador, Ella Lovibond. 

As the Sport and Student Development Officer at the University of Bristol Students’ Union, Ella has put transformational leadership into practice by launching an Injury Support Group. The group meets every Friday morning, starting with a social hour to catch up and reflect on the week’s recovery journey, followed by mental and physical skills workshops led by Conor. These sessions have included breathing techniques, guided rehab, and more. 

A Bristol Bear’s rugby player, she was inspired by the clubs ‘Bear With Us’ community- a support group that really ‘got her through’ her injury. Now having started a group herself, one of the most powerful insights to emerge from the group is just how lonely injury can be- especially for athletes in individual sports who don’t have the built-in community that team sports offer. Many attendees say the emotional challenge of missing out on the physical side of sport has been a real struggle. But the group has become a space where students share creative ways to stay active- one member, for example, has started coaching tennis. 

Ella also opened up about the challenges of getting the group off the ground, and the pushback she faced along the way. But her advice: you don’t have to start big—just start. The meetings don’t need to be elaborate. What matters most is providing a space where people can talk about their injury without guilt or the feeling they’re “going on about it.” It’s a space where everyone understands, empathises, and supports one another through a shared experience. 

The physio support and skills sessions are fantastic, but what’s most valuable? A room full of people who simply get it. 

What does transformational leadership look like in your own context—and are you creating space for others to feel seen, supported, and safe?