The strength in being different: A new kind of leadership
- Zoe Farrow
- 12 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A conversation with Chief Legal Officer, Richard Harris, on leadership, neurodiversity and building a more rounded life
When Richard Harris speaks, there’s a quiet steadiness to him - something that only comes with years of experience, hard-won insight, and a willingness to look inward. As a senior executive in a global business and someone who has spent much of his career in high-pressure environments, Richard has led large teams, managed major programmes, and dealt with constant demands. But his story isn’t just about operational excellence, it’s about evolution.
In a wide-ranging and personal conversation with Blend CEO and Co-Founder Steve Gee on the Fall Forward podcast, Richard reflected on leadership, neurodiversity, the challenges of early career ambition, and how living a more “rounded” life has made him a better leader, and a happier person.
His story is personal. But it’s also deeply relevant. Because it surfaces questions we’re all grappling with - about how to lead in an overwhelming world, how to stay intentional when distraction is the norm, and how to build a life that isn’t just successful, but meaningful.
The myth of the "all-knowing" leader
“I was that person who was very focused, very driven - probably a bit over-controlling,”
Richard admitted. Earlier in his career, he thought that success meant doing everything yourself, knowing all the answers, and pushing relentlessly forward. “It’s not a sustainable model,” he now says, reflecting on the toll it can take on both performance and wellbeing.
With time, and reflection, he realised the real strength of leadership comes from trust, collaboration, and self-awareness. “You have to be open to feedback, but not internalise all of it,” he said.
“Leadership isn’t about being the cleverest person in the room. It’s about creating the conditions where other people can succeed.”
High control may look like strength, but real leadership is about letting go.
The strongest leaders aren’t the ones doing everything. They’re the ones building environments where others thrive. That takes trust, systems, and a willingness to shift from hero to host. It’s not about knowing everything. It’s about knowing when to step back.
Navigating leadership with ADHD
Richard’s diagnosis of ADHD added another layer to his leadership journey. “It explained a lot,” he shared. “The side quests, the procrastination, the hyperfocus.” But instead of seeing it as a limitation, he’s found ways to work with it - rather than against it.
“I have to be intentional. If I’m not, I’m off on tangents. So I write everything down. I use paper. I tick things off with a real pen.”
He laughs about how the team teases him for the ever-growing pile of lists on his desk - but those systems keep him anchored. “It orders my brain.”
ADHD has also given him empathy and perspective as a leader.
“People with neurodiverse conditions often see things differently - and that’s an asset, not a flaw. If you want cognitive diversity, you need neurodiverse people in your organisation.”
Cognitive diversity is business-critical. But it starts with psychological safety.
We talk a lot about innovation, but often forget that innovation thrives when different minds collide. Neurodiverse thinkers bring unconventional solutions and new perspectives - but only if the environment welcomes difference.
That means:
Making space
Listening without judgement
Valuing how people think, not just what they produce
The power of intentionality
Intentionality emerged as a major theme in Richard’s story - not just in how he manages his day, but in how he’s designed his life. After years of pushing forward professionally, a quiet sunrise in Greece shifted his mindset. He realised success wasn’t enough. “I was financially okay. Career-wise, okay. But not happy.”
That moment led to a decision: to change companies, re-evaluate priorities, and focus on starting a family. “I didn’t throw my toys out of the pram,” he said. “But I did set a timeline. And I stuck to it.”
Today, Richard does Pilates weekly, blocks time for family dinners, and tries not to let work consume his every thought. It’s not always perfect - but it’s purposeful.
“I have to work at balance. The potential to be a workaholic is always there. But now, I’m more rounded. And that’s made me a better leader.”
Intentionality isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
We live in a world designed to pull us in a hundred directions. Without clear intention, distraction wins. The best leaders create space - for reflection, for family, for health - not because it’s nice, but because it makes them sharper, kinder, and more effective.
Hopes for the future
As Blend grows, Richard hopes it continues to expand its community and deepen its impact. “The world’s messy right now. You’ve got smart people who still can’t make sense of it. But when you bring together diverse minds in a space like this - not necessarily to fix things, but to share how we’re experiencing them - that’s incredibly valuable.”
He also sees potential in safe spaces like Blend where leaders can talk openly. “Senior people need that too,” he said. “It’s not always easy, but it’s important.”
A concluding thought: Shape your own future
So what’s his advice to others navigating leadership, change, or uncertainty?
“You shape your own future. You make the effort. Not everything will work. You won’t achieve everything. But you only get one life - so ask yourself: How do I get the most from it?”
It’s a question he’s still answering, with humour, heart, and humility.
This conversation is from Fall Forward - our podcast where bold thinkers and industry leaders open up about leadership, change, and the hard-earned lessons that shape success. Each episode explores real stories - ones that challenge the norm, spark new perspectives, and leave you thinking differently about what it means to lead.
Don’t just read about it, watch and listen to the full conversation now.
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