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The Influence - Episode 4: The Evolving Nature of Leadership. Leigh Harris, KPMG

Scott Nowlan

Path leading to a mountain top

In today's dynamic business environment, leadership is constantly evolving, shaped by a myriad of influences ranging from personal experiences to broader societal changes. As the demands on leaders grow, so too does the need for a leadership style that is adaptable, values-driven, and deeply connected to both personal well-being and team success.


In a fast-paced world where career paths often seem like a race to the top, it is rare to encounter someone who has navigated this journey with as much thoughtfulness and care as Leigh Harris. Leigh’s career is a testament to the power of deliberate choices, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her values. Our working relationship dates back many years so it was nice to sit down with her to chat about her journey of growth, adaptation, and leadership—a journey that’s as much about the people around her as it is about the business results. However, this is not just a story about Leigh; rather, it’s about how her experiences becoming a leader reflects the changing landscape of business leadership today.


One of the key shifts in modern leadership is the emphasis on intentionality and the thoughtful navigation of career paths. Leigh’s journey reflects this evolution. Early in her career, Leigh was influenced by mentors like John Herzog at Coopers & Lybrand, who not only guided her professionally but also imparted values of hard work, discipline, and genuine care for others. Leigh recalls Herzog's unique approach to leadership, particularly his emphasis on hiring people who shared his values. "I remember walking out of his office and thinking, I would work for this guy for free," Leigh shared. This alignment of values became a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals who contribute to a positive organizational culture.


“Like-minded” however does not mean homogeneous in thought and background but rather similar-minded about business results. As the workforce becomes more diverse, with multiple generations working side by side, leaders must navigate differing expectations and work styles. Leigh has faced this challenge head-on, particularly in her efforts to manage and mentor younger professionals. She emphasizes the importance of anchoring discussions on performance metrics to bridge generational gaps. "Performance is the neutral ground," Leigh noted. "It’s metrics-based, and it helps us focus on what we’re all here to achieve."


Leigh’s leadership philosophy is also deeply rooted in her personal values and experiences. One of the most significant insights she shared during our conversation was the importance of self-care and mental health in the workplace. Leigh spoke candidly about a period when stress took a toll on her well-being, leading her to take a much-needed break from work. This experience was a turning point, reinforcing the need for leaders to prioritize their mental health and be open about the challenges they face. Leigh also emphasized the importance of balancing personal ambition with a genuine care for others. Her leadership style is rooted in the belief that success is not just about individual achievements but about lifting others up along the way. This approach aligns with the broader trend in modern leadership, where the ability to build and nurture relationships is seen as a key factor in driving sustainable success.


In examining the traits that define effective leaders today, several qualities stand out: humility, gratitude, hard work, and a commitment to investing in others. Leigh exemplifies these traits in her leadership approach. She speaks highly of leaders who, like her mentor Herzog, are deeply committed to their teams and invested in the development of others. "Leaders who do well are very humble, very grateful, and they always invest in others," Leigh explained, drawing from her observations and experiences over the years.


Leadership today is about more than just guiding a team or driving results; it’s about leading with intention, being adaptable, and staying connected to both personal values and the well-being of others. Leigh Harris’s experiences at KPMG in Canada offer valuable insights into how modern leaders can navigate these challenges. From her focus on mental health to her commitment to diversity and team development, Leigh embodies the evolving traits of effective leadership.


Leigh Harris’s leadership journey has been one of intention, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a destination but a continual journey—one that requires adaptability, self-awareness, and a deep commitment to the people around you. As Leigh continues to navigate her path at KPMG and in collaboration with her clients, her approach to leadership serves as a model for others, demonstrating that true influence comes not just from what you achieve, but from how you achieve it and the impact you have on those around you.


As leadership continues to evolve, those who can adapt to these changes while staying true to their core values will be the ones who not only succeed but also inspire the next generation of leaders. In this ever-changing landscape, the ability to lead with humility, gratitude, and a commitment to others will be the true measure of a leader’s success in my opinion. I am personally very excited to “stay tuned to this channel” to watch Leigh’s next chapter and an example of leadership in evolutionary action.


The Influence is a series of articles about people that have made a difference in the careers and/or personal lives of people. It is a personal account of life’s lessons from which we can all learn. None of the people interviewed or participating have been paid for or are paying for this article. I am grateful for their support, honesty and advice over the years.

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