Three female leaders at Coleg Sir Gâr are redefining leadership with kindness
Three female leaders at Coleg Sir Gâr are championing kindness as a core value in management, with the goal of fostering a more productive, engaged and innovative campus environment.
These forward-thinking leaders - Jamie Hawkins, Assistant Director, Heidi Rees, Head of Creative and Culinary Arts and Amy Nisbet, Assistant Director of A-Levels and Lifelong Learning - are proving that empathy in leadership inspires and drives success.
Jamie and Heidi have both been awarded with college Cariad award, which recognises and congratulates the “cariads” amongst us - highlighting the excellent work that is done throughout the college.
Jamie was nominated by a collection of staff for her extraordinary dedication and the unique way she cares for her team. Reflecting on this recognition, Jamie shares: “It is hard to find the words to explain what this meant to me, I think the fact that the staff had taken time to nominate me and write such lovely words was so very humbling.
“I was completely overwhelmed and I still get emotional thinking of the kind words they wrote. In my position I do not ever long for or expect praise or to receive awards as I feel I am just doing my job and it’s my job to praise and award others which is something I love to do.”
When asked about the importance of leading with kindness, Jamie said: “Leading with kindness is important because it builds trust, fosters collaboration, and creates a positive, inclusive environment.
“It enhances relationships and helps leaders form genuine connections with their teams. When people feel valued and respected, they are more likely to trust their leader and work effectively together.
“It’s all about human relationships too and being vulnerable, I’m always myself and always show my vulnerability, I am only human after all. I hope that by demonstrating kindness I inspire others to do the same, promoting a culture of empathy, honesty and teamwork.”
Heidi Rees also embodies the values of empathy and respect in her leadership at Coleg Sir Gâr. For Heidi, leading with kindness is not just a strategy. She emphasises that respect is something everyone deserves, regardless of their role and is central to building a positive and supportive team.
“Treat others as you would like to be treated,” she explains, believing that when a team feels valued and respected, they can work more effectively toward common goals.
Heidi’s approach to leadership is centred on promoting kindness through her actions. She makes it a point to consistently show respect to her colleagues, actively listen, and collaborate to find solutions that everyone can support. “Communication is critical, and every individual’s perspective matters,” she says, emphasising how important it is to create an environment where every voice is heard. This naturally encourages others to embrace the same values, reinforcing a sense of mutual respect and community within the team.
Amy Nisbet, has also been recognised for her compassionate leadership, earning the “Leading with Kindness” award at the teaching & learning awards. Though she’s only been at Coleg Sir Gâr for a short time, Amy has already made a significant impact by encouraging a culture where kindness is at the heart of everything she does.
For Amy, kindness in leadership is essential for creating a supportive and welcoming space where everyone feels valued. “Kindness helps build trust and encourages teamwork,” she explains. “When people feel respected and understood, it’s easier for them to connect, share openly, and feel like they belong.”
She also believes that kindness isn’t just about what happens within the workplace but also about recognising that everyone has a life outside of work that can affect their day-to-day experiences: “understanding those personal challenges is part of leading with kindness,” she adds.
Receiving the “Leading with Kindness” award was a meaningful moment for Amy, as it validated her approach to leadership. “It’s an honour to be recognised, especially in such a short time,” she reflects.
“The award reaffirms my belief that creating a caring and supportive environment is crucial to the culture at Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion. It inspires me to continue making kindness a priority in everything I do.”
Together, Jamie, Heidi and Amy are reshaping what it means to be leaders at Coleg Sir Gâr. By prioritising kindness, empathy, and respect they are not only creating a supportive and inclusive workspace for staff but also inspiring the students they guide. Their leadership shows that when individuals feel valued, they are more likely to thrive, contribute and achieve their best.
