Walking Alongside, Not Out in Front: My GTL Journey
By Fiona Swanson, Development Officer, Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs
I know from working in the rural sector, and coming from a farming background, we’re so often focused on the job in hand that there’s little time left to stop and think about development. But being nominated for the Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders (GTL) programme reminded me how important it is to step back and invest in ourselves.
Through the programme, I’ve noticed a real difference in my self-confidence. I’ve gained invaluable knowledge about leadership – and it’s changed how I see it. In my eyes, it’s no longer about leading from the front. It’s about walking alongside your team, offering support and advice where needed and encouraging them to make decisions – and sometimes mistakes. ‘Trial and error’ can sound negative; but I see it as either learning from a mistake or succeeding – either way, it’s a win.
One of the biggest benefits of GTL was simply making the time to reflect – something we don’t always prioritise in our sector. That space to pause and think differently is such a big part of resilient leadership. It’s where learning takes root and where wellbeing often begins – in having the headspace to reset, process, and plan.
The value of the experience is echoed by Penny Montgomerie, Chief Executive of SAYFC, who shares why the organisation supported my participation in the programme:
“In farming and rural communities, we talk a lot about resilience – but we don’t always take the time to build it in our people. We’ve seen how programmes like GTL help individuals grow in confidence and capability, and better understand where and how they can add value. That’s why we’ll be putting another team member through the programme this year.”
Whether you’re on a farm, croft, part of a co-op, or in a wider rural role, making room for reflection can be a powerful shift – in how we lead, how we learn, and how we look after ourselves.
If you’re thinking about signing up to GTL – or wondering if it’s the right time – I’d say go for it. It’s not just about leadership; it's about making space to grow.
