Leadership Journeys [243] - Gillian-Alexandre Huart - "When I was in Belgium, I was called French. When I was in France, I was called Belgian."

This is the Leadership Journey series on the Choosing Leadership Podcast. I believe we all have a lot to learn from each other's stories - of where we started, where we are now, and our successes and struggles on the way. With this series of interviews, my attempt is to give leaders an opportunity to share their stories and for all of us to learn from their generous sharing. If you know a leader whom you would like to see celebrated on the show, please send me a message on LinkedIn with their name. What does it take to lead across cultures, scale impact across continents, and stay grounded in your values? In this episode, Gillian-Alexandre Huart, CEO of Engie Energy Access, shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped a leadership style rooted in empathy, adaptability, and trust. We dive into the evolving nature of leadership—from crisis response to cultivating a thriving, empowered team. Gillian’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t static; it grows with you, especially when anchored in character and curiosity. If you’re navigating complexity or shifting your leadership style, this episode offers real-world insights you can apply today. You can find Gillian-Alexandre Huart at the below links https://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-alexandre-huart/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/engieenergyaccess/ In the interview, Gillian shares "Leadership isn’t a role—it’s a daily choice to step beyond fear and serve something bigger than yourself." "Growing up between cultures taught me to value differences—today, it shapes how I lead." "You can’t build trust without fairness, loyalty, and transparency. These aren’t buzzwords—they’re leadership essentials." "Real leadership is knowing when to drive hard—and when to slow down, listen, and empower your team." "Navigating across cultures taught me this: read the room without judgment." "In times of crisis, people don’t need perfection. They need clarity, honesty, and direction." "The best leaders are like coaches—not stars on the field, but strategists setting the team up to win." "Strong values are a leader’s compass—they keep you grounded when everything else is shifting." "When leadership becomes playful, creative energy flows and people come alive." "Leadership evolves—mine moved from command and control to connection and collaboration."