Leadership Is Earned: Lessons from the Ride for Youth

A young woman led 40 riders across 700km and changed how I see leadership forever.

Why the Ride for Youth Means So Much

The Ride for Youth has been running for over 20 years, raising funds and awareness for Youth Focus and the prevention of youth suicide. Riders cover 700 kilometres over 4.5 days, stopping at schools to speak with students about mental health, share stories, and offer support.

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in this incredible event for the first time. And something remarkable happened.

A New Kind of Leader in a Traditionally Male Role

Traditionally, the Ride Lead has been a mature male - someone experienced, steady, and well-respected in the group. Ten years ago, if you’d said a young woman would one day lead a peloton of 40 predominantly middle-aged men through blistering heat, most would have found that hard to believe.

But last week, that’s exactly what happened.

In my four decades in business and sport, I’ve never seen such a powerful display of leadership.

What I Witnessed from the Pack

I was one of the 40 riders with Sophie Pugsley as the lead. It was hot - often over 40 degrees. The ride, over 100km a day, was long, physically exhausting, and emotionally intense.

Sophie wasn’t just riding in brutal conditions. She was managing logistics, handling risk, and reading the group — all while holding us steady.

She was the emotional anchor and the motivator, creating space for people to feel heard, supported, and human.

Leadership That Was Built, Not Given

Sophie had spent months showing up early, staying organised, listening, and preparing for every possibility.

She communicated clearly and consistently. She noticed who needed support and quietly made it happen - all while carrying the same fatigue and pressure as the rest of us.

“Leadership isn’t something you do. Leadership is something you earn.”

And Sophie earned it.

She Made It Safe to Struggle

Most of us cried at some point during the ride.

Her vulnerability didn’t weaken her leadership — it made it real. She showed up fully, emotionally and physically, giving others permission to do the same.

The most experienced past Ride Leads stood beside her, backing her with quiet confidence. They saw when support was needed and stepped in with heart skill, and substance.

What Can We Learn From This?

Sophie didn’t have a formal title or decades of seniority. What she had was presence. Purpose. And trust — earned through action, not position.

Too often we confuse leadership with authority or charisma. But what Sophie showed us was something far more valuable.

• Preparation matters more than bravado. She knew the route, the riders, and the risks — and her calm focus allowed others to trust her process.

• Communication builds safety. In every message and check-in, she made people feel safe, supported and included.

• Empathy strengthens leadership. She didn’t hide emotion — she modelled honesty and connection.

• Awareness is a superpower. Sophie noticed the small signs when people were struggling — and acted before it became a problem.

• It’s not about being the strongest. It’s about helping others find their strength. And that’s what great leaders do.

If you’re a CEO, manager, or coach, ask yourself:

• Am I doing the work behind the scenes to earn trust?

• Do I show up prepared and aware of what my people need?

• Do I listen as much as I speak?

• Am I creating a culture where people feel safe and supported?

Leadership isn’t about getting people to follow you.
It’s about creating the conditions for others to feel safe to lead - and grow - themselves.

Sophie didn’t direct us. She elevated us. And that’s something I’ll carry into every boardroom and team I work with from here on out.

The Ride for Youth pushed every one of us to our limits - physically, mentally, and emotionally. But what I’ll remember isn’t the heat or the hills.

It’s the way Sophie led.

With consistency, care, and the courage to be human. She didn’t just lead riders - she made us better. As individuals. As a group. As leaders in our own right.

If you want to lead better, don’t focus on what others aren’t doing. Focus on how you show up.

Because leadership isn’t given.
It’s earned.