From Entrepreneur to Leader: My EO Transformation
Julia Bedford
Stepping into EO: A New Chapter
Joining EO in 2016 felt like the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and exchange ideas. At that time, I was managing my business in the film industry while balancing family life with three children—two still at home and one living abroad in Spain. Leadership wasn’t something I had considered, but EO had more in store for me than I could have anticipated.
Embracing Leadership: The Unexpected Shift
In 2018, my EO experience took an exciting turn when I decided to join the board. It wasn’t something I had planned, but the opportunity presented itself, and I thought, why not take the leap? Serving as President was one of the most transformative roles I’ve ever taken on. It challenged me to grow in ways I never imagined and pushed me to become a more confident and capable leader.
Navigating Tough Waters with Strength
A standout moment during my presidency was dealing with a challenging situation involving a member accused of sexual harassment. It was one of the toughest times I’ve faced, but it also revealed the true strength of my board. We navigated the issue together, standing by one another with shared values and mutual support. That experience reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and showed me how crucial it is to lead with integrity.
Building Bonds and Breaking Boundaries
Throughout my leadership roles—whether as Comms Chair, Forum Chair, or Member Experience Director—the connections I made with people from different backgrounds have been the most rewarding aspect. Serving on the Regional Council introduced me to diverse cultures and perspectives, creating friendships I will always cherish. Those relationships have enriched my EO journey and expanded my worldview in unexpected ways.
Growing as a Leader, Evolving as a Person
My time in EO leadership has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve learned how to lead teams more effectively, gained the confidence to stand tall among some of the best leaders in the world, and developed a strategic mindset. These lessons haven’t just made me a better business leader—they’ve shaped who I am as a person, deepening my empathy and understanding of others.
My Call to Action: Dive In
For anyone considering stepping into a leadership role within EO, my advice is simple: Dive in, and don’t hold back. It’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. You’ll push yourself to grow in ways you never expected, and along the way, you’ll make memories and friendships that will stay with you for life. Most of all, you’ll have fun!
Curious about which role suits you best? Take this quick questionnaire to find your match: Path of Leadership Questionnaire and discover where your EO leadership journey could begin.