by Joy Maitland | Oct 24, 2025 | CEO, CFO, COO, CIO, Emerging Leaders, General Managers, Heads of Divisions, Human Resources (HR), Leadership Development, Managing Directors, Middle Managers
Work has changed, and so have people. Let’s explore how leaders can inspire commitment, prevent burnout, and create workplaces where purpose, performance, and well-being align.
The question leaders are asking quietly but urgently
Have we reached the point where working hard has stopped working?
Across organisations, teams are busy but drained. Engagement surveys speak of fatigue rather than fulfilment. Something deeper is shifting in how people experience work. The old equation — more effort equals more results — no longer adds up. We are being invited to rewrite it.
The end of the old contract
For years, the unwritten deal was clear: show up, perform, progress. Now people are asking different questions. Does this work still have meaning? Do I feel trusted? Is my contribution seen? Purpose, flexibility, and well-being have become expectations, not extras.
The reality of burnout: when purpose disappears
Burnout is not just about workload; it is about disconnection. It happens when effort feels endless but impact feels invisible. When people cannot see how their work connects to something meaningful, exhaustion follows. Leaders often treat burnout as an individual issue, but it is an organisational signal. The cure is not a mindfulness app. It is meaningful work.
The leadership reset: from control to connection
Modern leadership is less about managing activity and more about understanding energy.
The best leaders now ask,
- How do I help my team feel connected, not just informed?
- How do I balance empathy with accountability?
- How do I create space for rest without losing drive?
Connection builds trust, and trust sustains performance.
What people need from leaders now
- Clarity, so they can focus on what matters.
- Recognition, so their effort feels valued.
- Flexibility, so they can balance work and life.
- Purpose, so they can see meaning in what they do.
These are not soft ideas. They are strategic essentials for engagement and retention.
Building purpose-driven performance
Purpose and performance are partners, not opposites. Start meetings by reconnecting to purpose: “What impact are we creating this week?” End them by celebrating progress: “Where did we make a difference?” It is simple, and it changes the tone of work.
Leading through energy, not exhaustion
Energy management is now a leadership skill. Leaders who pace themselves create permission for others to do the same. Those who never rest send the message that exhaustion equals excellence. Sustainable performance depends on rhythm, not relentlessness. If your team’s calendar is full but their energy is low, it is time to pause, not push harder.
The new human equation
Work is no longer a transaction; it is a relationship. People give their best when they feel seen, valued, and purposeful. Leaders who understand this are redefining success. They create environments where ambition coexists with well-being, and where performance feels fulfilling, not draining.
Ask yourself,
“Are my people thriving because of our culture, or surviving in spite of it?”
Your answer will reveal how human your leadership really is.
The Right Conversation Can Change Everything. Let’s Talk.
by Joy Maitland | Jul 1, 2025 | Awards
We celebrate Joy Maitland’s remarkable achievements and her recognition as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024. She received this honour for her outstanding services to business and charity. This accolade reflects Joy’s commitment to making a positive impact, embodying her motto: ‘Be the difference that makes the difference.’
Career and Leadership Development
Joy’s career is a tapestry of dedication to personal and professional development. Her journey began in senior leadership roles where she recognised the untapped potential of junior staff, creating leadership development programmes that have since become a hallmark of her approach. Joy’s natural empathy and ability to connect with others have been instrumental in nurturing talent and encouraging growth.
Transformative Programmes and Initiatives
During her time as Board Member and Head of Leadership Development at the Amos Bursary, Joy created a transformative four-and-a-half-year programme that empowered young people of African and Caribbean heritage. Her initiatives, including launching the ‘Beyond Outstanding’ summer programme with Imperial College London and organising international work placements in New York, broke barriers and built confidence. Joy’s key role in the Bursary’s success earned her the title “keeper of the brand” from founder Colleen Amos.
Influence Across Organisations
Joy’s influence extends to numerous organisations. As Vice Chair of the Ekaya Housing Association, she worked with staff and other board members to champion affordable housing and community development. Her contributions to the Institute of Leadership, where she became the first black trustee in its 70-year history, and currently as Vice Chair at Plane Saver Credit Union—a leading financial cooperative —underscore her commitment to financial wellbeing and ethical practices. By assisting Code Your Future in launching their mentoring programme and supporting the leadership team as a volunteer, Joy is proud to have contributed to the charity’s mission of transforming lives through technology education.
Inemmo’s Impact
One of Joy’s proudest contributions is the Diploma Programme her company, inemmo, runs on behalf of the Cayman Islands government. This initiative aims to empower citizens to rise to the top of government and industry, reflecting Joy’s belief in the importance of nurturing local talent and leadership.
The multi-award-winning Inemmo, established by Joy in 2005 and an acronym for INspire, EMpower, and MOtivate, aims to be a catalyst for transformative leadership. The company is dedicated to empowering leaders with the skills, mindset, and courage to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact. Since 2016, Inemmo has partnered with Lumina Learning to bring progressive professional employee recruitment and development tools to businesses in East and West Africa, significantly enhancing their talent acquisition and growth strategies.
Author and Advocate
In addition to her practical contributions to leadership, Joy is also an accomplished author. Her book, From Alpha to Zen: Leadership for a Brave New World, offers insightful guidance on cultivating effective leadership qualities. It provides readers with a roadmap to develop the skills and mindset necessary for driving meaningful change and creating a lasting impact in today’s dynamic business environment.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of Joy’s philosophy. She tirelessly advocates for equitable representation, knowing that true creativity and innovation stem from diverse perspectives. Yet, she acknowledges the significant work still needed to achieve this vision, particularly in addressing systemic racism and ensuring minority representation in leadership.
Focus on Startups and Young Leaders
While Inemmo collaborates with many notable companies, it is the work with startups and young leaders that particularly motivates Joy. She is honoured and proud of these efforts, knowing they ensure not only growth but sustainability. Joy coaches leaders to ride the waves of adversity, build resilience, and take time to appreciate and celebrate their own unique gifts.
A Collective Honour
Joy’s receipt of an MBE is not just an individual honour but a collective celebration of all those she has inspired and uplifted. It is a call to continue her mission of cultivating self-aware, collaborative leadership and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Legacy of Empowerment
Joy Maitland’s legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and unwavering service to others. Her work, both in the UK and internationally, and through powerful initiatives like her virtual ‘Leading in Lockdown’ seminars during the pandemic, exemplifies her boundless dedication.
We congratulate Joy Maitland MBE on this well-deserved honour and look forward to her continued contributions to making the world a better place. Joy, your passion and perseverance inspire us all to ‘Be the difference that makes the difference.’
by Atiya Sheikh | Jun 17, 2024 | Awards
We celebrate Joy Maitland’s remarkable achievements and her recognition as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024. She received this honour for her outstanding services to business and charity. This accolade reflects Joy’s commitment to making a positive impact, embodying her motto: ‘Be the difference that makes the difference.’
Career and Leadership Development
Joy’s career is a tapestry of dedication to personal and professional development. Her journey began in senior leadership roles where she recognised the untapped potential of junior staff, creating leadership development programmes that have since become a hallmark of her approach. Joy’s natural empathy and ability to connect with others have been instrumental in nurturing talent and encouraging growth.
Transformative Programmes and Initiatives
During her time as Board Member and Head of Leadership Development at the Amos Bursary, Joy created a transformative four-and-a-half-year programme that empowered young people of African and Caribbean heritage. Her initiatives, including launching the ‘Beyond Outstanding’ summer programme with Imperial College London and organising international work placements in New York, broke barriers and built confidence. Joy’s key role in the Bursary’s success earned her the title “keeper of the brand” from founder Colleen Amos.
Influence Across Organisations
Joy’s influence extends to numerous organisations. As Vice Chair of the Ekaya Housing Association, she worked with staff and other board members to champion affordable housing and community development. Her contributions to the Institute of Leadership, where she became the first black trustee in its 70-year history, and currently as Vice Chair at Plane Saver Credit Union—a leading financial cooperative —underscore her commitment to financial wellbeing and ethical practices. By assisting Code Your Future in launching their mentoring programme and supporting the leadership team as a volunteer, Joy is proud to have contributed to the charity’s mission of transforming lives through technology education.
Inemmo’s Impact
One of Joy’s proudest contributions is the Diploma Programme her company, inemmo, runs on behalf of the Cayman Islands government. This initiative aims to empower citizens to rise to the top of government and industry, reflecting Joy’s belief in the importance of nurturing local talent and leadership.
The multi-award-winning Inemmo, established by Joy in 2005 and an acronym for INspire, EMpower, and MOtivate, aims to be a catalyst for transformative leadership. The company is dedicated to empowering leaders with the skills, mindset, and courage to drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact. Since 2016, Inemmo has partnered with Lumina Learning to bring progressive professional employee recruitment and development tools to businesses in East and West Africa, significantly enhancing their talent acquisition and growth strategies.
Author and Advocate
In addition to her practical contributions to leadership, Joy is also an accomplished author. Her book, From Alpha to Zen: Leadership for a Brave New World, offers insightful guidance on cultivating effective leadership qualities. It provides readers with a roadmap to develop the skills and mindset necessary for driving meaningful change and creating a lasting impact in today’s dynamic business environment.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of Joy’s philosophy. She tirelessly advocates for equitable representation, knowing that true creativity and innovation stem from diverse perspectives. Yet, she acknowledges the significant work still needed to achieve this vision, particularly in addressing systemic racism and ensuring minority representation in leadership.
Focus on Startups and Young Leaders
While Inemmo collaborates with many notable companies, it is the work with startups and young leaders that particularly motivates Joy. She is honoured and proud of these efforts, knowing they ensure not only growth but sustainability. Joy coaches leaders to ride the waves of adversity, build resilience, and take time to appreciate and celebrate their own unique gifts.
A Collective Honour
Joy’s receipt of an MBE is not just an individual honour but a collective celebration of all those she has inspired and uplifted. It is a call to continue her mission of cultivating self-aware, collaborative leadership and creating environments where everyone can thrive.
Legacy of Empowerment
Joy Maitland’s legacy is one of empowerment, resilience, and unwavering service to others. Her work, both in the UK and internationally, and through powerful initiatives like her virtual ‘Leading in Lockdown’ seminars during the pandemic, exemplifies her boundless dedication.
We congratulate Joy Maitland MBE on this well-deserved honour and look forward to her continued contributions to making the world a better place. Joy, your passion and perseverance inspire us all to ‘Be the difference that makes the difference.’
