This study begins to shed light on individual processes of leader development, including key learning points and their associated challenges for individuals. These include the difficulty of attaining balance, the role of emotion and the collective nature
of leadership. The paper has also drawn attention to the personal experiences and
characteristics underpinning leader development – and to the importance of sector context to the leadership activities required. These issues are of significant pragmatic interest to organizational leaders interested in further enhancing their leadership
capacity. However, they also pose challenges to researchers and educators in the field
of leadership. They emphasise the significant demands placed on leaders, reflected in their struggle to attain balance and their need for advanced emotion management skills, in conjunction with managing collectives of people and adapting to contextual demands.