Holly Manning is an example of what it means to lead with purpose, passion, and authenticity. As Campus Principal at OSG, she has fostered a culture of empowerment, where both students and staff are encouraged to thrive. Her leadership style is rooted in the belief that leadership is about people, relationships, and the small, consistent actions that make a big impact.听
A Leadership Built on Love and Integrity听
Holly鈥檚 journey into leadership has been shaped by her values, which she defines with clarity and purpose.
鈥淚 like to say my ‘thing’ is leading with love and integrity,鈥� she shares. “Do the right thing, no matter if you鈥檙e behind closed doors or if you’re being watched by 100 people. You lead with love, and you do the right thing.鈥�听
For Holly, leading with love means showing up for her team and community in a way that builds trust, confidence, and respect. “Leading with love is having everybody鈥檚 best interests at heart,” she explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about doing the right thing, modelling your values for others, and making sure people feel seen and heard.鈥� She encourages those around her to always check in with themselves: “Did I show love today? Did I show integrity today?”听听
Empowering others through Leadership听
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鈥淎s a principal, you’re about the people鈥攕tudents, staff, everyone,.鈥� says Holly.听
鈥淧eople are my focus, and I am committed to creating an environment where both staff and students feel they are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.鈥�听
At the heart of Holly鈥檚 leadership is her passion for giving back to the community. She is an advocate for women in leadership, believing that women play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of leaders. 鈥淭he respect that we are given at OSG as women to lead is excellent,鈥� Holly says. 鈥淥ur role as women in leadership is so important for our young ladies to see. They need to see that they too can be aspirational, effective leaders.鈥�听
The 3 As: Arts, Ambition, and Availability听
Holly鈥檚 leadership philosophy is guided by three key principles she holds close to her heart: Arts, Ambition, and Availability. For Holly, the arts have always been a cornerstone of her life. She grew up surrounded by creativity and was inspired by her music and drama teacher. 鈥淚 always knew I wanted to be in the arts, to share my passion for creativity with others,鈥� she shares. At OSG, Holly continues to foster an appreciation for the arts, believing that they are essential for students鈥� personal growth and development.听
Ambition is another key value for Holly, and she is passionate about pushing herself and others to achieve greatness. 鈥淲hy should there be a limit to what we can achieve for students, for staff, or for anyone?鈥� she asks. Holly is determined to help everyone around her reach their highest aspirations. She also emphasizes that ambition is not about rushing to the top but about making steady, meaningful progress. 鈥淚t’s the small things that matter each day,鈥� she says, referencing the influence of Atomic Habits by James Clear. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about consistently making small gains to reach bigger goals.鈥�听
Availability is the final principle that guides Holly鈥檚 leadership. Despite the demands of her role, she is always present for her staff and students. “I always try and do something strategic, but there鈥檚 always time for people,鈥� she says. Her schedule is full, yet she prioritizes connecting with others, whether it鈥檚 through casual conversations or bus duties. 鈥淚 make sure I speak to every staff member, and I try to engage with as many students as possible,鈥� she adds. Holly鈥檚 availability and willingness to show up for others has earned her the trust and admiration of those around her.听
A Mother Who Leads by Example听
Holly鈥檚 leadership extends into her family life. As a mother of three sons, she鈥檚 not only guiding them through their own growth but also modelling the values of hard work, respect, and integrity. 鈥淚 teach my sons that respect for women is non-negotiable,鈥� she shares. 鈥淓very single woman deserves respect, no matter what.鈥� Holly believes in instilling these values early, ensuring her sons grow up to understand the importance of treating women with kindness, dignity, and respect in all areas of their lives.听
Her approach to motherhood is intertwined with her leadership style. She leads with love, ensuring her children know the importance of their actions and words. 鈥淗ow are you showing respect today?鈥� she often asks them, whether they鈥檙e interacting with a friend, a teacher, or a family member. Holly also teaches her sons about ambition and hard work. 鈥淪ome things in life are tough, but if you want something badly enough, you鈥檝e got to go and get it,鈥� she says, a principle she鈥檚 lived by since moving from Spain to the UK at the young age of 16 and changing schools.听
Striking a Balance: Family, Leadership, and Personal Growth听
Despite her busy schedule, Holly places high value on self-care and maintaining balance. She credits her ability to juggle her many roles to strong time management, a supportive network, and a commitment to personal well-being.听 鈥淢y mum always says, 鈥楽low down, Holly,鈥� but I can鈥檛 go fast enough! But I do make sure I have rhythms of well–being in place to maintain balance.鈥�听
Holly’s commitment to self-care helps her stay focused and energiszed to serve her family, her school, and her community. Whether it鈥檚 through her commitment to leadership or her deep connection to the arts, Holly believes that all aspects of life are interconnected. She has made it her life鈥檚 work to empower those around her, ensuring that everyone she meets feels seen, heard, and valued.听
For Holly, being a leader is not just about achieving success鈥攊t鈥檚 about making a difference in the lives of others, and doing it all with love.听
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