37 years later, I read Alice in Wonderland—a timeless (1865) story, with completely new eyes. What once seemed like a strange and playful tale now struck me as something far deeper: a brilliant reflection on psychology, power, identity, and how we respond when the world around us doesn’t make sense.
It’s more than just a children’s book. It’s a story about navigating unpredictable systems, questioning authority, and growing into your own voice—all things I’ve had to do throughout my career. There have been times I’ve felt just like Alice: stepping into strange rooms, surrounded by unspoken rules, trying to stay grounded in who I am.
And as I reflected on my own journey, I realized Alice in Wonderland holds powerful lessons for women navigating the business world.
Looking Back From Today
When I sat in those classrooms in 2017, AI was a side note. Today, it’s rewriting leadership.
In just 8 years, the world has shifted:
- COVID-19 exposed supply chain fragility.
- Geopolitical conflicts tested resilience.
- Thomas Cook – a 178-year-old giant – collapsed overnight.
- AI is disrupting every industry.
- Sustainability has moved from “nice-to-have” to “non-negotiable”.
- Hybrid work permanently reshaped organisations.
AMP didn’t give me the answers.
It gave me the confidence, frameworks, and global perspective to lead through uncertainty.
The Power of the AMP Network
The greatest gift of AMP isn’t in the classroom.
It’s in the people.
The Queen of Hearts: Don’t Lead with Fear
“Off with their heads!”
The Queen is loud and reactive, ruling through fear and emotion. Early in my career, surrounded by forceful leadership styles, I thought I needed to be like her to be taken seriously.
But I’ve learned:
- Leading with fear gets attention, but not lasting respect.
- Composure is more powerful than control.
- Trust is built on steadiness and clarity.
“She general gave herself very go seldom followed it”
Now, I lead with calm strength, not intimidation.
The Cheshire Cat: Define Success on Your Terms
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.”
Like many women, I worked hard, said yes to everything, and climbed quickly – without asking where I actually wanted to go.
What I’ve come to believe:
- Vision matters more than speed.
- You don’t need to follow someone else’s path.
- You get to define success – and protect it.
- Direction creates meaning. It also creates boundaries.
Alice: Adapt Without Disappearing
“I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.”
Alice keeps changing size to fit her environment. So do many women in business — shrinking, stretching, shifting to meet expectations.
- Speak up, but not too much.
- Be confident, but not “intimidating.”
- Be kind, but not weak.
Adapting is part of leadership – but not at the cost of your identity. Authenticity is what people follow.
The White Rabbit: Busyness Isn’t Leadership
“Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!”
There’s pressure to prove ourselves by being constantly busy. But I’ve learned:
- Movement isn’t the same as impact.
- Saying no is sometimes the boldest leadership move.
- Thoughtful leaders create space for clarity and better decisions.
Busy isn’t a badge of honor – it’s often a warning sign.
The Mad Hatter: Ask the Real Questions
“Have I gone mad?” “I’m afraid so. But let me tell you something – the best people usually are.”
Business meetings can feel like Wonderland tea parties – confusing, repetitive, full of noise.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Simplicity cuts through nonsense.
- Honest questions often lead to the best answers.
- Being direct builds credibility.
Sometimes, the most powerful voice in the room is the one that brings it back to sense.
Alice Again: Identity Is Strength
“Who in the world am I?”
Alice’s question is every woman’s at some point in her career. I’ve asked it in moments of doubt, growth, and transition.
What I’ve come to believe:
- You don’t have to harden to lead.
- Your values are your edge – not your obstacle.
- The more you know who you are, the more others will follow.
Where I Am Now: Grounded and Global
Today, I’m proud to lead in a global business role based in London. I bring my full self to the table – and create space for others to do the same.
The business world still feels like Wonderland at times. But I’ve learned to lead through it – with clarity, curiosity, and courage.
And if you’re a woman in business who doesn’t quite fit the mold – you’re not lost. You may just be building something entirely new.
Linda Reddy