FoundtoLead with Jonathan Gill, CEO, Panaseer
with Jane Reddin, Talent Partner
Posted
Founder CEOs are always “on”. And too often, personal wellbeing takes a backseat. High stakes, constant pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success – it’s an ultra marathon you won’t sustain without good discipline and the right foundations.
Your performance is your company’s performance. How you manage the pressure, physical toll and the emotional load directly shapes your ability to lead, adapt, and win.
Our leadership programme, FoundtoLead, goes beyond strategy and technical craft—it’s built to optimise you. We’ve partnered with WellFounded to deliver a 6-month programme designed to help Founder CEOs build resilience, optimise performance, and sustain long-term success. From mental clarity to physical health, we’re equipping leaders with the tools to life-proof the journey.
In the latest episode of our FoundtoLead series, Jane Reddin, Talent Partner at AlbionVC, sits down with Jonathan Gill, CEO of Panaseer, to delve into the nuances of CEO leadership. With over two decades in cybersecurity and a track record of scaling businesses, Jonathan offers invaluable insights into personal development, team dynamics, and effective leadership strategies
Key topics discussed:
Self-Awareness and Continuous Growth
Jonathan emphasises the transformative impact of his decade-long relationship with his coach, Susan. This partnership has been pivotal in enhancing his self-awareness, helping him understand his intrinsic drivers and behaviours. He advocates for a balanced approach: being content with one’s current self while remaining committed to continuous improvement. This philosophy fosters both personal satisfaction and professional advancement.
Empowering Teams Through Understanding
At Panaseer, Jonathan champions a leadership style that focuses on recognising and nurturing the potential within his team. He believes that when team members aren’t performing at their best, it’s often due to external factors rather than personal shortcomings. By seeking to understand the underlying causes and meeting individuals where they are, leaders can cultivate an environment of trust and open communication. This approach not only addresses immediate challenges but also promotes long-term growth and collaboration.
Balancing Authenticity with High Performance
While fostering authenticity and trust is crucial, Jonathan underscores that it doesn’t equate to complacency. He maintains exceptionally high standards and a sense of urgency within the organisation. By creating a culture where open dialogue and constructive disagreement are encouraged, Panaseer ensures that decisions are made based on merit. This meritocratic approach empowers individuals to own their areas of expertise and contribute meaningfully to the company’s objectives.
The CEO Perspective: A Unified Approach
Transitioning from a senior leadership role to CEO, Jonathan observes that the core of leadership remains consistent—it’s fundamentally about people. Effective communication, understanding diverse perspectives, and building trust are essential at all levels. He draws parallels between his professional role and personal life, noting that the principles of empathy and effective communication are universally applicable.
Prioritising Personal Wellbeing
Jonathan likens leadership to the in-flight safety directive: secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. He stresses the importance of self-care—adequate sleep, regular exercise, and quality family time—as foundational to effective leadership. By prioritising personal wellbeing, leaders can better serve their teams and organisations, ensuring sustained performance and resilience.
Learning from Role Models
Throughout his career, Jonathan has been intentional in choosing mentors and leaders from whom he can learn. His experience working with Bob Brennan at Veracode stands out, particularly the lesson of simplifying complex problems into manageable tasks. This approach has been instrumental in driving tactical execution within a strategic framework, emphasising the value of quick wins and continuous progress.
Jonathan Gill’s insights offer a comprehensive look into the multifaceted role of a CEO. His emphasis on self-awareness, team empowerment, authenticity, and personal wellbeing provides a roadmap for aspiring leaders aiming to navigate the complexities of organisational leadership effectively.
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