Eliza Manningham-Buller

Baroness Manningham-Buller LG, DCB, FRS, was the head of Britain's Security Service (MI5) from 2002 to 2007 and later as Chair of the Wellcome Trust from 2015 to 2021. Her leadership spanned critical periods, from counterterrorism to global health crises. Baroness Manningham-Buller's two decades of leadership across different organisations highlight the commonalities in managing unpredictability and safeguarding millions. She stresses the need for leaders to adapt to evolving stakeholder demands and address unforeseen challenges. From tackling threats like climate change and pandemics to promoting diversity and fairness, leaders must navigate a complex landscape affecting organisational success and societal well-being. During her time at MI5, Baroness Manningham-Buller guided the organisation through significant change, growth, and scrutiny, particularly after the 9/11 attacks and the 7/7 bombings in London. Before becoming Director General, she held various roles, including a stint in Washington during the first Gulf War. She managed responsibilities ranging from Irish terrorism and surveillance to technical collection, finance, and IT. She eventually became Deputy Director General, overseeing intelligence operations. As Chair of the Wellcome Trust, Baroness Manningham-Buller led the UK's largest charity, overseeing funding for scientific research in areas such as infection and mental health and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. Anticipating the pandemic threat, the Trust helped establish the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Baroness Manningham-Buller shares leadership lessons from her extensive career in her presentations, highlighting the importance of honest communication and openness to criticism. She advises leaders to be authentic, take responsibility for their teams, and recognise the value of praise. She also underscores the power of finding humour, even in challenging situations. Baroness Manningham-Buller is a crossbench peer, Co-president of the foreign policy think-tank Chatham House, and was Chair of the Council at Imperial College for four years. She has delivered the prestigious BBC Reith Lectures, where her analysis of the theme 'Securing Freedom' also became the basis for her book of the same title.