In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Sir Gareth Southgate, a renowned figure in English football and a symbol of leadership both on and off the pitch. Gareth is best known for his leadership as manager of the England men’s national football team from 2016 to 2024. Under his guidance, the team reached the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, and the finals of UEFA’s European Championships in 2020 and 2024. His leadership was marked by his ability to reconnect the team with its fans, instil a sense of pride in representing England, and foster a culture of integrity and respect.
Before transitioning to management, Gareth had a distinguished playing career, making over 500 league appearances for clubs like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough. He captained both Aston Villa and Middlesbrough, leading them to League Cup wins and a UEFA Cup final. His leadership as a player was rooted in the values of discipline, hard work, and mutual respect for all members of the team.
Gareth’s managerial journey began at Middlesbrough before he took charge of the England Under-21s, ultimately stepping into the senior England manager role. He reflects on his early experiences and the leadership lessons learned from those around him, including his youth coach at Crystal Palace, who instilled the importance of discipline and challenge. Gareth also highlights the impact of his time at Aston Villa, where he learned valuable leadership lessons from senior players, who demonstrated generosity and selflessness despite being in competition for a starting role.
Throughout the podcast, Gareth talks about the importance of leadership values such as integrity, respect, and treating everyone equally, regardless of their role in the team. He believes in the power of empathy and emotional intelligence, emphasising that being a good leader is not just about making decisions but about understanding the needs and perspectives of those you lead. Gareth also shares how he learned to delegate more effectively as he progressed in his leadership career, recognising that trust in others is essential for a successful team dynamic.
He also reflects on the generational challenges facing young leaders today, particularly in terms of social skills like making eye contact and saying good morning. Gareth stresses the importance of empathy and creating an environment where people feel psychologically safe enough to speak up and offer their views. He acknowledges that leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and learning, always striving to improve and adapt to new challenges.
In addition to his football career, Gareth is passionate about youth development and resilience. He’s an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust and a patron of Help for Heroes, working to support young people and veterans. He has also written books, including We Only Do Positive for youth football and Anything is Possible, a motivational guide for young people.
Gareth’s new book, Dear England: Lessons in Leadership, is set to delve deeper into his leadership journey and the lessons he’s learned from his time managing England. This book promises to provide insight into his approach to leadership, the challenges he faced, and how he navigated them to build a winning team. Gareth hopes to inspire readers by sharing the leadership principles that have guided him throughout his career, aiming to encourage the next generation of leaders to trust themselves, embrace failure, and always strive for improvement.