Ian Duncan - A Steward of Leadership and Growth
Ian Duncan (retired), former Area Director, Nationwide Building Society – Greater Birmingham, for me, defined what leadership in banking could mean.
He thought in systems long before it was fashionable, seeing customers, colleagues, and community not as separate priorities but as interconnected elements of lasting impact. His approach combined rigour and care: he could be loved and feared in equal measure – not for being harsh, but for asking the very best of those he led.
He reminded me a great deal of Alex Ferguson – demanding, uncompromising, and relentless in pursuit of excellence, but always cultivating people so they could thrive on their own.
I was incredibly fortunate to start my career working with and for Ian Duncan – over 20 years ago. From day one, it was clear his leadership was different and this is my memory of Ian.
Ian spent hours teaching me models, mindsets, and techniques that became the foundation of my leadership career. He didn’t just give answers – he asked questions, told stories, and made me think about how I would act, decide, and grow. He trusted me. He sponsored me. He made sure those around us knew I had his support. He noticed what was missing – confidence, clarity, courage – and quietly helped me develop it.
Above all, Ian instilled a simple truth: the cause is bigger than any one individual. But everyone must be brought safely along the journey. We win together. We grow together.
Stewardship in Action
What made Ian a steward, for me rather than a conventional leader? His leadership combined the attitudes, principles, skills, and behaviours that define stewardship in any system.
Attitudes & Beliefs
Leadership is for winning while growing people along the way.
When people have focus, inspiration, and development, they soar – and the whole organisation soars with them.
Courage, heart, and intent are the keys to unleashing potential.
Principles
Integrity – aligning action with intent, uncompromising in values.
Responsibility – ensuring people and teams are developed, supported, and safe.
Continuity – leaving behind leaders and systems capable of enduring success.
Skills
Teaching simple, actionable models that stick.
Creating space for honest challenge and reflection.
Seeing the system as a whole – how people, purpose, and performance connect.
Behaviours
Challenging you to be your best through questions, stories, and reflection.
Sponsoring and supporting, visibly and authentically.
Listening for intent, not just words, and modelling how to respond with humility, courage, and care.
A Living Example
One moment I’ll never forget: I challenged Ian – and he cried. In his mind, he had let me down. And yet, in that openness and honesty, he modelled leadership: it’s not the mistake that defines you, it’s how you respond. He taught me to listen for intent, to learn from it, and to guide others forward.
That is the essence of Ian’s legacy: coaching as leadership is about lighting the spark of growth, not being the growth yourself.
Ian Quotes
“Start less, finish more”
“You know what nice means don’t you. Nothing inside cares enough to say or do what needs to be done”
“Coaching is about lighting sparks”
“Teams need three things, focus, inspiration and training”
There are many more.
Impact & Legacy
Ian developed leaders. He shaped cultures. He left systems, teams, and individuals capable of sustained performance and human-centred success. His leadership was brave, uncompromising, and people-centred – and he showed that when you combine learned behaviours with heart, everyone soars.
I feel very blessed to have been led by him; he used to call me ‘cub’ and I’m hopeful he’d say I grew into a ‘lion’.
Over to You
Stewardship isn’t perfection – it’s a posture. A systemic, relational, long-game commitment to helping people and organisations thrive.
👉 Who in your world challenged you to grow while keeping you safe?
👉 Which leaders sparked growth, created capability, and stewarded futures?
Share your examples or message me – together, we can highlight leadership that doesn’t just manage outcomes, but lights the way for others.
Stefan
CEO, Be The Waves | Executive Coach | Father | Citizen
Don’t just lead. Steward. Create stewardship wherever you go. Be the Waves.