Lee Madden, Founder and Managing Director, GR8 Recruitment, Jersey

Lee Madden has built his leadership style across a range of environments from the British Army and policing, through to founding and leading GR8 Recruitment.

Those early experiences shaped a strong sense of accountability, high standards and a willingness to step in when needed. As GR8 grew, so did the importance of building a team that could share responsibility, challenge thinking and contribute fully to the direction of the business.

“I came from environments where clarity and decisiveness really matter. In a growing business, though, you also need to create space for others to lead, contribute and take ownership.”

Leadership in Management brought Lee into a cohort of peers who offered fresh perspectives and open, constructive feedback. Through a series of team-based challenges and shared reflection, the programme highlighted how leadership behaviours can influence the confidence, pace and contribution of those around you.

“It gave me the opportunity to step back and see how my approach impacted the team — not just in terms of outcomes, but how people contributed along the way.”

Since the programme, the leadership approach GR8 is evolving to be more collaborative and empowering.

The team now plays a more active role in decision-making, with individuals taking ownership of their areas and contributing more broadly to the business.

This shift has strengthened both the capability of the team and the resilience of the business as a whole. GR8 has continued to grow, expanding its reach beyond Jersey and working internationally across multiple sectors.

“The biggest change has been creating the space for others to step forward. When people feel trusted and supported, they don’t just deliver they add value in ways you wouldn’t get otherwise.”

Reflecting the value of that experience, Lee is now supporting the continued development of his leadership team by putting two senior colleagues through the same programme.

“I saw the benefit not just for me, but for how we work together as a team. It’s about building a group of leaders who support each other and drive the business forward together.”