September at the University of St Andrews is always a whirlwind. It’s an exciting time—new students are arriving, energy is high, and the academic year starts off with a lot of activity. This year feels particularly special for me, as I’ve recently stepped into a management role for the first time.

The last couple of weeks have been a mix of excitement, learning, and adjusting to new responsibilities, all while navigating one of the busiest times of the year. While there are definitely challenges, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn on the go and to grow through the experience. It’s been an interesting journey so far, and I’m realising that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about being present, adaptable, and open to learning.

1. The Reality of Starting Something New During the Rush

The truth is, I don’t have everything figured out yet. And maybe that’s okay. I’m learning that it’s perfectly normal to feel like you’re juggling a lot in the first few weeks of a new job. What’s been helpful is reminding myself that this intense period will pass, and, eventually, I’ll find my rhythm.

2. What I’m Learning (So Far)

In these first couple of weeks, I’ve been absorbing a lot. Some lessons are about the practicalities of the job—how to manage workloads, how to set priorities, how to communicate effectively. But the bigger lessons seem to be about patience—with myself and with others.

I’ve come to realise that I don’t have to have all the answers immediately. It’s more about showing up, staying present, and trying to do the best I can. Sometimes, the most valuable thing I can do is simply listen, both to my team and to my own instincts.

3. Wellbeing—For Me and My Team

One thing I’m trying to prioritise, despite the busy pace, is wellbeing. Not just for my team, but for myself. In the whirlwind of September, it’s easy to lose sight of the basics—taking short breaks, staying grounded, getting fresh air, or even just pausing to breathe.

I’ve noticed that when I make space for even a small reset, I feel clearer, more focused, and less reactive. It’s something I’m encouraging my team to do as well, though it’s a lesson I’m still learning. It feels important to model that, even during the busiest times, it’s okay to pause, regroup, and come back stronger.

4. Accepting the Messiness of Leadership

One of the biggest surprises for me has been how messy leadership can feel—especially at the start. There’s this expectation that when you step into a leadership role, you’ll immediately know what to do. But I’m realising that leadership isn’t about always having the perfect solution; it’s about staying open, adapting, and growing as you go.

There have been moments when things haven’t gone to plan—miscommunications, last-minute changes, small setbacks. But I’m learning to be more flexible, to focus on solutions rather than mistakes, and to lean into the idea that setbacks are part of the process.

5. Looking Ahead: The Bigger Picture

As I settle into this new role, I’m trying to keep the bigger picture in mind. Yes, September is busy, but the academic year is long. There will be quieter moments, opportunities to reflect, and time to refine the way I approach my responsibilities.

Right now, it’s about taking things one day at a time and remembering that it’s okay to be a work in progress. Leadership isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. And I’m just at the beginning.

Being a new manager during the busiest time of the year has been both challenging and rewarding. I’m still learning, still finding my feet, and still figuring out how to balance it all. But if there’s one thing I’m realising, it’s that leadership is less about being perfect and more about being present, open, and adaptable.

As I continue through this hectic season at the University of St Andrews, I’m focusing on progress over perfection—and that feels like a pretty good place to start.