S4E2 Dr Lynn Robson (Oxford University)

The Longest Day Podcast

On this week’s episode, Leah talks to Dr Lynn Robson, Dean of Regent’s Park College, Safeguarding Lead, Director of the Visiting Student Programme and Tutorial Fellow in English Literature. Lynn’s longest day encompassed the COVID pandemic, from its announcement to its conclusion by the end of which she was exhausted and unable to carry on. All her roles during that time were relentless as there was no time off from bearing responsibilities. Although Lynn learned that she had more strength than she thought she had, she realised that there were limits to her strength and that she needed to recognise her own vulnerability. Her salvation came when she was able to say to somebody else, “I’m finding this hard, and I don’t know what to do.” Saying this is not a form of weakness but is vital for a leader to take the lead in expressing. As Lynn adds, “if we discuss it and we support one another, it’s likely that we will find a solution.” It's been a life-long lesson to value herself and see what others value in her. So, it comes as no surprise that Lynn wants her students as future leaders to learn how to value themselves, see who they are with all their talents and importance without waiting for somebody else to tell them their worth.