With over 30 years of leadership experience at MoreySmith and now at StudioMorey, Linda Morey-Burrows has firmly established herself as one of the UK’s most distinguished and innovative design leaders. Known for her sharp strategic vision, her unwavering commitment to excellence, and her ability to blend creative ingenuity with practical business acumen, Linda’s career journey speaks volumes about the power of resilient leadership in the world of design. Over the years, she has not only become a pioneering force in her field but has also built a culture of collaboration and empowerment at StudioMorey that spans five generations of professionals working together harmoniously. Linda’s leadership style is a fusion of creative brilliance and pragmatic decision-making, with a clear focus on fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking work environment. Her approach exemplifies the concept of leading with purpose and grace—tackling the complexities of client relationships, tackling biases with a smile, and encouraging personal and professional growth within a thriving, employee-owned company.
Throughout this extensive interview, Linda reflects on the core tenets of leadership, highlights the importance of systemic support over superficial empowerment, and shares some of the enduring pieces of business advice that have shaped her leadership journey since the early 1990s. These insights give us a deeper understanding of what truly makes for effective leadership in today’s competitive business landscape.
Defining Leadership and the Evolution of Her Approach
For Linda Morey-Burrows, leadership in the creative industry transcends traditional hierarchical structures and the basic role of managing teams and overseeing projects. To her, leadership is about being a guiding force that leads by example, offering stability and direction while creating an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and growth. Linda has built her leadership philosophy around understanding the nuances of the industry she operates in, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities that come with working in a field that thrives on creativity and innovation.
One of the key pillars of Linda’s leadership approach is adaptability. Creative industries are notorious for their ever-changing landscape, where trends, technologies, and client expectations can shift rapidly. Therefore, being a successful leader in such an environment requires a deep understanding of how to adapt to these changes while maintaining a clear vision for the future. Linda’s leadership style is flexible, and she’s learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She recognizes the importance of responding to both the needs of her team and the evolving demands of the market, ensuring that her business stays ahead of trends while fostering a workplace culture that values creativity and innovation.
At the heart of Linda’s approach is her focus on nurturing talent. She sees leadership not as a top-down structure but as an opportunity to empower others, helping them achieve their potential. The makeup of her team is diverse in terms of skill sets, experience levels, and cultural backgrounds, which requires her to be highly attuned to the needs of each individual. Linda’s team includes designers, architects, and technicians, each bringing a unique set of skills to the table. These diverse perspectives are a valuable asset, and Linda works to create an inclusive environment where all team members feel heard and appreciated. This inclusivity fosters creativity, as team members are encouraged to contribute their ideas freely, knowing they will be respected.
The Dynamics of Leading a Diverse and Multi-Generational Team
Leading a team that spans five decades in age and diverse cultural backgrounds is no easy feat. The challenges of managing such a diverse team are multifaceted, as individuals at different stages in their careers bring different perspectives, work habits, and life experiences. However, Linda sees this diversity as one of her studio’s greatest strengths. She understands that the intergenerational nature of her team allows for a blending of traditional methods with modern innovations, creating a dynamic synergy that produces some of the most creative and forward-thinking solutions in the design industry.
Managing a multi-generational team means navigating different communication styles, work ethics, and values. Older employees may have a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge, while younger employees often bring fresh perspectives and the latest technological expertise. Linda’s leadership is centered on leveraging these differences to create a cohesive and high-performing team. She has learned to embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of each team member while aligning everyone toward common goals. For Linda, this balance is crucial for fostering collaboration and driving innovation.
Linda’s ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds and generations has allowed her to bridge any gaps between team members. She believes that leadership in a diverse environment is about active listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence. By understanding the unique needs of her team, Linda has been able to foster an environment of trust and mutual respect, where each individual feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Navigating Challenges in a Competitive and Evolving Industry
The creative and architectural industries are fast-paced, highly competitive, and constantly evolving. For a leader like Linda, the ability to steer the company through these challenges requires not only business acumen but also a deep understanding of the industry’s trends and shifting dynamics. Economic uncertainties, fluctuating demand for design services, and the constant pressure to deliver innovative solutions all require agile leadership.
Linda is well aware of the pressures that come with running a creative business in such an environment. As the leader of StudioMorey, she is responsible for making key decisions that will shape the future of the studio and its projects. One of her key responsibilities is securing new projects, which requires identifying emerging trends, understanding client needs, and navigating the complexities of the construction and design process. Her ability to stay ahead of these trends and adapt quickly to changing market conditions has allowed her to maintain a competitive edge, securing high-profile clients and delivering cutting-edge design solutions that are both creative and financially sustainable.
Moreover, Linda recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong reputation in a competitive industry. She understands that client relationships are integral to the success of the business, and she works tirelessly to ensure that these relationships are built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. As a leader, Linda takes a hands-on approach to client management, working closely with clients to ensure that their needs are met while maintaining the studio’s integrity and design philosophy.
Balancing Respect and Tough Decisions in Leadership
One of the most important aspects of Linda’s leadership philosophy is the balance she strikes between maintaining respect and making tough decisions. Leadership is not always about being liked; it’s about making the right choices, even when they are difficult. Linda acknowledges that as a leader, she is not always the most popular person in the room. However, her priority has always been to make decisions that are in the best interest of the studio, its clients, and her team.
For Linda, earning respect is key to her leadership success. She believes that respect is earned through consistency, integrity, and a clear commitment to the team’s success. By making decisions that reflect the values of the studio and its long-term vision, Linda has cultivated an environment of trust and accountability. Her team knows that she will make the tough calls when necessary, but they also know that her decisions are always rooted in a genuine concern for their success and well-being.
Linda’s ability to make difficult decisions with grace has allowed her to maintain the respect of her team while also achieving tangible results for the business. She understands that leadership is not about avoiding conflict or making popular choices, but about balancing the needs of the business with the needs of the people within it. This thoughtful approach to decision-making has been a cornerstone of her leadership style and has helped guide StudioMorey to continued success.
The Shift from Traditional to Collaborative Leadership
Linda’s leadership style has evolved over the years, from a more traditional, command-based approach to a far more collaborative and inclusive style. This shift reflects both her personal growth as a leader and the changing nature of the creative industries. The modern business environment demands a leadership style that is less focused on hierarchical decision-making and more centered on collaboration, creativity, and collective problem-solving.
Linda has embraced this shift wholeheartedly, recognizing that in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, successful leadership requires flexibility and a willingness to listen. By involving her team in decision-making processes, Linda encourages open dialogue and fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among her team members. This collaborative approach has not only increased the quality of the work produced by StudioMorey but has also strengthened the sense of community and shared purpose within the team.
Through her collaborative leadership style, Linda has created an environment where creativity is nurtured, new ideas are welcomed, and team members feel empowered to take risks and experiment. This has led to the creation of groundbreaking designs and innovative solutions that have helped the studio stand out in a highly competitive market.
The Importance of Vision in Leadership
For Linda, leadership is about having a clear vision and guiding her team toward that vision, even when the path is unclear. Her ability to maintain a long-term perspective while managing the day-to-day demands of running a business has been instrumental in her success. Linda’s vision for StudioMorey is rooted in the belief that design can transform lives and that architecture and creative solutions can make a lasting impact on the world.
Her vision extends beyond just creating beautiful spaces; it encompasses the idea of building a studio that is both artistically and financially sustainable, while also creating a work environment that values diversity, creativity, and collaboration. By constantly refining her vision and staying true to her core values, Linda has been able to guide StudioMorey through changing times and continued success.
Overcoming Challenges as a Female Leader
Navigating the professional world as a woman, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men like architecture and design, presents unique and persistent challenges. Linda Morey-Burrows, a leader in the design industry, has faced her fair share of these obstacles throughout her career. While the challenges she encountered were at times discouraging, they have also fueled her resilience and determination, shaping her into the accomplished leader she is today. As a young female in leadership, particularly when she first entered the field, Linda was often met with skepticism and, at times, overt resistance from peers who were not accustomed to being led by a woman. In an industry where male leadership was the norm, Linda’s emergence as a leader challenged established stereotypes and required her to consistently prove her worth, not only through her design skills but also through her leadership capabilities.
In her early years, Linda found herself in situations where her authority was questioned simply because of her gender. Her colleagues, many of whom were older and male, were often reluctant to accept leadership from someone they perceived as being “too young” or “too inexperienced” to lead. There was a palpable sense of discomfort when Linda was placed in positions of authority, as the entrenched norms of the industry dictated that leadership was the domain of men. Linda often found herself in situations where, despite her clear qualifications and vision, her decisions were either undermined or not fully supported due to the simple fact of her being a woman in charge.
However, Linda has always been someone who rises to challenges rather than shrinking from them. While the experience of facing gender-based bias early in her career was frustrating, she soon realized that resilience, humor, and a strategic approach were her best tools to navigate these situations. Over time, Linda learned to use humor to defuse tension, turning potentially hostile or uncomfortable situations into opportunities to showcase her leadership skills. By doing so, she not only demonstrated her strength and perseverance but also subtly challenged the entrenched biases in the workplace. As time passed, Linda developed a quiet but powerful form of leadership that allowed her to earn respect, despite the biases she encountered.
The Persistence of Gender Bias in the Workplace
While Linda has overcome many of the challenges posed by being a woman in a male-dominated industry, she is quick to acknowledge that gender bias remains a significant issue in the workplace, especially in leadership positions. This bias continues to affect women in the design and architecture sectors, even though strides have been made toward gender equality. For Linda, this reality became particularly apparent when working with new clients or external professionals. Often, these individuals would default to assuming that the man in the room was the decision-maker, regardless of the fact that Linda was the one in charge. In these moments, Linda experienced firsthand the subtle but pervasive nature of gender bias in action.
Despite the progress made over the years, gender bias is still deeply ingrained in many aspects of the industry. It’s not just the occasional misplaced assumption, but a systematic issue that affects women’s career progression and their ability to take on senior leadership roles. Linda’s own experiences with gender bias have given her a deep understanding of how pervasive these issues are and how they can undermine women’s authority, confidence, and opportunities for advancement. As a result, Linda has made it a personal mission to ensure that her female senior team members do not face the same barriers she encountered.
Linda’s leadership extends beyond just her role at StudioMorey; she actively mentors and supports her female colleagues, encouraging them to embrace leadership roles, and providing guidance on how to navigate the complexities of the industry. She believes that breaking down these gender barriers requires not just individual resilience but a collective effort to challenge and change the culture that perpetuates these biases. By empowering other women within her team, Linda is actively working to create a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Navigating the Complexities of a Male-Dominated Industry
The architecture and design sectors have long been male-dominated industries, where leadership and decision-making roles have historically been reserved for men. This cultural norm has posed significant challenges for female leaders like Linda, who have had to continuously prove their worth in a field that wasn’t designed with them in mind. However, Linda’s success demonstrates that these traditional gender roles are not immutable. By continually excelling in her field, she has shown that women can thrive in leadership positions within the design industry, breaking down stereotypes and opening doors for other women to follow.
In Linda’s early career, these gender-based challenges were not just theoretical but were manifested in real, tangible ways. Whether it was facing doubt from colleagues or being overlooked by clients, Linda had to constantly assert her leadership and prove her expertise in ways that her male counterparts often did not have to. Despite these challenges, Linda persevered, and over time, her skills, work ethic, and leadership qualities began to speak louder than her gender. Through her own achievements, Linda showed that leadership in design and architecture is not confined to any one gender; it is about the ability to think creatively, make strategic decisions, and inspire others to do their best work.
Linda’s ability to navigate these complexities was built on a foundation of strength and self-belief. As she gained experience, she learned to advocate for herself and her ideas, challenging the preconceptions others held about her based on her gender. Linda recognized that in order to lead effectively in a male-dominated industry, she would have to break free from traditional expectations and carve out her own space. Her approach to leadership is based on confidence, clarity of vision, and a commitment to excellence, all of which have earned her the respect and recognition of her colleagues, clients, and peers.
Challenging Gender Norms with Resilience and Humor
One of the most effective tools Linda has employed to combat gender bias is resilience. She has learned to respond to the bias she faces not with anger or frustration but with calm determination and, where appropriate, humor. Humor, for Linda, has proven to be a powerful tool in defusing difficult situations and challenging the biases she encounters. By using humor to break the tension in these moments, she has been able to disarm those who might otherwise question her authority or leadership.
Linda's ability to laugh at situations that would frustrate or discourage others has allowed her to maintain a positive and productive mindset, even when dealing with systemic barriers. Humor also plays a strategic role in Linda’s leadership style, as it helps foster a more inclusive and relaxed atmosphere within her team. By using humor to challenge the status quo, Linda has not only shown her resilience but also demonstrated that it is possible to confront difficult situations without losing composure. This approach has earned her respect not only from her colleagues but also from clients, many of whom admire her ability to navigate the complexities of leadership with grace and wit.
Linda believes that resilience and humor are not just necessary tools for surviving in a male-dominated industry but are also essential for thriving. By maintaining her sense of humor, she is able to keep things in perspective and stay focused on her long-term goals. Humor also helps her build strong relationships with her team and clients, which in turn strengthens her leadership and influence.
Breaking Down Stereotypes and Paving the Way for Future Female Leaders
As Linda has grown in her career, she has become increasingly aware of the importance of breaking down the gender stereotypes that continue to shape the design and architecture sectors. Her own experience has shown her that it is not enough for women to simply succeed in their roles; they must actively challenge the stereotypes that limit their potential and that of other women in the industry. Linda has made it her mission to do just that by not only excelling in her role but also by mentoring and supporting other women who aspire to take on leadership positions.
Linda is deeply committed to ensuring that women in her team are empowered to take on senior roles and lead with confidence. She works closely with her female colleagues to help them navigate the challenges of leadership, offering practical advice and emotional support. Her commitment to this cause extends beyond her immediate team; she is a vocal advocate for gender equality within the industry and strives to create an environment where women are given equal opportunities to succeed.
Through her work and mentorship, Linda is paving the way for future female leaders in the design and architecture sectors. She believes that by actively challenging the gender biases that still exist in the industry, more women will be able to rise to leadership positions and contribute their unique perspectives to the field. Linda’s legacy is one of resilience, empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of equality for women in the workplace.
The Lasting Impact of Perseverance and Resilience
Linda’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the systemic gender biases she has encountered, Linda has risen to become one of the most respected leaders in her field. Her ability to navigate these challenges with grace and humor has allowed her to build a successful career and create opportunities for others. Linda’s story is not just one of personal success but also one of collective progress, as her leadership has inspired countless women to pursue leadership roles in design and architecture.
Today, Linda remains steadfast in her commitment to breaking down the barriers that women face in the workplace. She continues to mentor and support women in her team, helping them navigate the complexities of leadership while also challenging the systemic gender biases that still exist in the industry. By sharing her experiences and lessons learned, Linda is helping to create a future where more women can take on leadership roles and make their mark on the world of design and architecture.
The Most Valuable Business Wisdom She’s Received
Throughout her career, Linda has had the privilege of learning from some of the most respected figures in the design and architecture industries. However, she reveals that she never received much formal leadership guidance early on. Instead, much of the wisdom she carries with her today was gleaned through personal experience and lessons learned the hard way. One piece of advice that has stuck with her over the years came from an architect she met in the early 1990s, who emphasized the importance of financial stability in business. The advice was simple but incredibly practical: always maintain a reserve of at least £100,000 in the bank and ensure that each person in the studio is invoicing £100,000 annually.
While this advice might sound straightforward, Linda underscores that financial management is the backbone of any successful business. It’s a lesson she’s carried with her throughout her career, and it has played a crucial role in keeping the studio both stable and profitable. The idea of financial discipline, while often overlooked in creative industries, is key to ensuring long-term success. It allows businesses to weather financial downturns, continue to grow, and invest in talent, which is something Linda has always prioritized.
Promoting Female Leadership in Creative Industries
Linda’s experience with gender bias, both as a young woman in leadership and as a senior leader today, has made her acutely aware of the barriers women face in creative industries. She recognizes that, despite significant strides toward gender equality, the creative sector still remains one where women often struggle to rise to leadership positions. For many women, balancing the demands of family life, particularly childcare, with a senior career in a competitive industry is a constant challenge.
Linda was fortunate to have a partner who shared the responsibilities of childcare, and she also benefited from additional support in the form of a nanny and cleaner. However, she recognizes that this level of support is not accessible to everyone, and for many women, the difficulty of balancing both work and family can be a significant barrier to advancement. Women who take time off to raise children or care for family members often find it difficult to re-enter the workforce in senior roles due to the career interruptions and the lack of adequate childcare and support systems. Without these systems in place, women are often forced to choose between their families and their careers, which can stifle their professional growth.
Linda firmly believes that in order to see more women in leadership roles within the creative sector, there must be a more robust support system. This includes access to high-quality childcare, family-friendly workplace policies, and an environment that recognizes and supports women in balancing both their personal and professional responsibilities. Without these structural changes, women will continue to face disproportionate barriers to reaching their full potential in leadership positions.
This systemic support is not just a personal issue; it is a business issue. Women make up a significant portion of the creative industries workforce, and businesses that fail to support them are missing out on a wealth of talent and perspective. Linda believes that creating more opportunities for women in leadership, particularly by fostering a work environment that values work-life balance and offers the necessary support, will lead to more equitable and innovative workplaces.
The Future of Women in Leadership
Linda’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast belief in the value of diverse leadership. As she continues to lead StudioMorey, Linda remains committed to breaking down barriers for women in leadership and working toward a more inclusive, supportive, and innovative future in the creative industries. Through mentorship, systemic support, and a commitment to excellence, Linda Morey-Burrows is paving the way for future generations of women leaders in design and architecture.
Through her continued efforts to challenge biases, support her team, and advocate for systemic change, Linda shows that true leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender or background.
Conclusion:
As Linda Morey-Burrows reflects on her journey, it becomes clear that leadership is not just about making decisions or managing projects. For her, it’s about creating an environment where each team member feels valued, heard, and empowered. Her leadership is built on resilience and an unwavering commitment to both creative excellence and practical business strategy. Through her ability to navigate the complexities of the design industry, especially as a woman, Linda has shown that the key to leadership success lies in adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the people you work with.
One of the most compelling aspects of Linda’s leadership is her emphasis on systemic support over superficial empowerment. She recognizes that in order for women to truly succeed in leadership roles, they need more than just encouragement—they need concrete systems of support, including access to childcare, flexible working arrangements, and a work environment that acknowledges and values their contributions. Linda’s own experience with family and career balance has shaped her understanding of the barriers women face, and she is committed to creating a work culture that offers the necessary resources to break down those barriers. She believes that only through these systemic changes can we hope to see more women leading creative industries.
The advice that Linda has carried with her throughout her career reflects her no-nonsense, yet deeply thoughtful approach to business. Her focus on financial stability and practical advice serves as a reminder that creativity and business acumen need to go hand in hand. Financial discipline is just as important as artistic innovation when it comes to ensuring the long-term viability of a business, and Linda’s ability to balance both is a key element of her success.
As we look to the future, Linda’s efforts serve as a beacon for aspiring female leaders in the creative sectors. She has proven that leadership is not just about being in charge—it’s about inspiring others to achieve greatness, creating opportunities for everyone to succeed, and fostering an inclusive culture that values the diverse perspectives each individual brings. Linda Morey-Burrows is a shining example of what it means to lead with vision, resilience, and grace in a rapidly changing world.
