Finding authenticity through transformation: Gudmundur’s leadership journey

Gudmundur Sigurdsson, or ‘Gummi’ as he’s affectionately known, has been on a leadership journey as transformative as it has been deeply personal. Gummi is a former department manager at Icelandic air navigation service provider Isavia ANS and now a State Liaison Officer at Eurocontrol in Brussels. As he shares his story of Isavia’s cultural transformation, it reveals how it has reshaped not just his approach to leadership but his perspective on life itself.

A personal history that shaped a leader

Growing up in rural Iceland, Gummi experienced his share of challenges. Moving from an isolated farm to a small town as a child, he quickly became the target of teasing and bullying. ‘I smelled of manure, wore rubber boots - everything about me screamed outsider,’ he recalls.

A pivotal moment came when, surrounded by classmates armed with snowballs, he swung his boots in defiance, scattering the group. ‘That was the beginning of my resolve to stand my ground. But it also planted a seed of distrust in people’s intentions.’

This early experience led Gummi to become a loner, someone who relied on himself and rarely opened up. ‘I learned to focus on actions rather than words. I didn’t trust easily, and I kept people at arm’s length.’ he says. But as he reflects on his journey, it’s clear that this guardedness, while protective, came with its own limitations.

‘I decided early on that I wanted to stay true to myself and speak what was on my mind. However, this was not always well received by others,’ he admits.

The turning point: Isavia’s cultural transformation

When Isavia embarked on a cultural transformation with the guidance of Conscious Consulting, Gummi admits he was sceptical. ‘I’d seen initiatives like this before, promising big changes but ultimately falling flat,’ he says. But this time was different.

‘In the very first workshop, something clicked. When I saw the illustration in red, green and blue of different behavioural styles and their effect on team performance, I realised that we were working towards a common goal that resonated with how I had always lived.’

‘I understood that this wasn’t about superficial changes - it was about creating a space where people, including myself, could be their authentic selves and support each other.’

For Gummi, the transformation resonated deeply with his past. ‘I had spent years withdrawing in situations where I didn’t feel safe or understood. The new culture at Isavia gave me permission to let go of that fear. I didn’t have to play games or read between the lines anymore. I could just be myself.’

This shift not only impacted his workplace relationships but also his personal life. ‘My wife told me she noticed changes in how we communicate. I was more open, more willing to express myself,’ he shares with a smile.

The challenge of vulnerability

Perhaps the most profound change for Gummi has been his willingness to embrace vulnerability. One of his standout moments during the cultural journey involved addressing a long-standing grudge with a colleague. ‘I pulled him aside and told him about something he’d said years ago that had stayed with me. It was terrifying, but it was also liberating. We cleared the air, and it transformed our working relationship.’

Gummi acknowledges that being vulnerable isn’t easy.

‘Your heart pounds, and there’s always that fear of being misunderstood. But once you’ve taken the step, it’s like a weight is lifted. People know where they stand with you, and you build trust in a way that’s genuine.’

As Gummi reflects on his time at Isavia and his current role in Brussels, he sees the cultural transformation as a cornerstone of his development.

‘It’s not just about being a better leader - it’s about being a better person.’

Even in his new workplace at Eurocontrol, Gummi carries the lessons he learned. ‘I still strive to be authentic and open, even when my new colleagues are used to different ways of interacting. It’s not always easy, but it’s who I am now.’

Advice for fellow leaders

As our conversation winds down, Gummi reflects on the advice he’d offer to other leaders. ‘Don’t underestimate the power of being yourself. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a way to connect, to build trust and to create a culture where people thrive.’

And his parting wisdom?

‘It’s something I’ve carried with me since my teenage years: Treat people with respect, be honest and don’t play games. It sounds simple, but it can transform everything.’

Once Gummi finishes his work as State Liaison Officer in Eurocontrol, he plans to return to Isavia. ‘I’ve always held myself back a bit and preferred to stay in the background because I didn’t want the attention, and I didn’t always trust people. But the sense of safety and belonging that came with the cultural transformation gave me the courage to apply for the position as Liaison Officer, with full support from my superior, and here I am today.’

Gummi’s story is a testament to the power of cultural transformation, not just within organisations but within individuals. For him, it’s been a journey of growth, courage and an unwavering commitment to authenticity - a journey that he hopes will inspire those around him.

Gudmundur Sigurdsson, former department manager at Isavia ANS and now a State Liaison Officer at Eurocontrol (photo credit: Gudmundur Sigurdsson)