Special Award

Best Leader

The Best Companies ‘Special Award’ for Best Leader is presented to the leader who, according to their people, lives and breathes the organisation’s values, embodies its culture, and is an inspirational influence to their people.

2024 Winners
For the 'Best Leader' Special Award

Arise Health logo2020INC logoOE logoThe Paak logo

Jamie Sobrany - Linnk Group

2024 Winner - Small

Regular town halls, team meetings, newsletters, and digital platforms provide opportunities for the CEO to articulate and reinforce Linnk Group’s guiding principles. Jamie Sobrany leads by example, serving as a steadfast champion of the organisation’s vision and values.

Simon Grosse - FSP

2024 Winner - Mid-Size

FSP hosts four yearly events to bring everyone together. One event, called 'Unity', has no business agenda, focusing instead on connection, belonging, and sharing perspectives. New starter's receive a personalised CEO welcome session and a deeper insight into the business.

Sophie Costello - Costello Medical

2024 Winner - Large

Integrity is one of Costello Medical’s core values and the leadership team is honest and transparent. The quarterly companywide catch-ups and company intranet serve as key communication forums, and employees are encouraged to be open with their questions or concerns.

Basil Scarsella - UK Power Networks

2024 Winner - Big

Basil Scarsella maintains his visibility through bi-weekly companywide videos, the CEO YamJam on Yammer, and a Networking Forum for Senior Management Team, hosted by himself and the Executive Management Team, providing key business updates and an open Q&A session.

2024 Nominees
for the 'Wellbeing' Special Award

2024 Nominees
for the 'Wellbeing' Special Award

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CyberLab
Nominee

Softwire launched a disability/mental health spotlight, sharing Q&As from employees who have a disability.
The aim was to help reduce stigma, start conversations, and give the wider company insights into what it's like working at Softwire with a disability.

The Landmark London
Nominee

Continuous improvement is one of The Landmark London’s key company behaviour and is ingrained within their culture. They believe that an employees’ journey should be enriching and memorable.  

CyberLab
Nominee

Softwire launched a disability/mental health spotlight, sharing Q&As from employees who have a disability.
The aim was to help reduce stigma, start conversations, and give the wider company insights into what it's like working at Softwire with a disability.

The Landmark London
Nominee

Continuous improvement is one of The Landmark London’s key company behaviour and is ingrained within their culture. They believe that an employees’ journey should be enriching and memorable.  

CyberLab
Nominee

Softwire launched a disability/mental health spotlight, sharing Q&As from employees who have a disability.
The aim was to help reduce stigma, start conversations, and give the wider company insights into what it's like working at Softwire with a disability.

The Landmark London
Nominee

Continuous improvement is one of The Landmark London’s key company behaviour and is ingrained within their culture. They believe that an employees’ journey should be enriching and memorable.  

How we shortlist companies for the Best Leader Special Award

The shortlist for this award is created using data from the Best Companies b-Heard surveys. Using the average scores from statements relating to leadership, we determine who has achieved the highest overall score from all participating organisations throughout the year, with three nominees being selected for each size category

The winner of the Best Leader award is determined by the Leadership score that an organisation achieves through its survey. Purely data based, this award is presented to the leader of the organisation that scores the highest in this factor. The winner is revealed during an annual ceremony each November, in conjunction with the publication of the Best Companies to Work For Lists each year.

What does it mean to be shortlisted for the Best Leader Special Award?

Winning the Best Leader award is an accolade like no other and is a testament to exceptional leadership qualities – not least because it is awarded directly from the scores given by the people on the receiving end of that leadership.

It signifies recognition for inspiring and empowering others, fostering a positive work environment, and driving organisational success.  
You create a positive and engaging work environment that motivates and empowers your employees by setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and celebrating success.
You communicate clearly and openly with your team members, actively listen to their ideas and concerns, and provide organisational clarity to all levels of the business.
You embody the values, culture, and behaviour of your organisation, demonstrating integrity, accountability, and setting the standard expected across the business.

Find out how your company can take part in 2025

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