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10 Oct 2025

Leadership Lessons: Luciana Berger, politician and mental health advocate

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What makes a successful leader? Our Leadership Lessons series brings you insights from leading figures in politics, business and sport. In this interview, we chat with Baroness Luciana Berger, Member of the House of Lords and Chair of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

Baroness Luciana Berger’s remarkable journey from corporate consultant to political leader has been defined by a commitment to making a meaningful difference. Throughout her career, she has embodied leadership that blends resilience, compassion and a drive to make a positive impact on society.

Learning from diverse environments

From a young age, Luciana engaged in a variety of work environments, working several years at the Disney Store. She also volunteered at the learning disability charity Norwood. She then spent her gap year with Accenture, laying the foundations for her leadership approach.

Luciana reflects on how these experiences taught her to relate to people from all walks of life. Volunteering, she believes, offers a unique insight into the human experience, something that is just as relevant in leadership as in day-to-day business operations. “It’s crucial to be open to learning from diverse environments,” she says. “The humility and perspective that come from volunteering are invaluable for anyone in a leadership role.”

Motivation to make a difference

Her work in politics began at the University of Birmingham, where she became involved in student politics. She went on to do a Master’s degree in political science and policy, which eventually led her to a prominent frontbench role.

Luciana credits much of her political involvement to the values instilled in her during her Jewish upbringing, particularly the concept of tikkun olam: repairing the world. This motivation to make a difference and contribute to the public good has motivated Luciana throughout her career.

“We should listen twice as much as we speak”

Luciana’s leadership is rooted in effecting positive change – from her early days in student politics to her current advisory positions – which led to her receiving a life peerage from His Majesty The King in 2024. Her journey has been marked by accolades and recognition, including a Jo Cox Memorial Award for Bravery & Heroism, a Jewish Care Women of Distinction Award, and being featured in the Vogue 25 line-up of ‘high-powered and visionary women whose work is shaping Britain’s future’.

Her approach to leadership remains unchanged despite evolving roles and increasing responsibility.

“We’ve got two ears and one mouth,” she asserts. “We should listen twice as much as we speak.” This advice speaks to the heart of her leadership style: emphasising the importance of listening, empathy and kindness.

Applying skills to make a difference

Luciana’s advocacy for mental health is a reflection of these values. She has long been a champion of mental health awareness, serving as the first-ever Shadow Cabinet Minister for Mental Health in the House of Commons. Her dedication to this cause has spanned two decades, fuelled by her desire to help others and reduce stigma.

She also acts as a mentor, offering guidance to the next generation of leaders. As the chair of a mental health charity, she brings her commercial and political experience to bear in the not for profit sector.

“Whether you’re coming from a commercial background or another field, it’s about applying your skills to benefit organisations that may not be motivated by profit but are driven by a desire to make a difference,” she explains.

Balancing responsibilities

Balancing her demanding career with family life presents a constant challenge for Luciana, who is a mother of two young children. “It’s not easy,” she admits. “But we do our best.”

With responsibilities ranging from a number of voluntary organisations to juggling the expectations of her political and advisory roles, Luciana exemplifies the complexities of modern leadership, finding great fulfilment in her ability to make a positive impact, both professionally and personally.

 

Image credit: © House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported licence.

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This interview with Luciana Berger was originally published in Strategic Leaders: Insights for Success, co-produced by BKL for the 2025 Jewish Care Topland Group Business Lunch. Explore more of our Leadership Lessons series below or read the interview booklet here.

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