An evening with Former Director General of MI5, Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller

Fans of Slow Horses, Spooks and James Bond might think they have the measure of a secret service agent – but think again. Former Director General of MI5, Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller, firmly challenged those assumptions in front of an audience of GDST alumnae at South Hampstead High School.

An alumna of Northampton High School – and the second GDST alumna to hold this prestigious office, following Dame Stella Rimington – Dame Eliza shared powerful reflections on leadership and resilience, drawn from a career of exceptional public service.

She spoke candidly about the weight of responsibility in intelligence work and the question that kept her accountable: “Have we done enough to illuminate the problem?”

Baroness Manningham-Buller shared a leadership philosophy grounded in humility and humanity – there’s no set template, so be your own role model by learning from both the best and worst in others. She championed continuous learning and the power of small gestures: a word of praise, a handwritten note, simply being approachable. “Leadership isn’t lonely,” she said. “If it feels that way, you haven’t seen yourself as part of the team.”

From navigating national crises to finding work-life balance, Dame Eliza offered a rare and moving glimpse into the realities of leading in high-stakes environments – showing true GDST courage, intellect and integrity. It was a truly inspiring evening and a powerful reminder of how the GDST is strengthened by a global network of 110,000 alumnae whose achievements continue to shape a more equitable and inclusive world.