Belonging, Boundaries, and Becoming: A Masterclass with Rob Dixon
Angelika Etherington-Smith is a final-year International Relations student at King’s College London. She is a tenured President of the International Relations Society, has interned at the Malta High Commission, and is a writer and editor for her university’s student newspaper. With a deep interest in diplomacy, freedom of speech, and holding power to account, Angelika is passionate about amplifying diverse voices in public life and exploring how identity shapes leadership.
As someone currently navigating the early stages of a career in public and international affairs, I was excited to attend this Patchwork Masterclass with Rob Dixon, Director of the International Policy Group at the Cabinet Office. The evening offered rich reflections on leadership, identity, and diplomacy — not as abstract concepts, but as personal and professional journeys.
What struck me most was the speaker’s emphasis on authenticity in leadership. The conversation began with reflections on upbringing and career progression, particularly the challenges of entering the civil service from a non-traditional background. The message was clear: succeeding in public service doesn’t require fitting into a mould — in fact, trying to do so can be counterproductive. Instead, leaning into what makes us different and leading from a place of honesty and self-awareness can be a strength, not a setback.
This resonated deeply with me. As someone involved in student politics and reporting, I’ve often observed the tension between visibility and conformity — the pressure to project confidence and professionalism while still holding onto your values and sense of self. The idea that effective leadership comes from being grounded in who you are, rather than performing who you think you should be, was not just empowering, but practical.
Another idea that stood out was the importance of resisting self-censorship — not just in terms of what we say, but in how we define our ambitions. Many of us carry doubts shaped by our backgrounds, education, or perceived lack of experience, and it can be easy to internalise those limits. This Masterclass reminded me that public service — and leadership more broadly — needs people who challenge norms rather than conform to them. In a room full of Patchworkers from diverse walks of life, the message was clear: difference is not a disadvantage.
The session also touched on broader themes in UK diplomacy — including how the country is responding to geopolitical change and why the civil service must reflect the society it serves. There was a clear recognition of the importance of inclusion and representation in shaping stronger, more responsive institutions. Hearing this reinforced my belief that diversity isn’t just a goal — it’s a tool for more effective governance.
We also explored the realities of working in high-pressure public roles: managing personal conviction versus professional responsibility, balancing work with wellbeing, and finding the right career path within or beyond government structures. The encouragement to stay curious, test yourself, and remain open to uncertainty stayed with me — especially as I think about how to build a meaningful career that aligns with both values and impact. I left the evening feeling both reassured and challenged. Reassured that there’s no single “correct” way to lead in public service — and challenged to continue building the kind of inner confidence that allows for principled, empathetic leadership in complex spaces.
A sincere thank you to Rob Dixon for sharing his time and experience, to the host for facilitating such a thoughtful discussion, and to the Patchwork Foundation for continuing to create spaces where ambition, identity and service can be explored with honesty.
