Lottie Miller has always had a way with words. Not only is she fluent in French and Italian, she also speaks the language of leadership, too.

Once a translator working in the vineyards of France, where grapes are transformed into wine, Lottie is now responsible for a team of seven people who are helping to transform communities in Rhondda for its local people.

Following demand from local residents, Lottie took the lead in creating a new department at Rhondda Housing Association, dedicated to regenerating the area and improving people’s quality of life, including education, health and the environment.

“It was very much a team effort,” said Lottie. “I’m lucky to have a very passionate and supportive group of people to work with and together we managed to access over £1m for our local community work, which was a huge achievement.

Lottie describes her leadership style as the ‘principle approach’ which she bases on integrity.

“Along with a lot of energy and enthusiasm for what you do, leaders also need to be honest with themselves and their team. Believing in each other, and yourself, is the key to success.”

Perhaps Lottie’s self-belief and determination have gotten her where she is today. She had a heart operation at four years old and was told she would only live to the age of 15.

“I was told I’d never be able to have children and that I’d have to live my life wrapped up in cotton wool, but I refused to let it get me down and here I am. I have a great career and three children, so I’m living proof that believing in yourself is a powerful tool. And it’s one that applies to leadership, too.

“To be a good leader you need to be really motivated and passionate about what you do. But you also need to be quite ambitious and adventurous, especially when you are pushing through organisational changes or strategies that can have a huge impact on other people’s lives.

“For example, we recently introduced a scheme that brings trainees from disadvantaged backgrounds into the workplace to help them gain new social and vocational skills, and when you can see a scheme like this going so well, it spurs you on.”

Bev Wheeler is a community development officer who has been working with Lottie for over three years. She said: “She’s a thinker. She always thinks first and doesn’t give an automatic response. She has very imaginative ways of working, too. For example, we were working on a project which tries to involve people of all ages, but were struggling for new ideas of how to engage people. Then Lottie suggested storytelling. It worked so well but she still won’t take praise for it!

“Maybe it’s her Quaker background, but Lottie is very tolerant and believes that everyone should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. She’s very encouraging, gives praise and always looks for the positives. She has my total admiration and respect.”