Elizabeth I: The power of delaying decisions

In episode 1 of History's Greatest Leaders, Tracy Borman and Mike Soutar discuss the tips that Elizabeth I's reign has to offer leaders today

Published: July 20, 2026 at 10:09 AM

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We often think of successful leadership in terms of steely resolve and decisive action. And one of history’s most famous rulers, Tudor queen Elizabeth I, was certainly capable of this strength and dynamism. But there’s another side to her story, too: a recurring tendency towards procrastination and indecision.

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In this episode, Tracy Borman – chief historian at Historic Royal Palaces and the author of books including Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Revelatory True Story of the Mother and Daughter who Changed History – tells Mike Soutar why this apparent dithering may in fact have been a strategic masterstroke, and highlights the tips that the queen’s reign has to offer leaders today.

Watch below or listen to the full interview, ad-free:

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For more on the life and legacy of Elizabeth I, don’t miss our curated collection of articles, podcasts and videos

Authors

Mike SoutarEntrepreneur and author

Mike Soutar is an entrepreneur and author of Next Gen CEO, and advisor on BBC One’s The Apprentice

Tracy BormanAuthor, historian, joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces

Tracy Borman is a best-selling author and historian, specialising in the Tudor period. She works part-time as joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and as Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust.

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