“The Diversity in Leadership Programme has given me a clear insight into the path to senior management and what it means to be a leader. I have learnt a lot about myself, my working environment and the external environment on a strategic level through the master classes, one to one and mentoring sessions and discussions with my colleagues. Thanks to Maureen Salmon, who created a conducive learning environment where we all felt comfortable to express ourselves, talk about our life experiences in an open manner and exchange ideas about how we can learn from them without feeling judged. Maureen’s style of facilitation was exceptional and unique; she tailored the sessions to our level of understanding which made it so easy for us to learn while having fun.
I have had an opportunity to meet with senior managers and create good working relationships which would not have happened in my normal working environment. I have analysed and reflected about myself to discover the talents I possess that I can put into action as well as the areas where I need to improve.
Generally, I feel like I am a different person to the one who started the programme as my overall confidence has grown significantly to the benefit of my team that I currently manage. I feel my future career prospects are much brighter now. Plans are underway to start a work placement as a result of this programme. I would certainly recommend this programme to any middle manager striving to join senior management. To be precise, it is one of the best learning opportunities I have had in my working life so far and I am ready to make it count for the rest of my career.”