I was looking for a way to refresh my leadership skills after receiving a promotion and was recommended the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at Saïd Business School. I was initially attracted to the programme because of the international cohort, this was important to me, and I liked that people would be attending from all over the world. Other programmes I had researched into were more stereotypical and heavier towards the one sector. I was looking for breadth and depth across multiple sectors due to the nature of Alexandra Palace and my role. I was also impressed with the balance between the strategic element of leading organisations whilst embedding the authenticity issues and leading with purpose. This aligned with my own values and enabled me to build upon it.
After my initial research, I discovered there were scholarship options for the programme and, given that I work for a charity, I decided to apply. After a conversation with the Programme Director I was accepted onto the scholarship and made my way to Oxford for three weeks! It was a very proud moment in my career. To know someone saw the potential in me and that I had what it took was a very humbling moment, and I realised there was an opportunity to absorb everything and throw myself in.
Reflections and overcoming challenges
A three-week programme is quite a commitment, but I have a strong team who enabled me to switch off from my role to fully immerse myself in the experience. I knew the value and power this would bring me, and I knew it would only happen if I had no other distractions. Thank you again to my team at Alexandra Palace for allowing me to do so. This was also part of my learning because it showed me my team were completely capable to manage situations without me and I can switch off from time to time.
As someone with dyslexia, I knew some aspects such as the reading would be a challenge for me, I can retain and read, but it just takes me longer. I had to ensure I kept my energy levels up due to the intense nature of the programme. The morning meditation sessions set me up well for the days and I would recommend future attendees go to these holistic sessions if they can. They’re a very powerful way to start the day, and an opportunity to bond with your cohort away from the learning.
Case study insight: gaining confidence and clarity
The most impactful session I experienced on the programme was the opportunity to put forward a case study about a particular issue I was facing. Getting the chance to ask a group of incredible people in the room something and receive their insight was a great experience. I wanted to ensure I got the best from them whilst giving back in a meaningful way so that everyone got the same experience. This was exciting and exhilarating at the same time. Standing in front of my inspiring cohort gave me a real confidence boost, I gained great feedback on how I had presented and articulated the pitch. As someone who never went to university, let alone Oxford University, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and to be immersed in the Oxford setting and the college dinners for three weeks was unbelievable. I felt incredibly privileged.
Realigning vision: implementing new strategies at Alexandra Palace
Another highlight I took away from the programme was Jonathon Trevor’s session on realignment. This framed my vision for the new goals and approach we would take forward at Alexandra Palace. I read Jonathon’s book ‘Re:Align’ during my time and I found the simplicity of the concept, along with the modules put forward, a very powerful tool if you get it right. This has since been the foundation of everything I have put into place at Alexander Palace, and it has had the greatest impact. I appreciated Jonathon taking the time to talk through my business structure since completing the programme.
I am applying the experiences and lessons from my time on the programme by spending 18 months cultivating the vision for Alexandra Palace and launching this in the Houses of Parliament. Our aim is to continue making it more sustainable through discussions with partners and stakeholders. The climate emergency is something we are all affected by, and we need to find a solution. The programme gave me the structure on how I was going to navigate stakeholder discussions to create one vision. I have learnt it is important to take time and get things right to ensure we have the correct foundations to springboard ourselves into a solid platform.
Building lasting relationships: the power of cohort collaboration
Throughout my three weeks at Oxford, I formed very close collaborative relationships. One evening we were asked to bring something from our culture; this was a great icebreaker and helped us understand the different heritage and showed how people go about business in different ways. That insight was amazing. The meals together and social aspects all add to the great atmosphere. As a cohort we have stayed connected, we still have a WhatsApp chat and a monthly teams call. It’s lovely to know if I had a challenge and needed guidance, or I was travelling to a country where someone was based, I can reach out and meet up. This is a very special bond that still is in place two years on and shows how much of an impact we had on each other.
Commitment and transformation
One thing I would tell someone considering the programme is if you are going to do it, commit to it completely. It is not just about you; it’s about the others in the cohort and as a group it is the power of the group that makes it a success. It is the power of the chain that makes it strong. It will have a knock-on impact for everyone involved if the cohort is not committed. This is an opportunity to make a significant shift in the way you lead, the way you think and the way you structure yourself. If you are going to do it, then be all in 100%.
I can say for certain that this programme set me on my CEO pathway. Going in at one place and coming out at an elevated place was a truly transformational experience, and one I would recommend to anyone.
