At the start of the week I would not have called myself a leader despite having been promoted to a position of leadership... However, by the end of the week spent learning who I am and about the values I hold to, my confidence had grown to the point that I could perceive qualities in myself sufficiently to own that I am a leader. 

 

The biggest takeaway from my own experience, and observing that of others, was the power of being listened to with attention, focus and intentionality to bring clarity and build confidence. 

By far the greatest insight since the programme has been around my own energy and confidence levels. My imposter syndrome has always made me feel very small and insignificant. Since returning from the programme, I became immediately aware of how apologetic I was for, quite literally, everything. 

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I now find myself unashamedly asking for everything I need without any apology or hint of meekness. The difference has been astounding. 

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The insights have also allowed me to make a concerted effort to raise myself out of the day-to-day operations of our charity and into a more senior leadership role.

The programme met all my expectations and exceeded them in many ways. The diversity of my cohort’s careers and experiences provided wide-ranging thoughts and approaches… and I found it valuable to hear a different focus in discussions that I didn’t expect.

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I really valued the five keynote speakers who shared their leadership journeys. I also appreciated the discussions around developing techniques to remain resilient. 

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The programme… has allowed me to reflect on my leadership style, change my approach in certain scenarios and ensure I lead with purpose. My focus is now on trusting my teams and nurturing their growth.

The course was a real turning point for my leadership journey and one that will create a legacy for me and the [charity] I work for. 

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I have learned that self-reflection helps me be a better leader. Being more authentic, bringing more of me ‘in’ to my leadership style helps me get the best from brilliant colleagues. My confidence is boosted and I’m more to the point…

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I have left Windsor with a wider ‘lens’ on my leadership – seeing my role across the organisation and the wider societal context too.

The most valuable aspect of the programme was having time for reflection. 

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Not only did the facilitated space help me learn more about my own leadership style, but it also helped me develop an insight into the leadership style of others. 

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I learned some really useful strategies that are helping me keep a sense of perspective… I also gained clarity on what motivates me as a charity leader… [and] now have a much better understanding of how I can develop a common sense of purpose within the charity so we are all working towards the same goal.

I [wanted] to learn more about developing greater levels of resiliency and increase my ability to develop ‘grace under pressure’ as a leadership quality. I feel I’ve very much developed my ‘resiliency reservoir’…but actually so much more!  

 

I’m now much more focused in applying my own personal resources to areas I feel I can have most impact for the charity and which [of] my strengths would be of most benefit to the organisation.

 

I’m also more comfortable with delegating tasks to others… [and]… more proactive in supporting others to achieve their own goals.

Thank you for helping create the space for me as a mid-career professional to step away from doing and to reflect more substantively on being. 

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Since the Windsor Fellowship…my experiences there have directly impacted my leadership style, the extent of networks I have to help me make a difference, how I use my networks, and the approach I have taken to working with different stakeholder groups.

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One of my biggest takeaways… was the role for self-care in nurturing and replenishing you as a leader.

[The Windsor Black and Asian Leadership programme] provided a space to reflect, to learn from other Black and Asian leaders and to raise issues that we were all facing. 

 

The opportunity to ask questions, exchange experiences and open up about doubts and questions about ourselves in a supportive atmosphere was very valuable. 

 

This has enabled me to be a better leader… and more confident in the issues I raise as a frequent commentator in the media.