Alumni review of the year
We think that 2024 was a testament to the power of connection and continuous growth.
Our quarterly alumni skills practice sessions provided space for people to reconnect with each other and the Positive Influence model, practise behaviours and share insights.
These free sessions were structured around carefully chosen themes, addressing challenges that are priorities for our clients.
Career Conversations
February’s focus on Career Conversations struck a chord with many of our alumni.
We explored how meaningful career discussions can be transformative when approached as collaborative and ongoing — rather than one-off — exchanges.
A lot of the conversations turned on curiosity: how asking the right questions and truly listening can help align personal ambitions with organisational needs.
It was heartening to hear attendees reflect on how they’d use these insights, particularly the emphasis on cultivating allies and mentors to support professional journeys.
Career Conversations – Read more
When Experts Become Leaders
In June, the spotlight turned to the challenge of stepping into leadership roles with When Experts Become Leaders.
The transition from technical expertise to leadership presents opportunities and challenges, and the groups’ discussions highlighted the complexities of this shift.
People shared stories of grappling with the need to let go of being the “go-to” expert and embracing an enterprise approach to decision making.
There was a clear consensus: leadership demands a broad set of relational, strategic, and technical skills that need to be used intentionally and flexibly.
The sessions left everyone reflecting on the kind of leader they want to be.
When experts become leaders – Read more
Navigating change
September’s theme of Navigating Change felt particularly timely, as many found themselves amidst organisational upheavals or market shifts.
Our discussions reframed change as an opportunity to foster growth and resilience.
A big takeaway was the importance of trust. Leaders who are transparent about challenges and invite open dialogue create environments where teams can adapt more effectively.
There were also some great conversations about how uncertainty can be a catalyst for innovation, provided leaders frame it in the right way.
Navigating Change – Read more
Inclusion and Influence
We wrapped up the year with Inclusion and Influence, considering how our use of the Positive Influence model can foster interpersonal inclusion.
The sessions developed into an exciting exploration of how Asserting behaviours facilitate our personal need to be included.
We also examined the factors that help to create psychologically safe climates that allow everyone to contribute.
One of the most striking takeaways was how influence is more impactful when rooted in curiosity and empathy.
Inclusion and Influence – Read more
Looking back over the year, a unifying theme emerges: people are at their best when they can balance thoughtfulness with action, and confidence with humility.
This tricky balance is made easier when we have a clear objective, a range of behaviours and tools at our disposal, and the ability to shift our approach in response to the emerging context.
And we’d also reflect that these sessions are not just about learning.
They’re about building a community where people support and inspire each other to grow.
We’re committed to continuing in 2025, creating ripples of positive change that extend far beyond the sessions themselves.
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