Future Leaders Programme

The Future Leaders Programme is aimed at emerging leaders working in SMEs or larger businesses from any sector, with up to three years managerial experience. These individuals are currently in, or soon to enter, roles with leadership or management responsibilities over people or resources. Applicants will be showing leadership potential and are needing to develop new leadership skills, knowledge and behaviours to emerge as leaders to take themselves and their businesses to the next level.

£2,400 per participant for an 8-week programme.

• You will build greater self-awareness and confidence in your leadership style. 
• You will strengthen your ability to communicate, coach, and motivate others leading authentically, ethically and effectively. 
• You will develop practical skills to monitor and improve performance as a leader and thus lead teams effectively. 
• You will apply strategic thinking and decision-making tools to real business challenges. 
• You will create a clear personal leadership action plan to drive growth for yourself, your teams, and your business. 
• You will understand the unique challenges and opportunities of business leadership, recognising the agility, resource constraints and growth dynamics and adapt leadership behaviours accordingly.  

Designed to be manageable alongside full-time work, Future Leaders is a blended programme over 8 weeks, with 3 sessions in person, 2 webinars and facilitated peer groups. 

• Clear Career Progression:  The programme is tailored for those that are one step below owner or senior leader level, giving participants the skills, confidence and tools to step into great decision making and leadership roles. 
   
• Practical and Applied Learning: The programme does not focus on abstract theory and focusses on applying learning immediately in the workplace via a personal business plan throughout. With the personal business plan being a tool allowing you to embed change and have ongoing leadership impact on your business.  
   
• Blended Format to Fit Working Commitments: 3 in sessions and 2 webinars, and with online peer learning groups, the programme fits into full-time work and reduces barriers to participation.  
   
• Great value for money: Just £2,400 for an 8 week programme based on world-leading research.
   
• Peer Networking: You will have the opportunity to join a cohort of like-minded professionals from across sectors, sharing challenges and solutions.
   
• Expert Delivery: Your sessions are led by experienced facilitators and practitioners backed by a mix of academic insight  and real-world business expertise.  

This module focuses on cultivating the foundational qualities of effective leadership by developing greater self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. Participants will explore their individual leadership styles, values, and strengths, and learn how to manage their energy and time under pressure. Through reflective practice and goal setting, learners will prepare for the transition from colleague to leader, gaining insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with leadership roles in business. The module encourages a deep understanding of personal development as a continuous journey, empowering participants to lead with authenticity and purpose. 

Topics covered will include: 

• Leadership styles and personal SWOT 
• Time and energy management 
• Transitioning from colleague to leader 
• Reflective practice and goal setting 

This module explores the essential skills required to lead and engage teams effectively within the dynamic context of small, medium-sized and larger businesses. Participants will examine the impact of communication styles on team engagement, team performance and learn how to balance the dual demands of inspiring others while managing accountability. The module introduces practical techniques for building high-performing teams, including coaching and mentoring approaches tailored to business environments. Learners will also develop strategies for navigating conflict—whether interpersonal or related to competing priorities and resources, enhancing their ability to lead with clarity, empathy, and confidence. 

Topics covered will include: 

• Communication styles and team dynamics 
• Coaching and mentoring 
• Conflict resolution 
• Building high-performing teams 

This module equips participants with the strategic mindset and practical tools needed to lead their business with clarity and impact. Focusing on the challenges and opportunities within their business, learners will develop the ability to analyse business environments, identify growth opportunities, and make informed decisions that balance short-term demands with long-term ambitions. Through the application of strategic thinking frameworks, participants will learn to align team activities with broader business goals. The module culminates in the creation of a personal leadership manifesto—an actionable plan that reflects each participant’s vision, priorities, and commitment to driving sustainable business success. 

Topics covered will include: 

• Strategic decision-making 
• Business environment analysis 
• Leadership manifesto creation 

Session 1
Thursday 23rd April, 1-5pm, Nexus – University of Leeds 

Session 2
Tuesday 28th April, 9am-11am or 2-4pm, Online Peer Group

Session 3
Tuesday 5th May, 10am-12pm, Online Webinar

Session 4
Wednesday 13th May, 1-5pm, Nexus – University of Leeds

Session 5
Tuesday 19th May, 9am-11am or 2-4pm, Online Peer Group

Session 6
Wednesday 27th May, 10am-12pm, Online Webinar

Session 7
Tuesday 2nd June, 9am-10.30am or 11am-12.30pm, Touch-base Call

Session 8
Wednesday 10th June, 1-5pm, Nexus – University of Leeds