Unlocking Potential Through the Leeds Executive Leadership Apprenticeship

In an ever-evolving business landscape, staying ahead requires more than just experience—it demands continuous learning and the ability to adapt.

For Denise Din, a senior leader at Away Resorts, the Leeds Executive Leadership Apprenticeship was the key to unlocking her full potential. In a recent conversation with Leeds University Business School and Katy Waite, Denise shared her inspiring journey, demonstrating how investing in professional development can have a profound impact on both individual growth and business success.

Denise joined Away Resorts in 2022, bringing with her over 20 years of experience in health and safety regulation. Her task was clear: build an internal health and safety team for the rapidly expanding holiday park company.

"It was a challenge," Denise recalls, "but not that much of a challenge for me. I had done this before and knew how to get things moving quickly."

However, once her initial goal was achieved, Denise found herself asking a pivotal question: “What’s next?”

She was eager for a bigger challenge and wanted to develop her leadership and strategic skills. This desire led her to explore the possibility of pursuing an apprenticeship in leadership and management.

“I looked at the skills I had and realized there were gaps in budgeting, finance, and high-level strategy,” Denise explains. “I started doing my research, talked to people on LinkedIn, and discovered that an apprenticeship would fill those gaps. It was a perfect fit.”

By leveraging the apprenticeship levy, Away Resorts was able to fund Denise’s program without additional costs. This not only provided Denise with the opportunity to enhance her leadership skills but also paved the way for future leaders within the company.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Denise’s apprenticeship has been the ability to immediately apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.

“When you learn a theory, you see it play out at work,” she says. “It’s like unlocking a key. I’ve had so many light bulb moments where I realized, ‘Ah, that’s why this is happening!’”

A prime example of this was how Denise’s approach to delegation and team development evolved.

“I used to just give answers to my team,” she says. “Now, I ask questions to guide them toward solutions. It empowers them and allows me to focus on higher-level tasks.”

Denise’s success is not just a personal triumph—it’s a blueprint for leadership development within Away Resorts.

“We’re passionate about growing our own talent,” says Katy Waite, who has been instrumental in driving the initiative. “We’re working to create a culture where learning and leadership development are embedded into the business.”

Katy highlights how apprenticeships provide a structured framework for leaders to enhance their skills while remaining fully engaged in their roles.

“When you’re working while learning, the knowledge sticks,” Katy emphasizes. “You’re applying what you learn in real time, and that’s where real growth happens.”

“This hasn’t just been a box-ticking exercise,” she says. “It’s changed how I lead, how I think, and how I approach my role.”

Her newfound knowledge has also enabled her to think beyond her function and contribute more effectively to the broader strategic goals of the company.

Denise’s success does not stop there, and Leeds University Business School is very proud to share that she received ‘Highly Commended’ for ‘Apprentice of the Year’ as part of the Business School partnership awards and is now a Finalist in the Degree Apprentice of the Year category for the 2025 West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards.

Ready to Unlock Your Leadership Potential? If Denise’s story has inspired you to explore how apprenticeships can transform your leadership skills, don’t wait to take the next step.

• Explore leadership apprenticeship opportunities
• Talk to your HR team about using the apprenticeship levy for professional development
• Start mapping out your path to the next level in your career

Apply Now for the Leeds Executive Leadership Apprenticeship this July 2025.