Pearson was one of the first organisations to spot the potential of She Leads Change to transform their employees and have been participants on the programme since it started in 2018. Almost 50 women from Pearson have participated in She Leads Change Programmes over the past 3 years and together, we have grown the organisation’s leaders and extended the impact of She Leads Change within Pearson and beyond.
As Co-Head of Mentoring for WILL UK in Pearson, Hannah Cheek has regularly sent participants to our She Leads Change programmes. We asked Hannah to share her experience.
“She Leads Change has created a real buzz in Pearson. Participants are talking about huge boosts to their self-belief and rediscovering their strengths and personal attributes. The impact of this is a more confident approach to work, where women recognise the value that they bring to discussions and are brave enough to expand their networks.”
This is no ordinary leadership skills course. This is about self-awareness and reflection, opening up, leaning into the uncomfortable, exploring, sharing and learning with others. There are no passive moments, this is a wholehearted, full bodied learning experience, driven from within. The reflective nature of the programme has allowed participants to focus on principles that really resonate with their beliefs and allowed this to guide future plans with greater focus and purpose. A large number of participants are still in touch with their coaches and are recognising the benefit of this support having completed the programme.
“What She Leads Change offers, and I have not experienced before, is a safe place to practice breaking all those habits and self doubts that hold us back. This was about finding your voice, knowing your values and seeking connection. I have better habits. I no longer worry about speaking up in meetings, what should I say and I have faith in the value of that contribution. It has led to more authentic exchanges and moved my focus from doing to connecting.”
Another amazing aspect of She Leads Change is the access to highly skilled coaches. We talked about things that I felt were holding me back as well as my area of enquiry. With introductions from my coach
and my new-found voice, and confidence on the power of connection, I set about reaching out to some truly inspiring individuals who also share my passion for Science and diversity.
“I’m more confident, more comfortable with being myself, more comfortable with being challenged.”
Katy is a Customer Experience Demand Manager at Pearson and participated on our Leading from Within Programme. Katy has continued to be involved with She Leads Change, including helping to develop a global programme called Brave New World. She Leads Change for her, is far better than conventional mentoring programmes – in her own words:
“It’s also giving me the ability to gain more confidence in leading and facilitating, because there are so many other things to get involved in. And the community of people to learn from is huge. It’s one of the more difficult things to pull together, a community or network for ongoing continued learning after the programmes ends, but they have it already. And genuinely everyone that gets involved wants to be there, shows up fully. If you’re there, you’re present. It’s a real contrast to a lot of my day to day working environment and has really made me lead better” – Katy Reid
Leading From Within is our three-month leadership programme designed for women wanting to bring themselves more fully into their work and life – it allows women to better hear their own voice, inform their choices, navigate relationships and intervene gracefully for systemic change.
Our next cohort launches in October. If, like Hannah and Katy, you’re looking to find your voice, increase your confidence and explore the power of connection and community, apply to join our next cohort now. Applications available for our Changemaker Awards. Any questions – email us on hello@sheleadschange.org