Finding my voice: Reflections on the Future Leaders Programme
To share thoughts or a story of my Future Leaders experience is an opportunity to try to put into words just how thankful I am to have been a part of this beautifully curated programme.
It’s one thing to understand the importance of sustainability in theory, but this programme helped make it personal.
I applied for the Future Leaders 2024 cohort with hesitation, quiet worry, and a steady self-belief that I didn’t think of myself as a leader. But over time, the steady exposure to role models reflected a sense of belief that was contagious, laying a foundation which allowed me to discover my own approach. Within six months I reached a comfort level where I volunteered to, not just speak publicly unfiltered, but with bursting enthusiasm to communicate the impact I’d felt from the programme.
I can only share my experience. Much of what I’ve learned has come from exposure to the knowledge, resources, people, and forward-thinking ideas that vital programmes like this bring to our industry. The programme has taught me to act with purpose, navigate complexity, authenticity, and embrace increased responsibility with the ever-lifting support of UKGBC’s alumni networks and sustainability communities.
I learned how to adapt and find greater resilience through connections of hope, creative vision and some frustration. I’m autistic, so it can feel big to process so much information, and being in different social settings can be hard. But UKGBC cared; they looked out for and led our cohort through the programme with kindness. I think each of us felt challenged in our own ways, and there was a real sense of unity in that. To foster friendships with a new group of people, each bringing their unique views, was revitalising, and will act as a steady reminder of how diverse, valuable, and expansive these journeys are.
Our leadership styles don’t have to be copies of each other; it isn’t a rigid path but a continuously evolving state of mind. It began with small steps— from finding the courage to share a thought, face a challenge, ask a question, or listen deeply. There was shared humanity in these moments, core values formed around openness, authentic communication, empathy, insight, and the ability to connect meaningfully with others to inspire shared action.
This programme offered countless opportunities to connect with nature and people, to sit in spaces where we can hear and feel the impact of storytelling.
Through this programme, I feel like I hear clearer and speak wider. There is beauty in variety; I feel honoured to have been a part of a cohort of people who I know will only shine brighter as they develop in their careers and are leaders that shine with a light I’d follow. We are all capable of being voices for change, and the programme reinforced that collective impact can come from us.
One of the most valuable parts of the programme was exposure to incredible sustainability leaders and mentors who were generous enough to pass on their wisdom and time. They showed us varied leadership shapes that would suit us and our teams, and the power of making room. Thanks to the innovation exercises, I feel more resilient in the face of change and believe that if we can hold space for curiosity and creativity, we will find new solutions.
I would attend the programme again in a heartbeat, every year if they’d have me! The team who created and facilitated this experience brought so much dedication, insight, and inspiration, making it as impactful as it was memorable. The conversations we shared, the trust we built, and the laughter that reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously—all of this enriched the experience beyond what I could have imagined.
When applying for this course, I worried if I’d be good enough to attend, I didn’t think of myself as a future leader, I’m so glad I did it anyway and I don’t feel that way anymore. If you are considering applying and have read this far, regardless of knowing you personally, this course is for everyone, please apply, I think this course is for you.
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What’s next for Embodied Ecological Impacts?
Regenerative Places: Empowering communities to improve homes and neighbourhoods for the benefit of people and planet.
