Experience overview
You’ve chosen your next leader. Now ensure they can succeed at the top.
They might be a proven operational leader, but taking on the highest level of responsibility in an organisation requires a different kind of leadership: strategic leadership.
Spanning two years, Partners for Leadership is an unrivalled leadership development experience designed to help leaders make this transition and ensure they lead the field once in role.
Trusted by senior leaders across top organisations
‘P4L provides an opportunity in a safe space to share views, ideas and learn from others’ experiences. It has helped me address challenges, apply different thinking and grow into my leadership role.’
Participant of P4L
‘[P4L is] a rare and valuable opportunity to step away from the daily demands of running a business and create space to reflect on personal growth and think strategically about the future.’
Participant of P4L
‘The key ingredients for me were the right mix of people, the very clear instructions (it was just well run) and the emphasis on learning from each other.’
Participant of P4L
‘Cumberland Lodge offers a truly inspiring setting for a retreat. The heritage of the building, combined with the tranquility of its gardens, creates an ideal environment to unwind, reflect and recharge.’
Participant of P4L
Become a successful strategic leader
Becoming a successful strategic leader isn’t just about acquiring new knowledge and skills. It’s about personal development – becoming a leader with the vision to set a clear direction for the organisation and the strength of character to keep everyone on track.
It’s about becoming a leader who others want to follow.
That is why P4L is for you if you are:
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A senior leader preparing for or recently appointed to a strategic role
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A high-potential individual identified in succession plans
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An executive seeking a reflective space to recalibrate your leadership approach
Created for real leaders
P4L’s two-year strategic leadership experience is built on the belief that effective leadership begins with self-awareness and is sustained through meaningful connection with others.
We know there are shorter strategic leadership development experiences available – and less expensive ones. But we don’t believe in cutting corners. We know what works.
Partners for Leadership
We combine three distinctive approaches to create a powerful cumulative effect.
Residential leadership retreats
Three times each year, participants gather at historic Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park. Here, they benefit from a programme of off-the-record talks by expert contributors and thought leaders, interaction with fellow participants and an in-depth practical workshop around one or more key leadership themes.
Each retreat offers leaders a flexible space to step back from the daily pressures of leadership; reflect on their values, behaviours and impact; and reset their approach to lead with authenticity and resilience.
During the year, webinars offering insight into topical and emerging leadership themes are also delivered.
Immersive cross-sector learning
With a maximum cohort size of 15 and ‘Chatham House’ rules, participants join a trusted and engaged community of peers distinguished by honest dialogue, shared learning and mutual support.
They meet, connect and work with other leaders from a wide range of sectors. Participants draw on their experience of leading in large international corporates, the armed forces and public authorities as well as smaller companies. Each adds something fresh to the mix.
Ongoing peer-to-peer ‘leadership exchanges’ with current and former participants deepen the learning as leaders join an alumni network committed to leading with purpose and integrity.
Personalised support from a Critical Friend
Participants are carefully matched with their own qualified board-level Critical Friend. The Critical Friend brings multi-sector career and consultancy experience, with many also recognised and widely admired in the strategic leadership development field.
In one-to-one sessions, each Critical Friend provides confidential, personalised support at intervals to suit the participant’s needs throughout the experience – and beyond.
01 STAGE ONE
A structured two-year* experience covering all aspects of leadership and personal development – including self-determination and ambition, vision and strategy and working with others. Participants benefit from three residential retreats each year, immersive peer-to-peer learning and the one-to-one support of an experienced Critical Friend.
* This period can be adapted to suit individual needs.
02 STAGE TWO
One further year of Critical Friend support once a board or divisional MD role has been secured and/or the core P4L experience has been completed.
This stage is open to direct entrants as well as participants from Stage One.
Our powerful two-stage experience
P4L’s strategic leadership experience is delivered in two stages to deepen impact.
What participants say
‘Thought-provoking, insightful and often provided a different slant to leadership challenges...’
‘The Critical Friend - simply brilliant. Having their impartial but informed opinion has helped me enormously...’
‘I left every session with my mind buzzing with thoughts on how I can put things into practice...’
‘At Cumberland Lodge, I can spend 24 hours on myself. Priceless!’
