An interview with a Women in Leadership graduate

Emma Read

Group Accounting, PD Ports

Why did you choose WIL?

I chose WIL as I would like to progress by career, and whilst I am learning technical skills and gaining experience, the actual softer skills of leadership are just as important if not more and I wanted to gain understanding on the key areas of leadership.
The WIL course offered a good mix of in person and virtual learning, it involved peer groups and face to face interaction- these methods of learning always appeal to me more than reading text books. The offer of a mentor or coach was also enticing, knowing you had that 1-1 time to focus on you.

Did you have any reservations about joining WIL?

I don’t really like talking about myself, saying I am good at this, struggle with this etc, and I don’t make friends easily, so I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t gel with my peer group and that I wouldn’t engage enough to get the most out of the group, but I had nothing to fear about, the people- my peers, the coaches, the staff, the specialists, everyone was great, and it felt like you had known people for a lot longer than the few days you had spent with them.

Past participants describe the WIL programme as a transformative journey, do you agree? And if so, how has it changed you?

Yes its transformative, it made me more self-aware, it gave my ideas to help my self-awareness and developing softer skills. It made me more confident. Whilst I haven’t been promoted, lot of changes are afoot, and the CFO has discussed further development in my role in the near future.

One unique element of WIL is the coaching participants receive. How did coaching benefit you?

I chose Karen Cuthbert as my coach, and she was a highlight of the course. Her approach, her knowledge, her techniques and advice were all invaluable. The coaching sessions were really good and having the flexibility to match them with the in-person sessions and consider the learning to the reality to the impact on you etc worked really well.

WIL is renowned for its blended approach to learning, particularly, for its peer learning groups, how did you find them?

I think the overall mix of in person sessions, peer groups and coaching were a perfect blend.
I really enjoyed the peer groups, knowing you aren’t the only one feeling those frustrations/concerns etc, not the only one facing that challenge in the workplace. Being able to hear from those who are there now or been through it and supporting each other was really nice, positive and beneficial. We became a close group and I have definitely made professional contacts and some social ones too.

What has been your biggest takeaway from WIL?

My biggest take away is self-awareness- I knew who I was and what I wasn’t good at, but now I know what I am good at, and how to react or what to do when I know my not so good traits want to burst out.

Would you recommend WIL to others?

Absolutely yes, it’s a great course. Not too long, not too short, not too time consuming (because we all have demanding jobs and personal lives), the content is great, the tools are really useful, and the experience is one I won’t forget.