With applications now open for the autumn cohorts of our Leadership Programmes, we spoke to former participant Dawn about her journey from Emerging Leaders participant to CEO.

The Emerging Leadership course has really changed how I work and lead the organisation.

For Dawn Randall from Open Homes Nottingham, taking part in our Emerging Leaders programme helped her better understand her own leadership style and the way she communicates with others.

Reflecting on the experience, Dawn said:

"The Emerging Leadership course has really changed how I work and lead the organisation. It has been great getting feedback from partners and trustees about how much the organisation has changed, along with my approach, personal growth and growth of the team over the last 12 months. It's all thanks to the course."

She’s also embedded many of the learnings into her organisation too:

“I’ve already done insights on the team and they are all in the right roles and have an understanding how they work as individuals and with each other, we’ve just developed our culture and have focus elements each month in weekly team meetings where we take turns exploring our values to keep the team focussed on our vision.”

And Dawn's growth has been recognised by those around her:

I have been promoted to CEO and I know that would’ve taken a lot longer if I hadn’t attended the emerging leaders course.
"My team has also put me forward for an Inspirational Leader award so that's an exciting tribute and acknowledgment for the work I have done since attending the course."

Dawn's story is a reminder that there is no single route into leadership. The experiences we carry with us can shape how we lead, support others and create change. She shared:

"My personal story of getting into a position of Lead role is quite diverse, with lived homelessness of experience through fleeing Domestic Violence and losing everything, to where I am now."

Dawn is now looking ahead to the next stage of her leadership development, and is planning to apply to the Established Leaders – CEOs programme starting in September.