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Launching the Ethnic Senior Leaders Programme was in direct response to a clear need to diversify the talent pipeline towards senior leadership among our member organisations. This third cohort has now completed the six-month programme and came together for one final celebration at the fabulous Wickes headquarters in Watford.
The 23 senior leaders – 13 from Hospitality, Travel & Leisure and 10 from Retail – were individually supported throughout by cross-industry mentors as they progressed through the six stages of the programme. Speakers and leadership experts from within the two sectors provided learning and insight, bringing real-life experience as role models. We are particularly delighted that two among the group were graduates who had successfully advanced from our more junior ethnicity-related programme, the Ethnic Future Leaders Programme.
Introducing our sponsors
David Wood CEO and Sonia Astill CPO at Wickes have given their time and support from the outset of this cohort and graciously hosted the graduation ceremony at the Wickes headquarters in Watford on 6th March 2024.
Sonia said: “Former Wickes delegates have talked about the benefits of coming through the programme: the networking, the confidence and self-belief. The evidence is the number of promotions shortly after the programme.”
Learning from the Peer Accountability Group sessions
Frequently cited as one of the most enjoyable elements of the programme, each Peer Accountability Group (PAG) has given delegates the opportunity to lean in, be mutually supportive and realise new professional connections. These closed sessions allowed for deeper discussion from which new ideas and perspectives are conceived. These were shared with the larger group as part of the graduation ceremony:
Embracing opportunities and being open to the journey: “We feel we are planting seeds”
Resilience, vulnerability and building self-confidence: “Be careful what you tell yourself”
Acknowledging and accepting their authentic selves: “It’s a journey of self-validation”
Connections with Peer Accountability Groups to make a difference: “Collective power!” and “PAGs for life!”
The importance of paying forward and helping others: “Don’t forget to send the lift back down”
Mentors make a positive difference: “Your wise words have given me such power – go slow to go fast, back yourself and remember how far you have come, it’s ok not to have all the answers”
Celebrate the authentic self: “Be bold, be brave, be brilliant!”
The impact of the ESL Programme: “The programme that keeps on giving”
Action Planning Session
Alena Korcinova, WiHTL & DiR’s Head of Learning held a session to crystallise both mentors’ and delegates’ learning. Delegates discussed what they have learnt about themselves as a leader, their strengths which they can reinforce in their roles, and how to pay their experience forward. Mentors reflected on what they have learned through the mentoring process, how it challenged their assumptions, and what actionable steps they can take.
Congratulations and final thoughts from Tea Colaianni, Founder and Chair of WiHTL & DiR
Closing the graduation ceremony, Tea reinforced the key messages threaded through the programme: “Find your voice and don’t be afraid to share what you have to say; consider the importance of meaningful networking while being a change agent and breaking barriers; nurture relationships built during the programme, and unlock opportunities by stepping out of your comfort zone.”
Cohort 3 Delegate Testimonials
“This is a fantastic course which has really helped me grow and given me good insight on how to be a positive change agent in my organisation.” Yossef La-Cherie, David Lloyd Clubs
“A very powerful programme that creates an environment of empowerment and learning for both delegates and mentors.” Paul Hornby, The Very Group
“What a great springboard for actionable change.” Tariq Riadat, Saga Travel Group
“Transformational!! Shattered my mindset and allowed me to become fearless to embrace who I am and all that I am capable of.“ Ebony Quow, JD Sports
With special thanks
Our profound gratitude goes to David Wood and Sonia Astill at Wickes for their unwavering support for the ESL Programme and to their dedication towards making positive change within the HTL and Retail sectors. We would also like to thank our guest speakers who provided their insight and expertise, bringing to life the concepts incorporated in this programme, and thanks also to the mentors who have given their time and knowledge to support the ESL Programme delegates.
“People will always need people.” Benjamin Zephaniah
The Ethnic Senior Leaders Programme
One of WiHTL & DiR’s two programmes aimed directly at employees from ethnic backgrounds, this leadership development training has been produced to support and guide delegates towards promotion to Executive Board level. The programme provides high-level preparation to take on increasing levels of responsibility and greater challenges as delegates move into more senior leadership/management roles.
For more information: https://www.wihtl.com/programmes/ESL
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