Ever wish you had a career satnav that could help you grow, build confidence, and nudge you in the right direction? That’s kind of what the Own Your Future development programme is like, minus the robotic voice and unexpected U-turns.

Designed to help colleagues step up, speak out, and feel ready for what’s next, the programme mixes practical tools, inspiring coaching, and a group of supportive colleagues who’ll cheer you on every step of the way. We caught up with Alice, who undertook the programme, and she shared her thoughts on the importance and impact it has had on her.

A desire to grow

Alice joined the programme after a conversation with her line manager about her career goals. A colleague had recommended it, and Alice liked the sound of learning something new, especially something that could help her prepare for bigger responsibilities.

“I wanted something that would push me,” she said. “Even though I’m a team leader, I was keen to understand what’s involved in stepping into a management role.”

From hesitant to confident

Handling conflict used to be something Alice would rather avoid. “I’d run away from uncomfortable conversations,” she admitted. But the course gave her a fresh mindset: tough chats come with the territory in leadership, and they don’t have to be scary.

At first, Alice kept quiet in group sessions, preferring to observe. “But by the end,” she said, “I was the one jumping in first!”

She even tackled something she once found terrifying, presenting to a room. “Before, I would’ve done anything to avoid it. Now, it feels like a real achievement.”

Skills that stick

Some lessons made a big impact, including DISC personality profiling. “I use it constantly, at work, at home, everywhere,” Alice said. “You start to notice how different people tick. And when you tailor your approach, you get so much more from the conversation.”

She also gave a shout-out to her improved email game: “I used to know what I wanted to say, but couldn’t write it clearly. Now, it’s become second nature.”

A supportive environment

What made the programme special? The people. “We came from all over Churchill, in all sorts of roles,” Alice said. “But no one ever made anyone else feel ‘less than.’ We were all in it together.”

Those connections didn’t end with the final session; they still support each other on LinkedIn and beyond.

Guidance that makes a difference

Alice credits a lot of her growth to the dynamic duo leading the course. “Ben came into every session full of energy, ready to lift the room. Mike, during the coaching sessions, made you feel heard and helped you reach your own conclusions. They were a dream team.”

Advice for others

Alice’s message to anyone considering the programme? “Do it. Seriously. You’ll go in thinking it’s just another course, and you’ll come out a different person. It’s helped me grow at work and in life.”

Thanks to the Own Your Future programme, Alice discovered how to step up, speak out and think ahead, and she’s ready for whatever comes next.