Designed to provide career development around leadership, participants of the 2023 Emerging Leader Programme attended their first two-day module in Barberstown Castle, Co Kildare

Emerging Leader Programme participants at Barberstown Castle were Paul James, Eamonn Mooney, Gordon Grey, Katie Dwane, Joanne Somers, Nicola Cooney, Steve Clarke, Ian Dunne, Kevin Dunne, Nikki Wallace, Lindsey Kavanagh, Mike O’Neill, Cian Moloney, Stuart Scott, Emma Shepard, Orla Slye, Eoghan Brophy and Rebecca Barron

The first module focused on understanding coaching as a leadership style and there was plenty of opportunity for attendees to practice their coaching skills while networking with fellow emerging leaders. Business Excellence Specialist Eoghan Brophy explained that “the two-day event encouraged us to use our coaching skills in a psychologically safe environment while getting to know colleagues from across the business. We looked into how courageous conversations, active listening and impactful communication can motivate everyone around you.”

Building networks across our organisation is an important part of the programme and participants worked closely together during the sustainability themed (and fairly competitive) team building event on day two. Teams were given material which they had to “purchase” to create a working windmill. The winning team were the ones able to construct it for the lowest net cost.

The winners of the team building event proudly display their medals and functioning windmill!

Katie Dwane also participated in the two-day event. She told Overherd: “The first module of the Emerging Leader Programme was a great success. It allowed us to network with others within the business and finally get to meet those we had contact with but had never formally met. The two days gave us a huge opportunity to gain valuable skills in coaching and the chance to practice them within a safe space. During this time, we were asked to self-reflect to help enlighten us both personally and professionally, while also providing us with the tools to achieve our goals in the future, all in an enjoyable way of course! “