Laura Smith recently developed her leadership and management skills by attending Leading Lancashire's training courses.
Laura Smith wanted to develop her coaching skills, so after receiving an e-mail she decided to take up the opportunity for career development with the University of Central Lancashire’s Leading Lancashire project. The programme is free to eligible participants and is part-funded by the European Social Fund.
Laura who is employed by Hawthorn Estates NW Ltd, based in Tarleton, welcomed the guidance and training on offer. She enjoyed the training so much she has now attended several events over the past 15 months. The training delivered by specialists in the field has helped Laura rediscover her joy of learning. She particularly enjoyed engaging and meeting with others, acquiring new skills and techniques which could be practically applied within her organisation. Laura said, “I wanted to challenge myself and gain knowledge to develop and in turn help others within my organisation to explore their goals”.
Laura further commented on her experience, adding: “The events were engaging, thought-provoking, and challenging. They were led by knowledgeable and experienced coaches facilitating, guiding, and empowering attendees to develop their full potential”. Laura hopes to continue her studies and noted. “I would like to continue to learn, develop and challenge myself. Ideally, I would like to undertake an MBA in the future”.
"The events were engaging, thought-provoking, and challenging. They were led by knowledgeable and experienced coaches."
— Laura Smith, Hawthorn Estates NW Ltd
Asked about any advice for anyone considering taking up the training offered through the programme, she added. “As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘Growth – unless you try and do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow’. Challenge yourself, you will learn a lot about yourself and in turn about others around you. It is never too late to learn”.
Michelle Lyons, Development Coach at Leading Lancashire, added: ‘’Laura was a pleasure to work with throughout the course. Her motivation and enthusiasm for developing coaching skills was evident. Laura is clearly committed to continuing her professional development and it is wonderful that the Leading Lancashire programme has been able to support Laura on her journey. We’re keen to talk to anyone else who is interested in benefiting from our support”.
‘’We have a range of events planned between January and September 2022. It’s really easy to get involved, simply email leading@uclan.ac.uk to register.’’
Whilst the Leading Lancashire project has closed, the University actively supports regional businesses. Find out more through our Enterprise and Engagement Unit who will review your enquiry and signpost you to the most appropriate area of continuing support.