Are you a leading light that can make the North East shine?

Jun 17 2008 The Journal

Do you have the ambition to reach the top? The passion to drive the North East’s growth? The desire to make the most of your talent and skills?

If so, the CBI North East Future Leaders programme could help you to better understand yourself, your business and your role in shaping the North East’s success.

The programme aims to identify rising stars from the private sector, with the talent to lead, and a commitment to contributing to the region’s progress.

Through exposure to a programme of unique and stimulating personal development opportunities you could build the skills and knowledge to make a big impression on the North East’s future.

By participating in the programme, you will gain:

» Access to influential people and the places where decisions are made;

» The opportunity to have your views heard on the important issues affecting North East business;

» New relationships with a network of influencers, shapers and emerging leaders; and The knowledge, skills and contacts to fulfil your potential.

» Through tours, trips, discussion and debate you will explore:

» Who makes the decisions that shape the region;

» How national and European policy affects your business;

» How the North East can create and attract the best people;

» What skills the region needs and how they might best be delivered;

» How the North East competes at a global level; and

» How we can rise to the big issues of the future such as energy and the environment.

You will also be given the chance to put your leadership skills into action by participating in one of two special challenges.

Working with other Future Leaders you will be helped to hone your strategic thinking, teamworking and project management abilities by taking part in a specially designed project led by either the Prince’s Trust or Schools NorthEast.

INSPIRED?

The CBI Future Leaders programme welcomes applications from anyone who is in a senior position in a private sector organisation and is living or working in the North East.

Applicants must be willing to commit to:

» Participate in the programmed Leadership days – approximately eight days.

» Take a role in the project of your choice – approximately 35 hours over the year.

» Travel costs for one visit to Brussels and London.

"The Future Leaders Programme is an inspiring initiative that provides essential support to the region's leaders of tomorrow. Developing our leadership capacity and retaining talent are central to the North East's continued growth." Margaret Fay, chair, One NorthEast and member of the Future Leaders Steering Group

"The CBI has the credibility and contacts to provide the Future Leaders with opportunities to speak to a range of key decision makers and gain a greater understanding of the issues affecting business." Jamie Martin, managing partner, Ward Hadaway and chair, Future Leaders Steering Group

OUR SUCCESS STORIES

Last year, 40 emerging business bosses from a wide range of companies including Alcan, Arriva and Northumbrian Water took on the challenge.

"The programme has provided me with an excellent opportunity to broaden my horizons and I can only see that as a
benefit to me and Northumbrian Water in the long run. "I particularly enjoyed the voice of a leader sessions where we were able to have very frank, honest and informal discussions with regional leaders about the challenges they face." - Richard Warneford, distribution manager, Northumbrian Water.

"The future leaders programme has given me greater understanding of leadership, particularly the role it plays in the development and sustainability of the region. It has also enabled me to build a valuable network, increased my knowledge of regional, national and European politics and supported my personal development." - Lisa Calvert, HR manager, Arriva.

"One of the highlights was the attendance of the CBI National Conference in London, which gave us a platform to spread the word of the great things happening in the North East and what the region has to offer." - Matthew Smith, strategic account manager, Tees Valley Regeneration.

"The Future Leaders programme was a great forum to meet and discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by the region with a range of professionals, who are dedicated to the successful future of the North East. "The organised events allowed us to meet some of the current leaders and gain an insight into their success." - Richard Anderson, environmental regulation manager, Rio Tinto Alcan.

MOTIVATED?

Apply by sending in your CV and answers to these three questions:

1. If you were appointed as Mayor for the North East (if such a role existed), what would be your first three policy announcements and why?

2. If you were to take part in a skills exchange, what three skills would you be able to provide?

3. Who do you consider as a good leader and what traits do they have that you feel are necessary to be a leader?

Applications to Hilary Nichols, email hilary.nichols@cbi.org.uk.

The closing date is July 25, 2008.

If you would like further information, please contact Hilary Nichols on (0191) 255-4413.