Training, leadership and systems change

We live in complex times, when many of the systems that we are a part of are rapidly shifting and the future seems more uncertain than ever.

We can work with you to create change across a wide range of areas from direct delivery to training, consultancy and evaluation, in order to practice new ways of thinking, leading, doing and evidencing work in more impactful and purposeful ways.

Fearless Systems Leadership

Our fearless leadership training is specifically designed for existing and emerging leaders who want to develop their leadership approach within the context of the challenging times we are in. The training will help participants to develop practices and behaviours that they can use to act with more courage and empathy in their work as well as new approaches to support better collaboration, innovation and future thinking.

Course attendees standing on top of a hill

The course is a unique and immersive 8-day experience, it provides participants with additional knowledge and methods from the latest best practice in system leadership. Completion of the course will enable participants to lead with more confidence and with the skills needed to manage within the places they serve.

  • ‘Head based practices’ – techniques to help us explore complexity, systems thinking, and hosting community conversations in ways that create greater participation and buy in.

  • ‘Heart based practices’ – a range of experiences that offer opportunities for deeper individual and collective learning and connection with the complex issues of our time.

  • ‘Will based practices’ – reaching beyond our ‘normal’ ways of understanding to deeply enquire how we might lead and co-create change differently, including techniques for us to use to ‘become the change we want to see’.

Contact fearlessleadership@theaws.org for more information

“Karen and Mark are outstanding facilitators and thought leaders who through this programme have really challenged my thinking and actions in a positive manner to help me in my development and the creation of a multidisciplinary, cross-organisational group of peers to now better face some of the wicked issues and opportunities available to us as place leaders.”

Head of Culture and Health, Basildon Borough Council

“This was the best development that I have ever taken part in. I was very lucky with the group of people I got to share this experience with. It is essential that everyone trusts each other and the space feel safe and Mark & Karen really helped us with that. I went into this thinking about me at work but came out reflecting on me as a person. At times uncomfortable but so rewarding.”

Head of Health Partnerships & Wellbeing, Colchester City Council

Strategic change support

We have experience of unlocking capacity and capabilities in organisations, systems, sectors, as well as communities and neighbourhoods to harness the power to create positive change locally. We work collaboratively to be the engine for creating conditions that enable people to take control of their lives, and are in a position to scale up our models to support the wider initiation and roll out of preventative approaches.

We can work with you at a system or place level on how this can be done in a tailored way to tackle the challenges within your communities. We can support in your mission shaping, business planning and funding strategies to help you become a more effective and impactful organisation.  

Attendees-at-the Symposhare-event