Leading Culture: Leadership, Vulnerability & Culture

Led by Olympic hockey medallists David Faulkner and Jill Atkins-Mackley (pictured right), the programme brings together professionals from across the talent pathway and community sport to develop greater self-awareness, strengthen leadership capability and explore how positive, high-performing cultures are created.

The final session challenged participants to reflect not simply on what they do as leaders, but how their leadership is experienced by others.

Through the exercises, participants explored their strengths, potential limitations and the different versions of themselves experienced by key stakeholders. These insights were then translated into practical personal development goals.

A particularly powerful part of the day focused on Professional Intimacy, creating a safe environment for participants to share some of the experiences that have shaped them personally and professionally. Conversations around difficult decisions, prejudice, anxiety, trauma and significant change demonstrated how our experiences can influence the way we build relationships, make decisions and lead others.

The programme concluded by exploring culture and leadership behaviour, reinforcing that sustainable culture change cannot simply be imposed by a leader; it needs to be shaped collaboratively through the behaviours and actions of people across an organisation.

The group also heard from Matt Grover, Talent Pathway Manager for Wheelchair Tennis and a member of the second Leading Culture cohort. Matt (pictured right) shared his experience of the programme and how it has helped him to recognise his strengths and push forward in his career. He presented his Leadership Philosophy and Leadership Promise, which he described as always being ‘a work in progress’.

Katie Grainger, Lead Regional Talent ID Coach, FA explained:
‘This programme has been one of the most valuable leadership experiences I’ve undertaken. It has challenged me to think more deliberately about how my behaviours as a leader influence the people around me, and the role culture plays in creating high-performing environments.

The discussions with colleagues from a variety of NGB’s and organisations, alongside the expertise and challenge provided by David and Jill, have broadened my perspective and encouraged me to be more intentional in how I lead, influence and shape culture within talent environments.
Overall, the programme has strengthened my self-awareness and provided valuable insights that I can apply directly within my role with the FA.’

Nathan Payne, GB Pathway Manager, British Wheelchair Basketball said:
‘The course has given me the opportunity to reflect deeply about my own leadership philosophy, my ways of working and how I can bring the best out of my team. Being surrounded by a network of great people, provides vital insight into a wide range of challenges and solutions, that I otherwise may not have been exposed to. I have loved every second of the journey and feel like I have made meaningful connections with leaders from around the country.’

David Faulkner
‘There is no single blueprint for great leadership. The important thing is understanding who you are, what you stand for and how your behaviour impacts the people around you. Your leadership philosophy must be authentically yours – something you believe in, live consistently and continue to evolve as you learn and grow.’

Jill Atkins-Mackley
‘Authentic leadership starts with having the courage to understand yourself – your strengths, your vulnerabilities and the experiences that have shaped you. From there, it is about being curious about others and adapting how you lead so that you create an environment where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive.” Ultimately, the message taken away was: effective leadership starts with understanding yourself, but its true impact is seen in how you influence, support and enable others to perform and grow.’

TASS Learning manage a portfolio of nationally recognised qualifications, developed for those who provide personal development support to talented athletes. Beyond this, TASS Learning provide a wealth of CPD opportunities for practitioners and staff working within the talent pathway. TASS Learning view the Leading Culture Programme as an excellent way to develop essential leaders within this pathway.